Lifeguard

The mission of the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) is to partner with the individuals we support and their families, to support lifelong planning and to join with others to create and promote meaningful opportunities for individuals to fully participate as valued members of their communities.  

The Department of Developmental Services - South Region - has four (4) full-time seasonal Lifeguard positions located at Camp Harkness, Waterford, CT. Camp Harkness is located in Southeastern Connecticut on the shores of Long Island Sound. The 102-acre property in Waterford CT is comprised of open and wooded land and includes tidal marsh and beachfront. Facilities at Camp Harkness include year-round and seasonal cabins, year-round cottages, seasonal tent sites, barnyard animals and horseback riding, picnic pavilions & grills, accessible playscape, scenic walkway and overlook, bathhouse, beach with seasonal boardwalk, gardens, dining hall, lodge, and infirmary. Camp Harkness is owned by the State of Connecticut and managed by the Department of Developmental Services.

These are full-time forty (40) hour per week positions on the 1st shift. Pay rate is $10.10 - $14.00 per hour depending upon educations and relevant experience.

Assists with swimming and recreational water activities which will afford camp participants the opportunity to participate in therapeutic swim and recreational boating. Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at Camp beaches; cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas; maintains order in swimming areas; rescues swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required; instructs individuals in water safety; may give swimming instructions; may work with persons with developmental disabilities and/or other disabilities; lifts persons with disabilities as required; participates in other camp related duties and responsibilities.

Applicants must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on the job opening and must specify their qualifications on their application.

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

• Must be at least 18 years old as of June 8, 2018

• 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 or American Heart Association BLS for Health Care Provider

• Must possess certification in the following: Lifesaving from a national accredited organization (i.e. American Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis & Associates, etc.),

• All certifications must be valid from the beginning to the end of the working period.

• Must have a valid physical exam conducted after August 11, 2015 which includes having a Camp Medical form completed by physician.

• 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 equipment, boats and individuals.

If selected for further consideration, applicants may be required to provide 2 letters of reference.

Should you have questions pertaining to this recruitment, please contact Joann Castaldo at DDS.SR.Recruiting@ct.gov or (203) 294-5072.

In the State of Connecticut this class is accountable for performing a full range of lifeguard services at swimming areas operated by state agencies.

Monitors activities in swimming areas to prevent accidents and provide assistance to swimmers at State of Connecticut beaches, pools, lakes, institutions and hospitals; cautions swimmers regarding unsafe areas; maintains order in swimming areas; rescues swimmers in danger of drowning and administers first aid and/or cardiopulmonary resuscitation as required; instructs clients in water safety; may give swimming instructions; may work with persons with mental retardation and/or other disabilities; lifts persons with disabilities as required; may perform park maintenance tasks; performs related duties as required.

Applicants must demonstrate competence in basic life-saving techniques. Applicants must be able to demonstrate the ability to swim while carrying an adult to safety.

• Previous lifeguarding experience

• 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

1. Incumbents in this class must possess Certification in the following ; Life-saving from a national accredited organization ( i.e. American Red Cross, YMCA, Ellis & Associates, etc. ), cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) for the professional rescuer, and first aid. All certifications must be valid from the beginning to end of working period.
2. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel

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.