Job Description

Mission Statement

The Salvation Army, an international movement, is an evangelical part of the universal Christian church. Its message is based on the Bible. Its ministry is motivated by the love of God. Its mission is to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ and to meet human needs in His name without discrimination.

The Summer Day Camp Assistant supports the Day Camp Activities Coordinator, Corps officers and staff in daily operations of summer programs; assists with and monitors both classroom and outside activities for children; provides safe, clean environment; prepares and executes lesson plans for morning and afternoon activities; participates with children in field trips and activities and assists with meals for children as needed.

Essential Functions

• Assist in leading all Day Camp activities with enthusiasm according to training protocol established during training, and in accordance with the staff manual.
• Adhere to and assist in implementing positive behavior management procedures created for campers.
• Complete “Report to Parents” forms to inform parents, Corps Officer of issues, such as camper injuries, disputes, and behavioral challenges.
• Keep child issues confidential; do NOT share issues with other campers, parents, news organizations, or staff members who are NOT involved, report issues to Day Camp Activities Coordinator
• Adhere to dress code at all times; may be required to wear activity appropriate attire.
• Assist in maintaining a clean, orderly learning environment including necessary housekeeping duties.
• Assist in check-in/check-out procedures according to protocol; check ID of each person signing out a camper and ensure the person picking up is on the authorized list.
• Communicate respectfully with peers, supervisors, and customers of various socio-economic backgrounds, handle disputes with participants, parents, and staff in a professional manner.
• Enforce facility- and activity-specific regulations to ensure safety; ensure that only registered campers/students participate.
• Maintain safe working environment; report any and all facility defects/problems and any suspicious activities or persons to the Corps Officer and Day Camp Activities Coordinator.
• Assist in emergencies and treatment of injured participants, volunteers, and/or staff; follow up by completing appropriate paperwork as directed.
• Perform regular head counts and keep an accurate attendance list of assigned children.
• Assist in planning activities, executing lesson plans, and supervising activity stations with help from other staff as needed.
• Participate with children in group activities; assist in playground supervision, assist with meal/snack preparation and service.
• Follow and ensure adherence to The Salvation Army Policy and Procedures and the Day Camp Code of Conduct.
• Act as a mandated reporter of child & elder abuse and report any suspicions or inappropriate behavior to a supervisor immediately.
• Recognize spiritual need of individuals.
• Perform all other duties as directed.

Working Conditions

Ability to walk, stand, bend squat climb, kneel, and twist on an intermittent or sometimes continuous basis. Ability to be able to lift up to 50lbs. Ability to grasp, push, pull objects such as file cabinet drawers and reach overhead. Ability to operate computer and telephone.

Minimum Qualifications

• Minimum 21 years of age, preferred.
• Class C License and able to drive, preferred.
• Must be able to read, write, and communicate in English; bilingual English/ Spanish preferred.
• Must work well and relate well with people.
• Ability to think creatively and outside of the box.
• Musical ability preferred.

Skills, Knowledge & Abilities

• Working knowledge of Microsoft Office applications and ability to use new software programs with basic training.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment and maintain poise under pressure.
• Must have philosophy of education and child development consistent with that of The Salvation Army.
• Must be able to work well with children, parents, and staff in a capacity of leadership, counseling, and education including but not limited to: Ability to relate joyfully and sensitively to children of all ages, Ability to use appropriate discipline consistently, Ability to handle security and crisis situations calmly, ability to handle security and crisis situations calmly, ability to provide constant and continual supervision, and ability to engage and maintain a child’s interest in activities.