Summary

Summer Camp Leader:
The Summer Camp Leader assists the Summer Camp Director and Assistant Directors in leading activities and supervising people participating in CUSR Youth Program. Duties include maintaining a safe environment, enforcing risk management procedures, and promoting success in the program.

Inclusion Assistant:

The Inclusion Assistant plays a crucial role in providing support to individuals with disabilities, ensuring their success in park district programs. In this capacity, Inclusion Assistants reinforce the instructions provided by recreation leaders. They actively encourage positive peer interactions between individuals with and without disabilities while emphasizing the enjoyment of recreational activities. Key duties encompass adapting activities to meet individual needs, adhering to inclusion or behavior plans, maintaining a safe environment, and promoting overall success within the program. Working in a one-on-one capacity, the Inclusion Assistant provides dedicated support to an individual with a disability in a mainstream setting. This role is essential in fostering an inclusive and enriching experience for all participants. 

Qualifications

• Must be at least 16 years of age.
• Interest in working with people who have disabilities.
• Display a positive attitude, eagerness to work with children, and a genuine interest in the camp environment.
• Demonstrate a sense of responsibility and reliability in attendance and fulfilling assigned duties.
• Possess good communication skills to interact positively with participants, fellow leaders, and Summer leadership.
• Ability to lead recreational activities for children at assigned age level.
• Be open to learning and following instructions from supervisors and more experienced leaders.
• Exhibit the ability to work well within a team, collaborating with other leaders to ensure a cohesive and enjoyable camp experience.
• Be adaptable to different tasks and responsibilities as needed, contributing to the program's overall success.
• Attend and complete CPI training through the Champaign Park District at the first opportunity.

Supervision

The Summer Camp Leader reports to the Summer Camp Assistant Director and Director.

The Inclusion Assistant reports to the Inclustion Coordinator and the CUSR Manager

Classification

• Non-exempt, hourly
• Seasonal (not to exceed six months)
  • Season is from May to August

Training can be obtained through the Champaign Park District

• First Aid, AED, and CPR Certification
• Heads Up Concussion training
• Mandated reporter training
• Harassment prevention training
• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Recreation software system training
• Drivers training and test for anyone 21 and over who will be driving
• Facility training
• Attend and complete CPI training as requested at the next available training date

Essential Functions

• Follow all Champaign Park District safety policies and perform all work in a manner that ensures the safety of oneself, the public, fellow employees.
• Demonstrate a high level of professionalism and discretion in all interactions, including maintaining strict confidentiality regarding staff information, communications from supervisors, and conversations with parents or patrons. Uphold the Park District’s policies and standards for data privacy and confidentiality at all times.
• Ensure the physical and emotional well-being of participants during all activities.
• Administer first aid and minor medical attention as needed.
• Enforce program rules and regulations, promoting a safe and positive environment.
• Maintain constant oversight of participants, especially near water and during high-risk activities.
• Wear a swimsuit and get in the water to supervise and interact with participants.
• Maintain a safe and secure environment for participants.
• Plan and lead fun and educational activities.
• Plan, organize, and implement the youth program and activities.
• Assist in leading, supervising, and organizing program activities.
• Maintain program and participant records.
• Responsible for attendance procedures.
• Assist in completing all necessary paperwork as assigned.
• Maintain good public relations with participants, parents, other staff members, and the general public.
• Communicate effectively with staff, participants, and parents.
• Maintain an open line of communication with the Camp Director regarding program-related situations.
• Responsible for the maintenance and safe and proper use of program supplies.
• Maintain the program environment in a clean and orderly fashion.
• Arrive at the program site fifteen minutes before the scheduled program and stay prepared for clean-up and parent pick-up.
• Notify the Supervisor immediately of any illness or injury that may conflict with program responsibilities.
• Assist in maintaining and monitoring the program's first aid kit.
• Properly handle and dispose of biohazardous materials.
• Notify the Program Director of first aid supplies needed.
• Approach all activities with an enthusiastic and positive attitude at all times.
• Attend all required meetings.
• Communicate on a regular basis all progress, problems, concerns, and suggestions to the Camp Director and Camp Assistant Directors.
• Provide assistance to individuals with disabilities, ensuring their success in the park district program. 
• Attend to participants' personal care needs (such as toileting, changing, feeding) as directed by the CUSR Inclusion Coordinator and CUSR Manager. 
• Maintain strict confidentiality regarding participant information. 
• Facilitate and encourage social interactions between individuals with disabilities and their peers. 
• Demonstrate creative problem-solving skills and flexibility in adapting activities to accommodate diverse needs. 
• Resolve differences effectively with Inclusion Assistants, leaders, and participants. 
• Understand the unique needs of the individuals being supported and adapt activities to enable their full participation. 
• Foster positive relationships with individuals facing severe limitations or behavioral challenges. 
• Respond maturely to problem situations within the policies and procedures of the Champaign and Urbana Park Districts. 
• Comply with equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies and procedures.
• Other duties as assigned

Physical Considerations

• The position requires a flexible schedule during evening and weekend hours on occasion
• Perform safe physical restraints and transfers
• Feed, diaper, and reposition participants
• Respond quickly and accurately
• Must be able to be physically active (e.g. extensive walking on fieldtrips, push wheelchairs, etc.)
• Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain
• Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair, chair, agency transportation vehicle, pools and restroom facilities, etc.

Environmental Considerations

• Work in an outdoor setting, adapting to varying weather conditions such as sun, heat, rain, or wind.
• Maintain constant oversight, especially near water and during high-risk activities, emphasizing the importance of water safety protocols and vigilance.
• Ensure a clean and orderly program environment, requiring attention to the cleanliness and organization of program spaces.

The Champaign Park District is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, or veteran status. We are committed to providing a workplace that is free from discrimination and harassment of any kind. All employees are required to comply with our equal opportunity and harassment laws, policies, and procedures.