Description

POSITION SUMMARY: Seattle Humane offers multiple weeks of summer programming for youth ages 7-13. Four-day camps and single-day workshops are designed to provide positive interactions with a variety of animal species, foster a sense of responsibility and respect for animals, and introduce campers to animal-related careers. The Summer Camp Assistant supports the Education Services Manager and Education Services Specialist with the day-to-day management of camp, including supervising and mentoring children, handling a variety of animals, and leading some lessons and activities. This is a temporary position that consists of about 12 hours of paid training (flexible dates and location), and 30-40 hours per week at Seattle Humane between June 24 and August 23.

KEY OR ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Provide a safe and positive atmosphere for campers. Model empathy, compassion, and respect for animals and people. Encourage campers to respect and listen to each other. Intervene and problem-solve when conflicts occur between campers.
• Assist with and occasionally lead lessons and activities for youth ages 7-13, including classroom-style lessons, campus tours, group games, and crafts.
• Lead activities for campers enrolled in extended day program, 3:30-5pm.
• Monitor handling of shelter animals who visit camp spaces. Practice and encourage humane treatment of animals.
• Assist with daily set-up/break-down of camp and maintain clean spaces for other departments to use while camp is not in session. Assist with preparation of camp activities and craft projects.
• Assist with safe and proper check-in/check-out of campers, as needed. Enthusiastically greet campers and parents as they check-in/out daily and answer parent questions. Provide parents with appropriate feedback and information as needed for their camper(s) to have a successful camp experience. Assist with maintaining waivers, photo releases, parent correspondence and other camp records, as assigned.
• Assist with camp wrap-up tasks including inventory of supplies and equipment. Participate in evaluating camp for the future success of the program.
• Ensure policies, procedures, and ground-rules set forth by Seattle Humane and Education Services are followed. Perform all duties in a manner that assures the safety of campers, oneself, fellow staff members, volunteers, and animals involved in activities. Take immediate action to address any safety concerns that could put a camper, staff member, volunteer, animal or the organization at risk. Provide first aid treatment, as trained.
• Report camper/customer concerns, maintenance or supply needs, workload concerns and other issues needing attention to Education Services Manager or Education Services Specialist.

• Be a positive representation of Seattle Humane values when interacting with parents, guardians, guest speakers, volunteers, staff and community members.
• Work effectively and respectfully with families and colleagues from diverse communities, cultures and perspectives.

SECONDARY FUNCTIONS:

• Foster development of responsibility, maturity, kindness, and personal accountability in youth volunteers by delegating tasks and providing feedback and encouragement.
• Maintain appropriate correspondence, files and records.
• Maintain a clean, orderly and positive working environment.
• Contribute ideas/feedback for improvement of camp experience for participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

COMMUNICATION/INTERPERSONAL CONTACT:

• High degree of communication with staff, volunteers, and members of the public.
• May be asked to make phone calls and draft written communication.

COMPLEXITY:

Must be able to work well independently, while also being a strong team player who is willing to collaborate with other camp staff and volunteers. A high level of customer service skill is needed.

Qualifications

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE/EDUCATION OR TRAINING:

• At least three months of experience working with children and youth (as an employee or volunteer); preferably groups of 10 or more at one time.
• Experience working as a camp counselor or teacher is highly preferred.
• Knowledge of classroom management techniques is highly preferred.
• Willing to work as part of a team with other staff and volunteers.
• Ability to accept supervision and guidance.
• Patience, flexibility, adaptability, and creativity. Our environment and available animals/resources/guest speakers fluctuate regularly, and programs are always evolving to meet the instructional needs of our campers.
• Organizational and planning skills to determine work priorities, schedules and time.
• Ability to manage, motivate or supervise other individuals or program participants.
• Must be able to read, write and listen effectively in English.
• Excellent telephone and customer service skills required.
• Animal handling skills and knowledge are valued.
• Knowledge of and proficiency with personal computers and programs including Chrome, Google Drive, Microsoft Outlook, Microsoft Teams, and Microsoft Office.
• Current certification CPR and First Aid or willingness to complete training
• Must be able to pass a WA State background check.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES REQUIRED:

• High school graduate or have a GED.
• Capable of being certified in (human) CPR/first aid.

PHYSICAL/MENTAL REQUIREMENTS:

Must be able to see, speak and listen clearly in order to monitor campers and animal visitors, facilitate lessons and answer questions. Must be able to lift or push at least 20 lbs, and ability to handle heavier animals on a leash is preferred. Must be able to communicate over telephone and email. Needs to be sensitive to other opinions, perspectives and cultures. Requires the ability to handle a variety of tasks and pay attention to detail. Position involves frequent standing, walking, kneeling, crouching, and sitting on the floor when conducting camp lessons and activities.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

General office or classroom environment. When handling or transporting animals there is a potential for animal bites and/or scratches, exposure to zoonotic diseases (diseases that can be transmitted from vertebrate animals to people), animal dander and noise.

• Equipment Used: Personal computer running Windows, Chromebook, office supplies, multi-line telephone, multifunction copier, projection equipment, animal leashes, collars and carriers.

• Work Hours: 30-40 hours per week starting June 24; Typical hours are Monday-Thursday from 8am-5pm.