Creative Arts Therapist

South Mountain YMCA, 13 JEFFERSON AVE, MAPLEWOOD, New Jersey, United States of AmericaReq #1119Friday, March 15, 2024We are an all-inclusive organization joined together by a shared commitment to nurturing the potential of kids, promoting healthy living, and fostering a sense of social responsibility. As a growing, mission-focused, and future-oriented association of YMCAs, the Metro YMCA of the Oranges has an exciting opportunity for a highly motivated, mission-driven candidate to join our team.Sign on bonus may applyBeyond the Canvas is seeking a creative and fun art specialist to join us this summer for 9 weeks of fun and funky, extraordinary art and more! *Must be comfortable and confident to work with campers in 3rd-5th grade and available to work Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday for at least 3.5-4 hours on those days.Days and Hours:Monday, Wednesday, Thursday, and Friday. 3.5-4 Hours Daily (Shift TBD)Pay rate:starting at $16.50/hrCamp Assignment:June 26th- August 25th** Mandatory Pre-Camp Trainings TBD - held throughout June **POSITION SUMMARY:This position supports the work of the Y, a leading nonprofit committed to strengthening community through youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility. Provides direct supervision of a group of children in a seasonal day camp. The Camp Specialist shall design and deliver a program specialty in their designated area tailored to the skills and interests of each age group. He or she will work with other counselors to bring about quality programming in that specialty area. Activities should nurture creativity, cooperation, skill, and self-esteem and support the potential of all youth in programs and facilitate peer-to-peer connections as part of the overall camp experience.ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:Plan, setup and deliver a variety of activities within specialty area that are age-specific and that keep children’s interests high.Instruct Counselors on how to teach activities within specialty. Encourage activity planning and leadership for Counselors assigned to the activity.Lead specialty activities with assistance from Counselors and help keep Counselors focused on the activity.Control all supply inventory used in specialty. Assist Camp Director with ordering supplies. Keep supply storage area neat and organized.Assist the Camp Director in carrying out themes and special events, general camp activities.Greet campers with a smile and treat them with enthusiasm.Learn camper’s names. Respond to campers needs.Encourage camper’s youth development progress. As a leader, set a good example for the children. Teach campers how to solve problems and maintain basic discipline and group control.Ensure that all volunteers have a great experience to help our association increase volunteer participation.Develop positive relationships with member families and learn why they come to our Y.Help group maintain camp cleanliness.Perform all responsibilities in an enthusiastic and committed manner.Take the initiative to be actively participatory in all activities.Act as needed when not leading a specialty program.Safety:Must attend and complete all required trainings.At all times, uphold camp safety standards. Maintain constant face counts. Will understand and practice risk management and disaster policies and procedures.Help maintain group control and facilitate lunchtime activities.Follow all YMCA, ACA, and NJ Licensing standards and procedures to ensure the safest and best quality camp and to help maintain ACA accreditation.Secure and submit all accident reports, special plans, schedule changes, and evaluations to Camp Director when appropriate.Report all immediate concerns to Camp Director or nearest supervisor.Use two methods of discipline with campers to include redirection to appropriate activities and using positive reinforcement to commend good choices.OTHER DUTIES:Always maintain a professional demeanor, as you are a representative of the YMCA.Maintain positive attitude, responsibility, and self-motivation. Be punctual and reliable.Create a positive and nurturing learning environment to instill youth development, healthy living, and social responsibility.QUALIFICATIONS:High School Diploma, Associate/Bachelors Degree in Education, youth work, recreation or related preferred or equivalent experience.Two (2) years’ experience teaching, youth work, recreation or related field.Strong communication and interpersonal skills. Ability to relate to children and communicate in various venues, i.e., public speaking, presentations.Ability to facilitate learning in others and ability to supervise others.Understanding age-specific characteristics of children and positive behavior management techniques.CPR and First Aid Certifications.PHYSICAL DEMANDSThe physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Must be capable of being on your feet for long periods and be able to actively supervise children in a variety of indoor and outdoor environments.Must be capable of bending, kneeling, squatting and lifting 30 pounds.Must be able to visually account for all children in the program, whether inside or outside. Must be able to hear whistle or alarms. Clear speaking voice is needed to command control of group.INTERNAL CANDIDATES:Current active employees of the METROPOLITAN YMCA OF THE ORANGES should apply via the Careers section of the Dayforce Employee Account.COVID-19 Precaution(s):Personal protective equipment providedSymptom screening and self-reportingPreventative guidelines/workplace safety trainings (social distancing, frequent handwashing, etc.)*Please note that given the current situation with COVID-19 pandemic, the YMCA is and will continue to follow recommendations given by the CDC, local, state, and federal authorities.Professional development opportunities and complimentary use of YMCA facilities.We are proud to be an EEO/AA/employer M/F/D/V. Employment is subject to extensive background check.#J-18808-Ljbffr