POSITION SUMMARY

Youth Program Facilitators are responsible for the delivery and overall safety of programs that occur during the school-year (spring and fall seasons) on Thompson Island. Working with students in small groups of 8-12, Facilitators are responsible for structuring a safe, inclusive and fun learning environment for all participants. Through the use of games and initiatives, high and low challenge course elements, hands-on-science lessons, and group processing and reflection, facilitators promote teamwork, character-development, perseverance and effective communication for youth from a wide range of backgrounds, and of varying ages. Current Basic First Aid and CPR required, Wilderness First Aid and CPR encouraged.

Connections Programs serve middle schools in the Boston Public School district. The program seeks to narrow the opportunity gap for urban students in Boston Schools by providing hands-on science education and character-building experiences. Designed to inspire an interest in science and promote the development of social emotional skills, Connections courses run on Thompson Island for one to three days, including up to two overnights.  The majority of these programs utilize established STEM curriculum based on the Massachusetts State Science Standards, delivered in nature.

 Discovery Programs serve a diverse range of ages and populations, from Boston-area youth to

University age students on courses lasting in length from 1-3 days. Discovery programs are custom-designed, utilizing the low and high ropes challenge course elements to provide tailored, adventure-based experiences for young people. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Actively participate and contribute to all pre-season trainings and in-season professional development sessions.

Prepare and facilitate teambuilding games and initiatives, high and low challenge course elements and hands-on-science lessons in accordance with course outcomes and student needs (day, overnight, and multi-day expeditions).
Attend pre-course meetings, collaborate with co-instructor to plan course activities that meet programmatic and client objectives.
Collaborate with co-instructor(s), Course Director and Logistics Manager to ensure all students are physically equipped with appropriate clothing and gear per the time of season and fitting to the experience.
Deliver clear and concise course expectations, activity and safety instructions to all participants.
Review and maintain familiarity with student medical paperwork, administer and log student medications as necessary.
Responsible for supervision on overnight programming including sleeping in dormitories, mealtime, and recreational time.
Maintain 100% sight and sound at all times, providing 24-hour emotional and physical support to students.
Facilitate prompt arrival to designated locations with students; maintain awareness and understanding of daily schedules.
Responsible for daily program setup & cleanup, attending course briefs and debriefs, and maintaining care for the organization’s resources and supplies.
Complete professional and timely paperwork following the conclusion of every course.

Participate in post-course debrief and feedback sessions as designated.  
Respond to course delivery needs and/or behavioral/medical needs in accordance with TIOBEC policy and procedure.
Demonstrate a commitment to OBUSA safety standards and TIOBEC Charter Operating Policy and Procedures.

ACCOUNTABILITIES

Key Relations:

Co-facilitators

Discovery and Connections Program Managers
Director of Program Delivery
Youth Program Course Director(s)

Logistics Manager

Site Management Team

QUALIFICATIONS

Bachelor’s degree in related field preferred.
1-2 years’ experience working directly with youth in one or more of the following fields:

Environmental education/field-based science education
Challenge Course Facilitation
Informal education/youth development
Outdoor education/recreation

1-2 years of experience and investment in working with urban and at-risk youth.
Significant experience with behavior and group management required.
Experience with Challenge Course or climbing a plus.

Current Wilderness First Aid (WFA) and CPR Certifications.
Strong interpersonal skills, ability to give and receive appropriate and timely feedback.
Ability to effectively facilitate teambuilding activities, foster leadership skills, and cultivate positive group dynamics in groups of students.
Passion for developing middle school students in their growth socially and academically.
Knowledge of the flora and fauna of the Massachusetts coastline, or an interest and ability to learn quickly.
Ability to work both independently and as part of a team.
Ability to dependably serve as a positive role model to students and peers at all times.
Demonstrated ability to communicate and present ideas with clarity, credibility, humility and tact: professional attitude and demeanor.
Proven success operating in dynamic and changing environments.
Ability to reflect on progress against goals for self and others while recognizing and addressing barriers to progress.
Possesses openness, responsiveness, approachability, and understanding of others’ perspectives with the demonstrated ability to maintain and build relationships through collaboration.
Demonstrates sound judgment.

Dual language speaker preferred, specifically Spanish, Cape Verdean, and/or Haitian Creole.
Experience working with students with cognitive learning disabilities preferred.

WORK CONDITIONS

Expected ongoing coordination and collaboration with all Course Directors and co-facilitators
Environmental fluctuations are typical of the New England coast, and can include hot, humid weather, and unseasonably cool, rainy, and windy coastal weather; must be comfortable working outside in either of these extremes for extended periods of time
Work with students 24 hours/day for entire duration of course (1-3 days)

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

Must be at least 21 years of age
All positions reporting hours to the island, are asked to assist loading/unloading cargo from the boat as able.  This involves lifting and walking with parcels upwards of 50lbs on and off moving docks and up/down ramps
Must be able to be on feet and/or active an average of 8+ hours per day

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

Competitive daily pay commensurate with experience. Earned Sick Time. 401K retirement plan with competitive match once pre-requisites are met. Worker’s Compensation Insurance. Accident Insurance. Access to professional discount programs for gear and clothing.  Temporary housing provided on Thompson Island for positions that necessitate. Possibility for summer employment, depending on experience, interest and qualification.

Thompson Island Outward Bound Education Center is an equal opportunity employer and actively seeks staff as diverse as the communities it serves. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law.