COA’s Camp Helen Brachman Assistant Director

Department: Camp

Reports to: Camp Director

Compensation: $60,000 annual salary

Driver Status: Personal vehicles and COA vehicles (requires valid Wisconsin driver license, good driving record, and personal auto insurance)

Minimum age requirement: 25 years of age

General Summary: The Assistant Camp Director position at COA Youth & Family Centers’ Camp Helen Brachman supports the Camp Director in overseeing the year-round operations of camp, including staff recruitment and supervision, program support, safety compliance, and administrative functions. In addition to helping lead summer camp operations, the role supports year-round programming and modeling strong youth development practices and fostering a safe, organized, and welcoming camp environment.

This position is eligible for benefits.

NOTE: There is no onsite, year-round accommodations for this position. Onsite, temporary accommodations are available for this position. Overnight stay is required to support rentals, during staff training, and while camp is in session, as scheduled. To be most successful, the ideal candidate for this position will live within daily driving distance of Camp Helen Brachman, located in Almond, WI. (This position will also be required to be in Milwaukee occasionally for meetings and camp-related activities.)

Essential Functions: 

1. Assist with staff recruitment, hiring, and supervision.  Assist in the planning and implementation of staff orientation and training, provide support, and ensure high standards of health and safety for campers and staff to include:
   1. Lead staff training sessions on Lifeguarding, CPR/AED and First Aid;
   2. Ensure procedures are in place and staff are trained in daily care of each camper including recognition of personal, physical, and mental health needs;
   3. Ensure procedures are in place and staff are properly trained to provide for camper and staff safety in inclement weather conditions and in all activities;
   4. Ensure policies and procedures are in place and staff are properly trained so that day-to-day camp operations are organized and efficient (and fun!);
   5. Ensure all staff are properly trained in and prepared for all emergency procedures and COA/CHB policies.

2. Supervise staff as assigned:
   1. Supervise seasonal camp staff: observe staff behavior, assess its appropriateness, enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures, and apply appropriate management techniques;
   2. Ensure that staff are following best practices and CHB policies and procedures;
   3. Complete mid and end of season reviews for supervisees; encourage a culture of continuous learning and improvement. 
3. Responsible for reviewing, providing updates/changes, and training related to meeting American Camp Association (ACA), federal, state, local or other agency guidelines for accreditation standards as assigned. Support ACA accreditation process when it occurs. 
4. Support programs and rentals throughout the year. Assist with registering, communicating with, and hosting year-round rental groups and programs. In off season, work approximately two weekends per month hosting rental groups and programs.
5. Assist with design, implementation, and evaluation of a year-round camper marketing plan designed to fill summer camp to capacity.   
6. Review and update summer camp materials including brochure, fliers, online materials, newsletter, etc. to create and maintain a welcoming atmosphere as well as maximize camper attendance.
7. Support the implementation of the behavior management plan by all staff, including positive reinforcement strategies, redirection, and progressive discipline as per COA philosophy and WACYCP (Wisconsin Association of Child and Youth Care Professionals) Code of Ethics. 

Other Job Duties: 

1. Model appropriate behavior always.  This includes developing and maintaining appropriate professional relationships and boundaries with youth, colleagues, parents, visitors, etc.
2. Develop and maintain positive and effective relationships within COA to ensure clear and timely communication. 
3. Give input on vision and goals for CHB, and provide strategies/work toward those goals.
4. Be alert to equipment and facilities to ensure proper utilization, care, and maintenance; ensure needed repairs are completely promptly.
5. Provide input for the preparation of the annual budget. 
   1. Monitor expenditures to ensure compliance with the budget;
   2. Purchase supplies; maintain appropriate records and inventory;
   3. Assist with budget creation as needed.  
6. Participate in meetings, conferences and training as required.
7. Act as the Camp Director in their absence. 
8. All other duties assigned are not limited but include cleaning, maintenance, kitchen support, fill-in for staff, etc.  

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or related experience in Camp Management, Recreation, Human Services, Education or Social Work preferred.
• Minimum of two years of residential camp leadership experience.
• Minimum of two years of supervisory experience.
• Working knowledge of positive youth behavior management strategies, including Trauma Informed Care.
• Excellent computer proficiency in standard Microsoft Office software. Proficiency in other computer programs such as hiring programs, etc.
• Current First Aid, CPR, Advanced First Aid and Lifeguard certification.
• Trainer certification in Lifeguarding, First Aid, CPR or ability to obtain prior to summer. Trainer certification in Wilderness First Aid strongly preferred. 
• Experience working with low-income, at-risk urban children and their families strongly preferred.

Skills/Personal Qualities/Attitude:

• Passion for serving others and providing high levels of customer service. 
• Embody COA Values (Self-Awareness, Communication, Professionalism).
• Philosophical compatibility with COA mission and youth work methods.
• Strong youth development skills.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Detail-oriented, well organized and able to meet deadlines.
• Leadership style that focuses on communication, coaching, and support but is able and willing to discipline appropriately as needed.
• Strong conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
• Cultural competency, patience, positive attitude, and creativity.
• Love of outdoors and being active, and desire to inspire passion for nature in others.
• Ability to be flexible with work hours, work nights and weekends.

Physical Requirements / Working Conditions:

The physical requirements for this position are:

• Physical ability to lift and carry 50 pounds.
• Visual and auditory ability to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards of the site and facilities and camper and staff behavior.
• Physical mobility and endurance to perform tasks while standing/walking for long periods of time (60 minutes or more).
• Ability to safely and properly use kitchen equipment.
• Must be able to handle exposure to heat and chemicals from ovens, stoves, dishwasher, etc.
• Ability to provide first aid and to assist campers and staff in an emergency.

This position works primarily in an outdoor camp setting and involves regular exposure to varying weather conditions, including heat, cold, and rain. Counselors must be prepared to participate in a wide range of activities and respond quickly to changing situations or emergencies.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

This description outlines the general responsibilities of the role and is not intended to be a complete list of all duties or expectations.