Wilderness School Summer Employment - 2008

The Wilderness School is a prevention, intervention and transition program intended to assist our students to develop self-esteem, internal locus of control and interpersonal skills. Designed as journey experiences, our programs are considered therapeutic for the participant. Wilderness School activities are not viewed as an end in themselves, however, but as a tool in the service delivery of community youth agencies. Each student must pass through an Orientation phase of the Wilderness School prior to attending a course. Students who attend 20-Day or 5-Day Expeditions are then eligible to participate in a fall through spring Follow-Up Program.Students are referred to the Wilderness School by many types of agencies, including DCF facilities and regional offices, youth service bureaus, school systems, child guidance clinics, independent living programs, residential facilities, and juvenile justice programs. Our student population is diverse and representative of varied ethnic and racial backgrounds.Summer positions include: 1. Lead Instructors/Instructors, 2. Course Directors, 3. Base Camp Support Staff: Logistics Climbing Specialists, Kitchen Staff; Outreach Staff; Enrollment Staff, 4. Intern Positions (unpaid)WILDERNESS SCHOOL SUMMER JOB DESCRIPTIONSLEAD INSTRUCTOR/INSTRUCTOR: Supervises and leads groups of up to ten students during the 20-Day or 5-Day Expedition; leads 1-Day courses for groups of youth and adults from community agencies; provides skills instruction in backpacking, wilderness camping, map and compass, flat water and white water canoeing, rock climbing and rappelling, first aid, nutrition, personal hygiene and ecology; provide small group and individual counseling for adolescents of varying backgrounds; facilitates interpersonal skill development for students; supervise all course activities; conducts Officer of the Day/Back-Up (OD/BU) duties as required; conducts orientations of the program for students, families, and referring agencies; attends summer staff training as required; and completes all course reporting in a timely manner. Reports to: Program Coordinator.LOGISTICS CLIMBING SPECIALIST/LOGISTICS WORKER/INTERN: Supervises and instructs rock climbing and high ropes course activities; provides base camp support to groups engaged in field activities and conducts base camp Officer of the Day and Back-up duties as required; transports students, staff, supplies, and materials to and from local course areas; conducts equipment issue, repair, maintenance, and inventory duties; and attends summer staff training as required; Reports to: Field Program Coordinator. Note: Logistics Worker and Intern positions require less technical climbing training and experience. REQUIREMENTS1. First Aid Certifications and Related Certifications: A. Instructors & Course Directors: Current Wilderness First Responder or equivalent; current AHA Healthcare Provider or ARC Professional Rescuer CPR; current State of Connecticut, Department of Children and Families Medication Administration Training (provided); current ARC Lifeguard certification and Waterfront Module certification (provided). B. Other Base Camp Staff/Interns: Current Wilderness First Aid or equivalent, and current AHA Healthcare Provider or ARC Professional Rescuer CPR.2. Driver's License as required by the State of Connecticut; driver's history requested.3. Demonstrated interest and ability or training to work with youth.4. Demonstrated wilderness challenge skills and technical training (higher level positions), or willingness to work in an outdoor setting (entry level positions).5. State of Connecticut pre-employment screening, including physician's medical examination prior to staff training (provided by State), drug screening, and criminal background check, LINK background check, and verification of college degrees. WORK DATES: Medications Training and/or Lifeguard training: June 2 - 6, 2008 (Instructors and Course Directors; Outreach Staff; Enrollment Staff) (paid)Staff Training (Paid stipend): June 9 - 14, 2008; June 16 - 19, 2008 Summer Program: June 23 - August 12, 2008COMPENSATION: Instructors: $150.00 - 179.00 per day; $3,162.00 - 3,774.00 per 20-Day course; $900.00 - 1,074.00 per 5-Day courseBase Camp Staff: $107.00-$135.00 per day; $2,146.00-$2,715.00 per monthAPPLICATION PROCEDURE: Send letter and resume to:Wilderness School 240 North Hollow Rd. East Hartland, CT 06027 Attn: Personnel Email: Dave.Czaja@po.state.ct.us Attn: PersonnelFOR INFORMATION: Contact the Wilderness School at (800) 273-2293 within CT or (860) 653-8059 outside CT. WEBSITE: http://www.ct.gov/dcf/cwp/view.asp?a=2539&q=313850 (website to be updated for 2008)