STATE OF CONNECTICUT EXECUTIVE BRANCH JOBS

Counselor (Specialized Recreation Services)

Summer Worker

Recruitment #220328-5704VR-002

Introduction



Are you looking for a unique opportunity to gain valuable experience and make and impact over the summer? If so, we want you to be part of our team!

The State of Connecticut, Department of Developmental Services (DDS), North Region currently has 11 open Summer Worker (Specialized Recreation Services) positions. These positions work under the general direction of the Camp and Assistant Camp Directors at Camp Quinebaug.
These are full-time, 35 hour per week positions designated to be first shift. The schedule is Monday through Friday, however the specific hours are to be determined; flexibility is vital to meet the needs of the camp. The first two weeks may have a part-time schedule and involve availability until 8:30 pm. In these roles you will provide a variety of specialized recreation services including but not limited to:
  • Organizing recreational activities or events.
  • Demonstrating activity techniques.
  • Accompanying individuals or groups to activities.
  • Engaging in sports and social activities with campers.
  • Assisting in ensuring safety of individuals.
We are looking to hire:
  • Nine Camp Counselors
  • One Arts & Craft Specialist
  • One Sports & Nature Specialist
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 daily camp schedule. 
This is a CT Licensed Youth Camp that is operated by the State of Connecticut Department of Developmental Services (DDS).

We encourage a healthy work/life balance to all employees. Since permanent status will not be attained, these are not benefit eligible positions.


Selection Plan

Apply today if you:
  • Will be at least 18 years old as of June 3, 2022.
  • Are available to work for the full season and complete all required DDS training which is expected to start June 3, 2022 and end no later than August 25, 2022. The last day of work includes a Saturday to close camp.
  • Can engage in aquatic activities with campers in and around the water. 
  • Possess and can 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.
  • Can successfully pass a pre-employment physical exam.
If you require an accommodation to participate fully and fairly under the provisions of the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA), please contact Jennifer Borenski, EEO Specialist 2 at (860) 418-6143 or Jennifer.Borenski@ct.gov.

To Apply:
  • These are seasonal positions and DDS permanent employees will not be considered for these positions.
  • In order to be considered for this job opening, you must meet the Minimum Qualifications as listed on this job opening. You must specify your qualifications on your application.
  • The minimum experience and training requirements must be met by the close date on the job opening, unless otherwise specified.
  • In order to comply with Public Act 21-69, the State of Connecticut is no longer asking for resumes during the initial application process.
Important Next Step Information for After You Apply:
  • Although applicants will receive correspondence via email, as a backup they are also encouraged to sign on to their Personal Status Board on a daily basis to monitor their status, view all emailed notices and complete tasks required in the recruitment process.
  • This posting may require completion of additional referral questions (RQs). You can access these RQs via an email that will be sent to you after the posting's closing date or by visiting your JobAps Personal Status Board (Certification Questionnaires section). Your responses to these RQs must be submitted by the question's expiration date. Please regularly check your email and JobAps Personal Status Board for notifications. Please check your SPAM and/or Junk folders on a daily basis in the event an email provider places auto-notification emails in a user's spam.
  • At any point during the recruitment process, applicants may be required to submit additional documentation which support their qualification(s) for this position. These documents may include: a cover letter, resume, performance reviews, attendance records, supervisory references, licensure, etc., at the discretion of the hiring agency. Applicants must meet the minimum qualifications as indicated to apply for this position.
  • The immediate vacancy is listed above, however, applications to this recruitment may be used for future vacancies in this job class.
  • Interviews will be limited to candidates whose experience and training most closely meet the requirements of the position.
  • All application materials must be received by the recruiting agency by the time specified on the job opening for the position for which you are applying. Late applications may not be submitted and will not be considered. Exceptions are rare and limited to documented events that incapacitate a candidate during the entire duration of the job posting time period. It is the candidate’s obligation and responsibility to request an exception and provide a legally recognized justification to accommodate such exception. Requests should be made to DAS.SHRM@ct.gov.
Connect With Us:
  • If you have any questions pertaining to this recruitment please contact Elizabeth Weston at Elizabeth.Weston@ct.gov and reference the recruitment number.
  • Due to the large volume of applications received, the Department of Administrative Services is unable to provide confirmation of receipt or status during the recruitment process. Updates will be available through your JobAps portal account.
  • Follow the State of Connecticut on LinkedIn.

