The Arc of Union County, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c (3) organization headquartered in Springfield, NJ, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc serves more than 1,000 adults and children each month from the 21 towns in Union County, as well as the greater Northern and Central NJ counties. Under the direction of the Camp Director or designate this position is responsible for direct care and supervision of campers. This position focuses on improving the quality of life of our camp participants by providing recreational activities in a camp setting, providing support and mentoring for all campers through a person-focused approach and implementing the daily routines of camp. Under the direction of the Camp Director or designate this position is responsible for direct care and supervision of campers. This position focuses on improving the quality of life of our camp participants by providing recreational activities in a camp setting, providing support and mentoring for all campers through a person-focused approach and implementing the daily routines of camp. The Arts& Crafts Specialist is the onsite representative of the agency CAMP and responsible for fostering a FUN and SAFE environment in which participants are able to learn, develop and think creatively! With the support and guidance of the Family Support team, the Director co-leads the day-to-day program operations. In addition to maintaining the satisfaction of all students, parents, staff and community contacts, the Music Specialist will oversee the accuracy of day-to-day operations to include the dispensing of all camper medications and perform camper health assessments.
Camp Star is offered 5 weeks in the Summer. This is a safe, structured environment for children and teens ages 3 to 21 years old with special needs, and their siblings. Camp is designed to enhance personal and social development, language and communication skills, learning, and motor and muscular coordination. Camp Star also provides children and teens the opportunity to participate in planned programs in inclusive settings, such as day trips (museums, sporting events, performances), swimming, arts & crafts, adaptive physical education, nature exploration, hiking, karate, games and music appreciation. Located at The Arc Family Center in Mountainside, New Jersey, Camp Star has both indoor and outdoor accessibility. When indoors, campers enjoy their day in a climate-controlled building; in beautiful summer weather, they are just a few feet away from a open grassy area outdoors. The position requires organization and communication skills to support a participatory workplace environment, promoting mutual respect and acceptance of the abilities and viewpoints of all employees in a diverse work group.
Under the direction of the Camp Director or designate, this position is responsible for planning and administering all camp arts and crafts activities including daily classes, rainy day activities, and other.
special events. In addition, when not performing arts and crafts duties, the Arts and Crafts Specialist will work with assigned groups.
Scope And Limits Of Authority
This position does not have staff management authority but is dutifully required to meet the expectations of the agency fully and satisfactorily and or to fully meet the conditions of assigned work requirements for sound and functional operations.
Receives structured direction and assignments from management. Incumbents work within a framework of established goals and objectives.
Work hours: 8:45 AM to 3:15 PM Monday through Friday, flexible as needed to complete required job assignments.
Reporting Relationship
This position assists and primarily reports to the Director, Family Support Services and also takes direction from the Assistant Director, Family Support or designee.
Qualifications: Possess or working towards a degree in Art Therapy, Special Education or related field. Working knowledge and
experience working with persons with disabilities and/or children a plus. An interest in Arts & Crafts and abilities to design and facilitate Arts & Crafts activities.
- At least 18-years-old.
- Availability to work all 6 weeks of the camp season.
Skills/Abilities
Ensure a safe environment is always maintained for students and staff.
Ensure proper supervision is always occurring, including but not limited to upholding ratios, conducting face counts, and managing risk and student behavior during activities and street crossing.
Know and uphold CAMP safety policies and procedures.
Execute an organized camper medication check-in and check-out each session.
Store and dispense camper medications with 100% accuracy.
Maintain accurate, up to date medications and health log.
Respond to and document critical incidents - must have good hearing & eyesight, mobility, and be able to operate emergency exits.
Perform CPR and First Aid
Major Position Responsibilities
Operations
Working every day of camp season
Attending and providing input at all required staff meetings
Following and implementing a schedule of activities set by camp director.
Make art projects that tie in with the camp week’s theme.
Being prepared to begin instruction on time – all supplies having been brought out and lessons prepared.
Effectively utilizing the camp staff available with each group
Varying instruction to provide for age, ability, and individual differences between campers
Reporting any incidents/accidents disturbances or unusual circumstances to the camp director
Formulating and facilitating “rainy day” activities
Submitting one newsletter article for the Arts and Crafts program to the camp director at the end of each week.
