Camp Expedition, Program Specialist

Position Description: Program Specialist

Program: Camp Expedition

Reports to: Executive Director

Classification: Seasonal, non-exempt

Position Purpose:

The Program Specialist will fulfill the mission of Camp Expedition to the best of their ability through their actions, words and interactions with other Camp staff, volunteers, and participants. The Program Specialist primarily handles the creation and implementation of the curriculum, activities, and behavioral interventions, for all campers as necessary for the operation of Camp Expedition, and fulfilling the goals of the child and/or family as established in pre-camp interviews. The Program Specialist works collaboratively with the Camp Director to create a well balanced and fun camp experience for all.      `

Essential Functions:

The Program Specialist will be responsible for the following areas of direction:

Procedure

·         Create goal setting protocol for use with families during pre-camp interviews

·         Develop and implement a system for data collection

·         Interpret all data taken as it regards camper behavior and intervention (written or video documentation).

·         Implement interventions based on data feedback, paying attention to daily changes as necessary.

·         Guide Lead Counselors in their interventions, interactions, and achievement of goals based on data feedback.

·         Create and implement a system for staff and volunteers to participate in data collection and review.

Records

·         Maintain HIPAA standards for all records.

·         Maintain and review data collection records.

·         Train staff and volunteers in the use of data collection as applicable.

·         Participate in evaluations of all programs, operations, facilities, staff, volunteers and campers.

·         Collect and maintain baseline, intervention and post intervention data- either written or video.

Finance

·         Have a working understanding of the Camp budget and how if affects the availability to provide interventions.

·         Make recommendations for needed materials and supplies to Camp Director for current camp, as well as for the following program year.

·         Participate in the budget process for the following year’s program.

            Staff and Volunteers      

·         Assign staff and volunteers activities, placements, and other responsibilities.

·         Meet with staff each morning to brief them on the activities, as well as, camper goals as they pertain to each activity.

·         Supervise and evaluate, or supervise evaluations of, all operations and program staff and volunteers, as it pertains to interventions and goals for campers.

·         Supervise staff and volunteers in implementation of program.

·         Conduct pre-camp and in-service trainings to instruct staff and volunteers in interventions, strategies, and methodologies used with campers during camp.

·         Meet with staff and volunteers daily to discuss program and camper progress.

·         Liaise closely with parents and guardians.

·         Direct and supervise interns, student project volunteers, and other Cal Poly volunteers

Evaluation

·         Participate in an evaluation and summary of current staff evaluations, camper reports, and recommendations for the following year (this includes baseline phase, interventions, and generalization phase of pilot program).

·         Evaluate and make recommendations regarding camper goals, interventions, staff and volunteer participation and skill, data collection and overall program effectiveness.

            Program

·         Help provide an atmosphere for developing good morale and well-being among the camp family.

·         Be familiar with camper strengths and needs through Intake paperwork and pre-camp interviews.

·         Develop camp curriculum and activities to support the strengths and needs of campers, while maintaining a fun and exciting camp atmosphere.

·         Develop goals/areas of emphasis for each camper, as well as the methods and interventions to be used to guide the camper's experience toward those goals.

·         Support Head Counselors throughout the Camp day, oversee any intervention taking place, and address any behavioral issues as they arise.

These are not the only duties to be performed. Some duties may be reassigned and other duties may be assigned as required.

Relationships:

The Program Specialist reports to the Executive Director.

The Program Specialist maintains a collaborative relationship with the Head Counselors.

The Program Specialist works collaboratively with the Camp Director in the creation of the Camp Program, meeting special interests of campers, and ensuring the safety of all participants.

Necessary skills:

The Program Specialist should be able to communicate effectively with parents, staff and volunteers, and understand the unique needs of individuals and families affected by autism spectrum disorders.

The Program Specialist should have knowledge of:

·         organization and direction of activities involved in the development and implementation of behavior management programs, plans and strategies for children with autism and other behavior disabilities;

·         Applied Behavior Analysis, Discrete Trial Training and other applicable research-based behavior management methodologies;

·         And behavior management theories, principles, techniques, terminology; individual and group treatment techniques related to behavior management for children with autism.

The Program Specialist should be skilled in the use of computers and software such as Word, Excel, and any email program. The Program Specialist should be able to use a digital camera or video camera.

Qualifications:

The Program Specialist should have a minimum four year college degree in a related field, and preferably a post graduate degree in Special Education, Child Development, Psychology or related field. Preferred qualifications include Board Certification in Behavior Analysis (BCBA) or similar certification and/or experience in working with children with special needs and behavioral difficulties.

The Program Specialist must be CPR/ First Aid certified, and pass a fingerprint and background check.

Physical requirements:

The Program Specialist position requires the ability to listen to others, to observe others’ actions, to read text and information, to comprehend instructions and manuals, and the physical ability to move around the camp environment.