Camp Mental Health ProfessionalAt Camp Laurelwood
Description
Under the supervision of the Director of Camper Care and Satisfaction, the Camp Mental Health Professional is the primary professional responsible for the development of successful MESSH (Mental, Emotional, Social, and Spiritual Health) support structures and programming for campers and staff. This is a seasonal summer full-time non-exempt position, with part-time hours before summer session begins. This position is supported by the Yedid Nefesh grant from the Foundation for Jewish Camp.
The ideal candidate is interested in being in this role for at least 3 years while our camp participates in the Yedid Nefesh program. This relationship will be reviewed on a yearly basis during that time, with the hope that the relationship can continue beyond the 3 year grant program period.
Job responsibilities:
Before the summer season:
Participate in staff interviews as needed; meet periodically with the Camper Care team to prepare for the summer
Work with Directors on staff training and developing a plan for ongoing staff learning
Work with Directors on updating staff evaluation forms, along with daily check-in forms for tracking wellness
Participate in Foundation for Jewish Camp’s Community of Practice as part of our camp’s place in the Yedid Nefesh program, including two or three virtual gatherings and one in-person gathering per year with other Jewish camp mental health professionals
During the summer season:
In partnership with the other members of the Camper Care team, serve as a resource to campers and staff throughout the summer with regard to MESSH challenges; create an environment where campers and staff can thrive. For example:
Assist counselors, division heads, and head counselors in
problem solving cases where campers and staff need special
support
Facilitate discussions, when needed, between counselors, unit
heads, and leadership staff, as a mediator
Debrief and provide guidance to campers and staff after crises
or traumatic events
Design and lead training for staff about camper care and self-care in the two weeks before the summer starts; plan and lead ongoing weekly staff training on areas of mental health at camp
Be present at camp on-site for the full duration of camp (housing is provided), weaving yourself into the fabric of the camp community
Communicate and manage relationships with parents/caregivers in regards to camper needs.
Record notes about mental health interventions and situations, successes and challenges, in our camp database, and submit weekly reports to Foundation for Jewish Camp from June-August as part of our Yedid Nefesh program participation
Manage information about camper needs, and communicate those to staff; document communication and plans within Laurelwood’s systems.
Compensation
6000-7500Requirements
A Graduate or higher level degree in a mental health field; previous experience in a camp, school, or similar setting preferred.3-5 years of post-graduate work experience in a related field
Experience supporting children, teenagers, and/or adult mental, emotional, social, and spiritual health - in proactive and reactive ways
An ability to think critically and act swiftly in high stress situations
Strong ability to function both independently and as part of a team
Attention to detail in documentation and maintaining records
Excellent written and verbal communication skills and comfort in communication with children, young adults, and parents
The inclination to be a caring, empathetic, patient, hardworking, and diligent professional who takes initiative and is creative, enthusiastic, open-minded, and high-energy
How to Apply
To Apply: Please send a resume and short statement of interest to elizabeth@camplaurelwood.orgContact Information
Camp Name
Camp Laurelwood
Job Title
Camp Mental Health Professional
Website
Phone
Camp Address
463 Summer Hill Road, Madison, CT, 06443, United States