Developmental Services Worker 1 (35 Hour Entry Level)

DDS has one current seasonal job opening for a Developmental Services Worker 1, Camp Director, position at Camp Quinebaug. This position works under the general direction of the Camp Administrator or Camp Manager and is responsible for overseeing the daily operations of the camp, and acts as a liaison to families, the school districts and their support staff working at camp.

Camp Quinebaug provides a unique summer day camp experience for approximately 100 school aged children with developmental disabilities in northeastern Connecticut. Children with intellectual disabilities and autism are the primary population served at this camp. The camp is located on Wauregan Reservoir in Killingly on 11 acres and its waterfront is the only beach on this beautiful waterway. Arts, Crafts, sports and nature activities, music, swimming, boating and fishing are some of the highlights of the busy camp schedule. This is a CT Licensed Youth Camp that is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

This position is responsible for organizing, planning and coordinating a day camp for approximately 100 school aged campers with developmental disabilities.

Hours of Work: This is a full-time seasonal position from June 8, 2018 to August 11, 2018; Monday through Friday 7:30am – 2:30pm. The first 2 weeks are on part-time status and may involve availability up until 8:30pm. The last day of work includes a Saturday to close camp.

Pay rate is $20.30 per hour.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application. If selected for further consideration, applicants may be required to provide 2 letters of reference.

Please Note: You will be unable to make revisions once you submit your application for this posting to the JobAps system.

Questions pertaining to any phase of this recruitment should be directed to DDS Human Resources: Daimar Ramos at Daimar.Ramos@ct.gov or 860-263-2625.

• Must be at least 21 years old as of June 8, 2018.
• Must have a valid physical exam conducted after August 11, 2015 which includes having a Camp Medical form completed by physician.
• Must be certified in Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) for the Professional Rescuer and First Aid. Certification must be in the American Red Cross CPR/AED for the Professional Rescuer and Healthcare Provider, American Red Cross CPR/AED for Lifeguards, American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider, ASHI – American Safety and Health Institute.
• Shall have had at least sixteen (16) weeks of administrative or supervisory experience in an organized camp OR already served at least one (1) summer as a Camp Director/ Alternate Director.
• Must be approved to serve in this position by the Office of Early Childhood and a separate application must be completed if selected for hire.
• Applicants must be able to work for the full season and must complete all required DDS training.
• Selected candidates must possess and maintain adequate physical flexibility, strength and stamina to perform the duties (work outside in inclement weather, work outside for extended periods), and work well with other staff and campers. Must be able to lift and transfer campers and light equipment.

In the Department of Developmental Services this class is accountable for acting as part of a team in an intensive programming effort designed for the care, guidance, supervision and training of individuals.

Works with individuals with various intellectual, developmental and physical disabilities; trains staff in camp operations and camper care; may lift and transfer individuals; ensures the health and safety of all campers during all activities, both indoors and outdoors; ensures campers receive adequate supervision from camp and school district staff; communicates with families and school district personnel; assists in implementing staff directives; coordinates meals and meal breaks; escorts inspectors during inspections; supplies information about camp, campers and staff to inspectors; implements youth camp’s plans, policies and procedures; plans camp activities and schedules; participates in the preparation, serving and feeding of meals; provides guidance and instruction to individuals in development of personable habits, hygiene and social relationships; participates in social or recreational activities; provides assistance and instruction to individuals in activities of daily living; reinforces appropriate behavior through modification techniques; prepares reports; monitors supplies and equipment; participates in other camp related duties and responsibilities.

Considerable interpersonal skills; ability to develop a positive relationship with individuals; ability to train individuals in self care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct; ability to understand and carry out written and oral instructions.

Experience and/or training that could be expected to provide the required knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

• Strong leadership skills;
• Previous experience working with or volunteering with children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, autism or physical disabilities;
• Previous experience working or volunteering in camp or other recreational settings with children;
• Considerable organizational skills;
• Strong verbal and written communication skills;
• Strong interpersonal skills; ability to apply training to meet camp needs;
• Ability to provide direction to staff and campers;
• Knowledge of children and adult abuse and neglect policies, procedures and reporting;
• Knowledge of special education services in school districts. 

1. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and maintain their Medication Certification as   defined by the Connecticut Board of Examiners for Nursing Declaratory Ruling – Delegation by Licensed Nurses to Unlicensed Assistive Personnel,; when working in a location that does not have 24 hour nursing care.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to be bilingual or fluent in American Sign Language.
   
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to possess and retain a valid Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator's license, Public Passenger Endorsement or Commercial Driver's license for designated positions.
   
4. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Incumbents in this class must possess physical and emotional health for efficient performance of duties; a physical examination may be required.

Incumbents in this class may be required to lift and restrain individuals; may have significant exposure to communicable/infectious diseases and to risk of injury from assaultive/abusive individuals; may be exposed to strongly disagreeable conditions.

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.