SOAR Summer Adventure Program Field Staff
SOAR is an outdoor and experiential education program utilizing 10, 12, 15, 18, and 26 day expedition style adventures with youth diagnosed with Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorders and/or Learning Disabilities. Programs are co-ed, students are between the ages of 8 - 25, and groups consist of 7-8 students with 2 staff. Course sites include the North Carolina Smokies, Florida Keys, Wyoming, and California. Activities include rock climbing, whitewater rafting, backpacking, orienteering, llama treks, horsepacking, mountain biking, caving, snorkeling, scuba diving, surfing, and sea kayaking.
Responsibilities include: supervise a group of 7-8 students (2 staff per group), for 24 hours a day, on 10 to 26 day courses; facilitate a safe and successful experience during the adventure based portions of the course, [which may include activities such as backpacking, rock climbing or belaying, whitewater rafting, caving, mountain biking, horseback riding, high and low ropes course activities, canoeing, fishing, snorkeling, sea kayaking, funyaking, archery, hatchet throwing, tubing, boating, llama trekking, riflery, primitive skills, paintball]; facilitate the development of life skills, organizational skills, self-esteem, problem-solving strategies, communication techniques, and social skills; assist in developing personal goals for each student; write a comprehensive student evaluation at the end of each course; and act as a role model for students by demonstrating maturity, responsibility, good organizational skills, and professional behavior; other duties as assigned.
Requirements for the position include: minimum 19 years of age (21 and older preferred); 2 years of college experience, in human service related field preferred (e.g., Education, Psychology, Recreation); current first aid and CPR certifications (minimum WFA; Lifeguard required for FL and CA staff); experience and/or desire to work with LD and AD/HD youth; patience, energy, enthusiasm, flexibility, maturity, and integrity required; experience in and/or desire to learn outdoor adventure activities; strong organizational and time management skills preferred.
Expectations for the position include: Compliance with all policies and regulations of SOAR; understanding the personal needs of instructors are secondary to the emotional and physical well being of our clients; utilizing behavior management techniques consistent with the program philosophy at SOAR; acting in a professional manner at all times to promote SOAR and the profession; developing an appropriate setting in which the student may learn from example; understanding the care of students in a 24 hour setting; and maintaining current records of student progress and documenting strategies utilized during the course for parents and student. Expectations also include being able to fulfill the physically demanding requirements of the position including but not limited to: being able to hike with a backpack weighing 25-40 pounds over rough and mountainous terrain for 5-10 miles per day; being able to perform upper body tasks such as belaying or guiding a whitewater rafting trip; camping outdoors for extended periods of time in a variety of environmental conditions such as cold, heat, rain, lightning, etc.
This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee. SOAR, Inc. provides equal opportunities to employees and applicants without regard to race, ethnicity, religion, sexual orientation or identity, national origin, age, disability, or veteran status.