Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor Supervisor

The Department of Children and Families, Wilderness School, located in East Hartland, CT, is recruiting for four (4) Wilderness School Seasonal Instructor Supervisors.  These seasonal opportunities will begin on April, 2, 2018 and end on or before November 22, 2018.  The hours will vary according to the duties of the position. 

COMPENSATION:  Work areas covered by this class shall include the following assignments and per diem rates (minimum and maximum) as listed below:

Course Director (Expedition) Supervisor $168.17 to $226.95 

Logistics/Climbing Supervisor $168.17 to $226.95 

Outreach Supervisor $168.17 to $226.95

Minimum and maximum hourly rates will be subject to the following criteria: Returning Seasonal Instructor Supervisors may receive a 3% incremental increase for each season of service up to the maximum rate.

Applicants are required to upload a resume, cover letter and the names and contact information of 3 supervisory references with their submission.  (Note: In order to upload documents you must ensure that your internet browser's 'pop-up' blocker is off.  Failure to do so may prevent you from being able to upload documentation and submit your application.) 

Questions about these required documents, or this job posting, should be directed to the hiring agency's human resources office:  Cynthia Sailor, cynthia.sailor@ct.gov, (860) 550-6484.

Please Note:  Due to the large volume of applications received, we are unable to provide confirmation/status updates during the recruitment process.

In the Department of Children and Families Wilderness School, as a limited duration employee, performs supervisory tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature.

COURSE DIRECTOR (EXPEDITION) SUPERVISOR:
Responsible for the safety and risk management of all program participants; conducts and supervises field interventions for student behavioral and/or emotional crises during Expedition programs; supervises base camp staff engaged in officer of the day/back-up duties; assists in the supervision of instructors and students engaged in field activities (i.e. canoeing, high ropes course, or rock climbing); conducts and assists program functions including course briefings and debriefings, Marathon Day, Graduation, etc.; supervises course preparation and reporting functions; conducts orientations of the program for students, families, and referring agencies; assists the Field Program Coordinator with staff training; performs Expedition instructor duties in the event of an emergency and instructs short courses as required; supervises kitchen and other base camp functions as required; conducts officer of the day/back-up duties as required.

LOGISTICS/CLIMBING SUPERVISOR:
Responsible for the safety and risk management of all program participants; supervises staff facilitating rock climbing and ropes course; provides technical skills training in rock climbing and ropes courses; directly facilitates rock climbing and ropes courses; provides supervision to staff that are supporting crews in the field; supervises staff providing transports of students, staff, supplies, and materials to and from local course areas and directly performs those duties; instructs courses as assigned and attends summer staff training as required; conducts and supervises field and base camp interventions for student behavioral and/or emotional crisis during programs and courses; may assist Field Program Coordinator in supervising logistical operations including support of staff and crews in the field, vehicle coordination and scheduling, logistical course briefings, transports, equipment issue, inventory maintenance, repairs and purchasing recommendations; conducts officer of the day/back-up duties as required.

OUTREACH SUPERVISOR:
Responsible for the safety and risk management of all program participants; supervises one day course programs including briefings, debriefings, staffing, equipment allocation/return, food reservations and course reporting; coordinates meal preparations and cleanup for one day short course programs; designs, plans and implements multi-day programs in collaboration with participating agencies; assists in the supervision and training of instructors and interns; leads hiking, canoeing, team building, rock climbing, caving and high ropes course activities; conducts and supervises field and base camp interventions for student behavioral and/or emotional crisis during programs and courses; facilities off-site agency specific programs, adult leadership courses, and staff training components; conducts officer of the day/back-up duties as required.

Knowledge of strength based programming and trauma informed practice in experiential programming; expedition experience; group facilitation skills; supervisory skills.

A Bachelor's Degree is preferred. Professional level training and work experience as an Experiential Educator may be considered in lieu of Bachelor's Degree. Examples: Greenfield Community College Outdoor Leadership Program Certificate, National Outdoor Leadership School course completion, Outward Bound School course completion, or comparable significant experience as an Outdoor Education Professional or corresponding professional experience.

Preference will be given to candidates who have the requirements listed in the description below. The Wilderness School provides intensive experiential programs to Connecticut youth ages thirteen to sixteen and to other children and youth with special needs. 

The Wilderness School is a prevention, intervention and transition program intended to assist our students to develop self-esteem, internal focus of control and interpersonal skills.  Wilderness School offers Expedition programs that range from 5-days to 20-days in length, and one-day programs designed to meet the needs of our clients.  

Program activities include hiking, camping, team building, rock climbing, high ropes course activities, canoeing, and caving. 

Additional information on the DCF Wilderness School can be found on our website at www.ct.gov/dcf under "Important Information."  Wilderness School is looking for individuals with desire to positively impact the lives of adolescents and the families we serve. 

Required Certifications must be attained and current by June 7, 2018.          

1. Incumbents hired must possess the following:

A. Current Wilderness First Responder, or equivalent (WAFA or WFA may be considered).
B. Current American Heart Association (AHA) Healthcare Provider or American Red Cross (ARC) Professional Rescuer CPR.
C. Current Wilderness School Medication Administration Training (provided).
D. Current ARC Lifeguard certification and waterfront training or equivalent preferred.
E. Driver's license preferred.

2. Incumbents hired as Logistics/Climbing Supervisor, in addition to Special Requirement #1, must possess current AMGA-American Mountain Guides Association, PCIA-Professional Climbing Instructors' Association or equivalent rock climbing certification.

AN AFFIRMATIVE ACTION/EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The State of Connecticut is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and strongly encourages the applications of women, minorities, and persons with disabilities.