Program Specialist - Challenge Course

YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties • Port Orchard, WA

16h • $18 - $19 • Onsite

About The Position

The YMCA of Pierce and Kitsap Counties is seeking a Program Specialist to join
our team.

The YMCA focuses on empowering people in all forms, by improving health and
well-being and inspiring action in and across our neighborhoods.

This position supports the work of the Y, a leading non-profit, charitable
organization committed to strengthening community through youth development,
healthy living and social responsibility. 

As the Challenge Course Specialist, you will be responsible for creating and
leading all high and low ropes course activities. You will develop lesson plans
that focus on teamwork, trust-building, and overcoming physical challenges. In
this role, you will train and orient other staff to your area, clearly outlining
their responsibilities and ensuring that safety guidelines are followed. Your
leadership will help foster a supportive and motivating environment for campers
ages 6-13 to achieve personal and group goals.

Challenge Course Specialist Job Description

Position Summary

The Challenge Course Specialist lives and works in a cabin/yurt, with a
co-leader, to provide constructive, responsible leadership and guidance for a
cabin group of 10-12 children ages 7-13. Develops camper character and values;
fosters cabin community, encourages group leadership, and develops stewardship.
Actively supervises and maintains safe, enjoyable, age-appropriate challenge
course programs and events. Provides progressive instruction in Challenge Course
activities. Works with leadership staff and program director to organize &
implement overall camp program. Provides a quality experience to campers &
families focused on YMCA core values: honesty, respect, responsibility, and
caring. Represents the YMCA and self in a professional manner of safety and fun.

Requirements

• A minimum age of 21.
• Two years of experience working in a residential camp or facility is preferred.
• Knowledge of YMCA Camp Seymour’s operation procedures, especially the supervision and operation of program areas or the ability to acquire that knowledge.
• The ability to effectively communicate with staff and participants of all ages.
• The ability to demonstrate a friendly, courteous and professional manner while working with members, parents, guests and staff and the ability to understand, articulate and enforce YMCA policies and procedures in a positive way.
• Current first aid and CPR certifications from nationally recognized organizations preferred.
• Able and willing to complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day, and other online and in-person training as required.
• Must be able to pass Background and Reference checks (in accordance with the WA State Fair Chance Act).
• You are committed to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Commitment to valuing and promoting diversity and contributing to an inclusive working and learning environment
• Minimum 18 years of age.
• One season or more of camp experience required.
• Positive attitude and previous experience with diverse populations
• Knowledge and skills in program activities and related equipment set-up, and the ability to instruct participants in age appropriate techniques.
• CPR, First Aid, AED certifications.
• Complete online Child Abuse Prevention training on first day. Complete other online and in-person training as required.

Nice To Haves

• Preferred: challenge course experience.
• Preferred: ACCT II

Responsibilities

• Ensure that program areas are ready for group use prior to group arrival when possible.
• Know and enforce rules as necessary to ensure safe use of program areas.
• Maintain good public relations with participants and fellow staff, representing the best interests of the YMCA while providing excellent customer service at every opportunity.
• Work with Senior Group Programs Director to create a schedule to meet the needs of each group every weekend.
• Assist with booking staff for weekends and creating staff schedules.
• Be familiar with emergency procedures.
• If qualified, administer basic first aid as required; if not, direct participant to director, host or group leader. Make sure the director, host or group leader is informed of any accidents, and contribute to the completion of accident or incident reports as necessary.
• Host meals and assist with dining hall operations.
• Deliver excellent customer service at check-in and check-out through professional appearance, positive attitude, implementation of COVID-19 standards, and ensuring facility is cleaned and ready for each group.
• Promote a positive environment that fosters fun, safety and meaningful experiences for campers.
• Organize and lead a variety of small and large group activities inside and outside of the cabin, participating 100% with activities; enjoy playing, and not "sit on the sidelines."
• Plan, organize, and facilitate all Challenge Course programming for Day Camp, Overnight Camp and visiting groups.
• Monitor Challenge Course equipment and supplies; repair and resupply as necessary.
• Work with Challenge Course Director, leadership staff and all staff to coordinate and implement overall camp program.
• Meet performance measurement by telling the Y story and raising charitable dollars to fulfill our mission.
• Assist staff leadership team in reaching campaign goals through recruiting campaigners, making personal asks and supporting branch events.
• Staff will be responsible for frequent touchpoint cleaning and sanitizing in specific areas.
• Embraces and actively promotes an inclusive and equitable work environment.
• Other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• 40 hours/week with Saturday and Sunday’s off
• Ability to apply as an internal candidate to a year-round, Full or Part-Time position
• Build lasting connections and employment experience
• Accrue Paid Sick Leave at 1.23 hours for every 40 hours worked

What This Job Offers

• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: No Education Listed