Wellness Specialist (Social Worker)

Organization Summary: BBYO is the leading pluralistic, Jewish teen movement and has been providing exceptional leadership programs and identity enrichment experiences for more than 90 years. We offer year-round activities in hundreds of local communities and inspiring world-wide travel experiences enabling teens to explore areas of leadership, service, civic engagement, Israel education and Jewish values. Learn more about BBYO’s summer and travel programs at: bbyo.org/teens/experiences/summer.

International Leadership Training Conference (ILTC) is a 19-day program designed to hone leadership skills for teens serving (or aspiring to serve) as regional BBYO position-holders in their home communities. ILTC participants often become the top leaders of the BBYO teen movement, gaining skills in recruitment, program planning and civic engagement. ILTC is expected to reach 200 teens.

Kallah is a 3-week Jewish learning and spirituality institute that inspires teens to explore their Jewish identities and interests in a diverse, pluralistic setting encouraging questioning and experimentation. Kallah participants gain important Judaic skills and come away feeling a deeper connection to Jewish study, Israel, and community. Kallah is expected to reach 200 teens.

Dates and Availability - * Preference will go to candidates available for consecutive program availability *

Perlman Summer* * Preference will go to candidates available for consecutive program availability *
Work Commitment:
ILTC: Sunday, June 18 – July 12, 2023
Kallah: Sunday, July 9 – August 1, 2023
Perlman Summer*: Sunday, June 18 – August 1, 2023
Location: Lake Como, Pennsylvania

Position Description

Responsible for monitoring the emotional well-being of all participants and staff.

General Responsibility: To identify and meet participant needs:

Review each participant’s profile and help staff to plan for participants’ needs
Observe all participants and follow up on any potential issues
Assist with camp adjustment issues and separation anxiety
Provide support to staff as they deal with participant behavior such as aggression, homesickness, teasing, or bullying
Be alert to issues that may arise from pre-existing family situations such as recent death, divorce, or serious illness in the family
Consult with staff as they work with children with diagnosed disorders
Work closely with the camp nurse to monitor the overlap of the physical and emotional wellbeing of participants.
Be available to all staff regarding any issue surrounding a participant or the bunk group
Meet with individual teens or bunk groups when necessary
Work with appropriate staff to develop strategies for success for teens in need
Contact parents to discuss participants when necessary
Be available to respond to crisis situations
Be available and present to teens and staff throughout the camp day
Supervise Camper Support Specialist when the position exists
In matters of concern regarding teen behavior, inform the Site Director and Director of Inclusion

General Responsibility: Staff Training and Supervision

Plan and implement relevant staff training sessions during Staff Training and as needed throughout the summer
Assist Leadership Team, Educators, Leadership Staff, and Madrichim/Counselors to understand the needs of their teens
Assist staff in creating an environment where the teen feels emotionally supported and physically safe
Train staff on relevant mental, emotional, spiritual health challenges
Teach staff methods for providing opportunities for the teen to achieve success
Teach staff appropriate methods of dealing with teen behavioral issues
Provide emotional support to staff and monitor staff morale

Additional Expectations:

Prepare curriculum for teens on one of the various topics- conflict resolution, communication, stress, peer pressure, handling and managing change, or work with the Site Director on other relevant topics
Be available for pre-camp conversation and pre-camp planning
Participate in Staff Training
Prepare for and actively participate in staff trainings, meetings, and supervisory conferences
Attend meetings with nurse(s) and Site Director
Meet regularly with Madrichim/Counselors to discuss any participant, bunk or staff concerns
Meet regularly with Site Director to discuss ongoing issues
Communicate in a manner that is respectful of others
Be a positive, contributing member of the Leadership Team.
Assume all other responsibilities and perform whatever duties are necessary to assure the efficient and successful operation of the Division.
Follow and Enforce all COVID camp guidelines.

In addition to the job responsibilities listed above, our 2023 Summer Experience jobs may include additional responsibilities directly related to creating a safe and healthy environment at camp during COVID-19. Some additional job responsibilities may include:

Help clean and disinfect cabins, activity areas, dining hall, and/or other communal spaces as needed
Be a role model for campers in following all COVID related health and safety procedures implemented at camp
Support campers in understanding why COVID health and safety protocols exist and ensure protocols are strictly followed

BBYO is working to prepare the necessary measures to limit the spread of COVID at camp and to keep our campers and staff healthy. We will continuously update our protocols based on the recommended guidelines issued by the CDC, federal and local state governments.

Position is not an agent, partner, or employee of BBYO. Position is an independent contract role. 

For more information, please contact call 202-857-6549.

Qualifications: Required: Master’s degree in Social Work (MSW, LCSW, LICSW), Master's degree in Mental Health Counseling (LMHC), or Related Field. Candidate must hold active license. Experience working with children/adolescents.