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NYC Arts in Education Roundtable

Program Specialist, New Country Day Camp

Salary: $20 per hour

Type of Position:

Job Type:
In-person

Application Post Date:

Application Deadline: April 28, 2023

Link to Posting

About Our Organization

New Country Day Camp is an open-tent community that celebrates and sustains joyful, outdoor summer experiences where all can thrive. We build meaningful connections with ourselves, each other, and the natural world around us through innovative programming that is rooted in Jewish tradition and guided by universal values. New Country Day Camp is an 8-week, outdoor summer camp for campers in kindergarten-8th grade. NCDC operates M-F, 8am-5pm and provides transportation for staff and campers to and from our campgrounds on Staten Island via multiple locations throughout Lower Manhattan and Brooklyn. We have an inclusive camp model, so all campers and staff with disabilities/special needs are given the individual support they need to have a successful summer.  

NCDC is a part of the Educational Alliance, a 133-year-old New York institution, is a vibrant, dynamic organization serving New Yorkers from all walks of life. We serve everyone regardless of the language they speak, where they come from, or their socioeconomic status. We believe that everyone should have a chance to live a better life and that arts and culture, education, health and wellness, and social services can help lay that foundation.

Job Position Summary

Program Specialists (Teachers) are responsible for creating and implementing high-quality programming for New Country Day Camp. Currently open positions include (see program descriptions here): Theater, Art & Design, News & Film, Movement, Build, LABA (Jewish Programming Specialist), CCG (Cooking, Camping, and Gardening), Music, Sports, Imagination, and Mad Science.

Program Specialists are passionate about teaching their area of expertise in an informal, outdoor, educational setting. They teach multiple groups of k-8th grade campers daily, for 30-60-minute program blocks each.

  • Direct client group: Campers ages 4-13
  • Directly supervises: Instructional team of Camp Counselors
  • Directly supervised by Programs Manager
  • Collaborates with fellow Program Specialists and Program Coordinator
  • Mentors 1-2 Counselors-in-Training (14-15 year old staff), who assist in programming

Roles & Responsibilities

Program Management

  • Incorporate NCDC values and seasonal themes rooted in Jewish sensibilities into programming
  • Submit lesson plans in pre-camp months to supervisor and consultants
  • Develop and execute 30-40 minute activities for groups of ~30 campers at a time grouped by age and inclusive of varying needs and abilities
  • Develop and execute week-long, progressive, and comprehensive programs for afternoon elective time for 10-40 campers at a time – for campers in 4th-6th grades inclusive of varying needs and abilities
  • Assist in creating and implementing activities for Kindergarteners and 1st Graders for their independent playtime
  • Participate in and lead portions of weekly Shabbat celebrations
  • Be actively involved in the development and implementation of NCDC Maccabi Games (color war)
  • Develop rainy day programming pre-camp and execute programming as needed over the summer

Logistics

  • Supervise campers and staff on a camp bus, riding the bus to and from camp, interacting with caregivers at drop-off and pick-up, conducting camper check-in and check-out on camp’s attendance database
  • Be responsible for overall cleanliness and organization of program spaces and supplies, including adhering to all COVID-19 safety protocols and procedures
  • Work with Operations Manager and Program Coordinator to order supplies for program units, as well as maintaining an organized inventory and balanced budget
  • Assist campers and counselors in pool changing rooms, lunch service, and other non-program spaces as assigned
  • Exhibit and maintain strong time management capabilities
  • Actively participate in NCDC’s sustainability and waste management efforts
  • Submit weekly elective programming written/photo content to Communications team for shareable family content
  • Communicate/consult as needed with Division Supervisors and Support Supervisors regarding camper needs and concerns
  • Provide additional support for counselors and campers outside of lesson time as needed and assigned, particularly on days when it is rainy and/or counselors are absent
  • Ensure the proper storage of all program equipment so that it is maintained in good repair, removing any unsuitable program equipment from use immediately

Leadership and Supervision:

  • Task manage staff when attending your program spaces and 1-2 Counselors-in-Training who are assigned to work as assistants in your program
  • Model professional behavior for campers and other staff at all times
  • Attend required days of orientation and training, camp, and staff meetings during the camp season
  • Proactively solve problems and motivate colleagues as difficult moments present themselves throughout the camp season; encourage flexibility and understanding as means to achieve common goals
  • Establish and promote a commitment to the values, mission, and vision of New Country Day Camp
  • Develop clear roles for counselors during programming, with special attention paid to afternoon programming during elective periods
  • Conduct daily in check-ins with direct supervisee(s) and attend a weekly check-in with supervisor, consultants, and colleagues
  • Learn and implement NCDC’s restorative approach to supervision and behavior management

Requirements:

  • 3+ years of experience working with elementary school-age children
  • Bachelor’s Degree or equivalent experience required
  • Professional-level experience in field of expertise (outdoor education, recreational programming, etc.)
  • Previous experience as a supervisor or mentor
  • Excellent organizational and oral communication skills
  • Ability to successfully interact with children and colleagues of diverse cultural and social backgrounds
  • Fast learner with ability to work independently and collaboratively
  • COVID Vaccine Mandated

Desired Skills and Experience:

  • Creativity
  • Classroom Management
  • Teamwork
  • Leadership
  • Patience
  • Flexibility
  • Delegation

Benefits:

  • Discount Perks for Movies, Broadway Shows, Amusement Parks.Etc
  • Free Gym Membership to our Manny Cantor Center Gym & 14TH ST Y Gym
  • Discounts to programs at Educational Alliance

Limitations and Disclaimer

The above job description is meant to describe the general nature and level of work being performed; it is not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties, and skills required for the position.

How to Apply

Please visit our website to apply for this position, and be sure to indicate in your application what discipline you’re interested in teaching.

COVID Vaccination Policy

Educational Alliance mandates that all staffers are fully vaccinated in an effort to protect the health and safety of both our staff and our visitors. New employees must be fully vaccinated before their start date and will be required to show proof of vaccination by showing their physical vaccination card or using the Excelsior Pass or other government-sanctioned vaccine app. All vaccine-related information will be kept private under HIPAA regulations by EA and its employees.

If employees have a qualifying medical exemption or sincerely held religious belief that prevents them from getting that vaccine, they should request a Reasonable Accommodation Form from the Human Resources department, which will be reviewed by the Chief People and Equity Officer as well as HR representatives. Employees may be required to substantiate their request for exemption with the appropriate documentation. Staff will not be subject to discrimination or retaliation based on their vaccination status.

EEO Info

Educational Alliance is committed to workplace diversity and inclusion. We are equal opportunity employers and do not discriminate in hiring or employment on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity and expression, marital status, sexual orientation, age, disability, veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law. Educational Alliance takes affirmative action in support of its policy to employ and advance in employment individuals who are minorities, women, protected veterans, and individuals with disabilities.

Educational Alliance is an Equal Opportunity Employer. For further information about Educational Alliance, please visit https://edalliance.org.