PURPOSE OF JOB CLASS (NATURE OF WORK)

In various agencies as a summer employee performs one or more tasks and assigned duties of a seasonal nature in providing a variety of services to clients or the public in one of several areas. This class may also be used during the winter college intersession for a period not to exceed six weeks.

Work areas covered by this class shall include the assignments and hourly rates as listed below:

Assignment                  Minimum
Hourly Rates     
Maximum
Hourly Rates
 
General  $13.00 $13.00 
Patient Care Services  $13.00 $13.00 
Maintenance  $13.00 $13.00 
Laboratory Assistant  $13.00 $13.00 
Recreational Aide  $13.00 $13.00 
Transportation Services (Bus Driver)      $13.00 $13.00 
Tourist Information Clerk  $13.00 $13.00 
Specialized Recreational Services  $13.00 $14.00 
Tourist Information Coordinator  $13.00 $14.00 
Information Technology System Analysis  $13.00 $14.00 
Professional Engineering  $13.00  $15.00 

 

Minimum and maximum hourly rates will be subject to the following criteria:

1. Returning Summer Workers may receive $.50 an hour additional compensation for each season of service up to the maximum hourly rate.

OR

2. Experienced workers in the specific functional area with another employer may be credited with such time on an equivalent basis to seasons worked and granted the same additional compensation up to the maximum hourly rate.
OR

3. College students may be granted additional compensation of up to $.50 more per hour (up to the maximum hourly rate) for each full year of completed education on the basis of 30 semester hours equaling one (1) year.
NOTE:
Determination of hourly rate is based on the above criteria. Additional compensation is based on only one criteria. It is not intended for individuals to receive additional compensation through application of the multiple criteria listed above.

EXAMPLES OF DUTIES

See attached Addendum

KNOWLEDGE, SKILL AND ABILITY

Knowledge of principles, practices and procedures of assigned specialty; knowledge in operation of equipment, materials and activities of assigned specialty; knowledge to degree necessary for dealing with and understanding client behavior; interpersonal skills; skill in techniques of assigned specialty; ability to assist clients in self-care habits, personal hygiene and proper social conduct where applicable; ability to understand and carry out written orders and oral instructions; adequate physical strength and stamina to perform duties; some positions may require supervisory and/or leadership abilities.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

Any experience and training that could reasonably be expected to provide the knowledge, skills and abilities listed above.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

For all positions:
  • Experience working or volunteering with children and young adults with intellectual disabilities, autism, or physical disabilities.
  • Experience working or volunteering in schools, camps or other recreational settings with children.
For Camp Counselor positions:
  • Experience coordinating daily activities for a small group of campers and provide leadership for support staff assigned to campers.
  • Experience working as enhanced staff to a student with disabilities.
For Arts & Crafts Specialist position:
  • Experience in coordinating daily arts and crafts for all groups of campers ranging in age from 5-21.
For Sports & Nature Specialist position:
  • Experience teaching rules and play of various sports and games.
  • Experience as a player in organized athletics or coaching.
  • Experience with horticulture, the environment, hiking and nature.

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

1. Incumbents in this class assigned to recreational activities must be able to perform emergency first aid as needed and certain positions will require a current Standard First Aid Certificate.
2. Incumbents in this class assigned as bus drivers or operate a motor vehicle must possess and retain a current Connecticut Motor Vehicle Operator License to drive a bus and/or a Motor Vehicle Operators License as necessary.
3. Incumbents in this class may be required to travel.

Conclusion

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.