HISRA Camp Group Leader

The Heart of Illinois Special Recreation Association (HISRA) is a cooperative effort of the Peoria, Morton, Chillicothe, and Washington Park Districts. Its mission is to provide quality recreation programs and services to individuals with disabilities and special needs. HISRA has several openings that center around hands-on experiences working with these individuals.

Duties: Under the supervision of the HISRA Program Coordinator, the HISRA Camp Group Leader is responsible for:

• Plan and implement a variety of fun, engaging and inclusive activities tailored to the diverse abilities and interests of camp participants.
• Effectively manage the camp group, ensuring a positive and supportive atmosphere, addressing behavioral challenges with patience and empathy.
• Establish and maintain excellent relationships with campers, parents, and fellow staff members, creating a sense of community and trust within the camp group.
• Possess the physical capability to safely perform lifts and transfers of children and young adults with disabilities as needed.
• Assess each camper's current developmental status, identifying areas for potential growth, and implementing strategies to support individual needs.
• Work closely with other camp staff to coordinate and integrate activities into the overall camp program, contributing to a cohesive and enriching experience.
• Keep records of participants' progress, achievements, as well as incident report forms, sharing insights with camp coordinators and relevant team members.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of campers at all times, implementing appropriate safety protocols and emergency procedures.
• Follow all safety procedures that pertain to the duties performed.  Support all aspects of the Peoria Park District and HISRA safety programs.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Essential Functions: The following work environment characteristics as described in this job description are representative of those of an indoor/ outdoor work environment the employee encounters while performing essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this job. While performing the functions of this role, the employee may be exposed to all types of lighting, weather and temperature conditions, such as sun, heat and humidity. The noise level in the work environment is usually moderately loud to very loud. This position also involves work in close quarters to buses during field trips with campers, and at various indoor locations.

Experience: Previous experience working with children and young adults with disabilities, demonstrating a genuine understanding and appreciation for their unique needs. Previous experience in classroom management, with the ability to create a positive and inclusive environment. 21 years or older preferred.

Knowledge and Ability:

• Physical ability to safely perform lifts and transfers of children and young adults with disabilities.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively engage with participants, parents, and co-workers.
• Enthusiastic, patient, and flexible approach to working in a camp setting.
• Ability to provide the best possible image if HISRA and its member districts so that the public respects and appreciates HISRA, its facility and the quality of its services.
• Requires a valid Illinois State Driver’s License.
• Ability to be professional, respectful, accountable, innovative, to follow safety procedures, and be equitable to both internal and external customers.

Perks:

• Part-time employees enjoy discounted recreation classes and free admission to select Park District facilities.

The Peoria Park District hires without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, citizenship status, ancestry, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, pregnancy, military status or unfavorable discharge from military service, protected veteran status, or on the basis of any characteristic protected by law.  

All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply.  

AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.