Working with the group assigned when not running Arts & Craft activities and assist that group with all activities.
Support and monitoring of all campers in daily living skills/needs including personal hygiene needs i.e., toileting, bathing etc.
Being prepared to swim on scheduled swim days.
Being in the designated area each morning and afternoon to assist campers as needed with arrivals and dismissals.
Reporting to assigned area during emergency situations/drills.
Ensuring that all equipment and supplies are properly cared for and returned to the correct storage area.
Having purchases approved by the Family Support Director prior to any purchase being made.
Provide a list of items/supplies needed for the program to Camp Director.
Seeking advisement of the camp director/assistant director as necessary
Under the direction of the Camp Director, provide individual or small group instruction within the academic program.
Performing other duties as assigned by the camp director/assistant director.
Leadership
Follows and models agency policy, procedures and compliance and supports day-to-day operations and services to include the performance of job tasks of staff.
Individual and team management: Plans, organizes, leads, and effectively guides individuals and teams to successfully meet their obligations.
Demonstrates responsible leadership and management of the Family Support Services staff.
Works professionally and collaboratively with Operations, families and community supports.
Knowledgeable of agency policy and can approve employee requests for vacation, sick leave, and other excused periods away from work, and timely completes required annual staff performance evaluations.
Demonstrates compliance with agency rules and policies regarding employee conduct, including the use of counseling, verbal warnings, and written reprimands for violations at appropriate levels of Family Support Services and recommending progressive disciplinary actions to the Director of Family Support Services as/when necessary.
Maintains and contributes to an environment of open professional communications with colleagues and serves as a liaison with other departments in the resolution of day-to-day administrative, billing, and operational issues, and resolves differences constructively and tactfully while treating others with respect.
Focuses on customer needs and customer satisfaction, projects a positive customer service environment to both internal and external customers and promotes and encourages an attitude of exemplary customer service and high integrity to all the staff within the Family Support Services.
Has excellent command of communication, emotional intelligence, and problem-solving skills.
Has demonstrated ability to make logical informed decisions.
Serve as a role model for all campers in interpersonal interactions and in providing support in camp-related activities.
Ensure all COVID-19 protocols are adhered to and campers will socially distance and not share equipment during sessions. ALL equipment will be sanitized after each use.
Agency Required Training
Completion of all required training (must pass for employment) including.
Adult and Child CPR Megan’s Law
Basic First Aid Danielle’s Law
COVID – 19 HIPPA
Preventing Abuse and Neglect/ Agency Orientation/Diversity
Crisis Management Diastat/EpiPen
Behavior Support
Infectious Disease Control
Camp Orientation
ADA Requirements
This position operates in both outdoor and indoor environments. Incumbents to be aware of allergies pertaining to pollen and other airborne contaminants and advise the Director of Family Support Services if any special needs or accommodations is required to ensure your individual ability to perform the tasks as assigned.
(Physical Demands)
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job.
While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to verbally communicate and converse with employees.
Maintain a stationary position standing 80%, sitting 20% move/traverse, kneel, bend, and reach with hands and arms for extended periods of time, 90% up to 100% depending on the job type.
Lift to an average of 45 lbs. to effectively perform the essential functions of this role. work as described to include ability to hear and repeat information, take notes, read documents.
Carry necessary field equipment by hand or cart weighing up to 60 lbs. on occasion; and other physical duties as directed by your supervisor.
agility with wrist and finger dexterity to access, key and sort electronic information or to file documents.
This position may require periods of prolonged bending, standing, and carrying of heavy materials and equipment. In addition, loading and unloading of heavy materials and lifting of materials over 5 feet, may be required. Lifting or pushing individuals with a combined weight of 45 to 50 lbs.’, and or sitting a minimum 10% during tasks that require physical activity.
(EEO statement)
The Arc of Union County is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.
(COVID-19 Precaution(s))
Personal Protective Equipment provided by the agency.
Daily temperature screenings and health assessment questionnaire provided by the agency. Social distancing guidelines in place within the agency. Sanitizing, disinfecting, and daily cleaning procedures in place within the agency. Employee access to cleaning materials to include hand sanitizers, disinfectant wipes/spray and other resources made available daily by the agency.
This position is classified as a management position and will require the incumbent to provide the agency with a minimum of (2) weeks’ notice prior to vacating this role.
