Behavior Specialist

About Mass Audubon
Mass Audubon is the largest nature-based conservation organization in New England. Founded in 1896 by two women who fought for the protection of birds, Mass Audubon carries on their legacy by focusing on the greatest challenges facing the environment today: the loss of biodiversity, inequitable access to nature, and climate change. With the help of our 160,000 members and supporters, we protect wildlife, conserve and restore resilient land, advocate for impactful environmental policies, offer nationally recognized education programs for adults and children, and provide endless opportunities to experience the outdoors at our wildlife sanctuaries. Explore, find inspiration, and take action at massaudubon.org. 

About This Position
Moose Hill Nature Camp is seeking individuals to foster experiential nature-based learning for campers. We aim to promote positive youth development, stewardship for the environment, and a respectful and inclusive safe space for all our campers.

The Behavior Specialist is a caring, positive professional who provides social, emotional and behavioral support, services, and solutions to all campers and staff. They spend each day walking around our site, visiting and engaging with camp groups, and checking in on campers. They communicate via a two-way radio, respond to calls on the spot, and maintain contact with campers’ families.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Work alongside the camp administrative team to support the health and well-being of all campers and staff
• Assist the Camp Director Team and Health Care staff, if applicable, to identify and communicate with caregivers whose campers may need support during their camp sessions, review relevant documents (IEPs, family communications), and maintain contact with families throughout their session
• Train, brief, and assist counselors with techniques for working with campers’ behavioral, mental, social, and emotional needs, including campers with special needs (autism, ADHD, non-verbal, sensory integration, etc.) 
• Provide direct care to staff and campers within the scope of your skills, the camp’s health care manual, and treatment procedures
• Respond to radio calls and check in with camp groups before, during, and after the camp day
• Keep detailed notes of conversations with caregivers, campers, and staff and follow up on needs
• Assist with other tasks as needed 
• Participate in all camp activities such as opening and closing circle, all camp games, and camp clean up 
• Address conflicts, concerns, questions, and issues with parents and staff 
• Substitute teach as necessary 
• Abide by and enforce camp policies

Qualifications
At Mass Audubon, our highest priority is finding the best candidate for the job. Research has shown that people of color and women are less likely to apply for jobs if they don’t believe they meet every one of the qualifications described in a job description. We encourage you to apply, even if you don't believe you meet every one of our described qualifications or you have a less traditional background.

Required qualifications as per Massachusetts Department of Public Health (MA DPH) regulations, American Camp Association standards and Mass Audubon Policy:

• Must be 21+
• Bachelor’s degree or higher in counseling, therapy, or related field preferred 
• Documented experience working with children and/or youth with special needs
• Demonstrated ability to promote and respect diversity
• Participate in mandated, paid camp training and utilize learning including: natural history, communication, group management, health and safety, and teaching techniques
• Provide documented proof of immunity or vaccination record as mandated by MA DPH; complete camp health form and waiver
• The physical demands listed are representative of those that must be met by the employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.   
• While performing the duties of this position, routinely the employee is required to talk, hear, sit, stand, bend/stoop, crawl/kneel, carry, reach, push/pull, walk over uneven terrain, and occasionally lift up to 40 lbs. Employee is required to apply manual dexterity in combination with eye-hand coordination to operate basic hand tools and two-way radio.
• Employee must have good vision to read documents for general understanding and for analytical purposes, to observe camper and staff behavior, and to enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures. Occasionally the employee is required to review non-written materials for general observation purposes and for analytical, detailed purposes. Occasionally it is necessary for the employee to differentiate between colors.
• Employee is required to have physical ability to respond to situations requiring first aid. Must be able to assist campers in an emergency (fire, evacuation, illness, or injury), and an ability to maintain constant supervision of campers under their care.

Desired Qualifications

• Have experience working in nature-based learning environments
• Have a strong interest or related education experience in Environmental Studies, Biology, Conservation, Education, or related field
• Familiarity with regional natural history, wildlife conservation, or other applicable natural history topics

Perks of Working at Mass Audubon

• Free First Aid/CPR training class offered to staff in June
• “Pro- Deal” discounts on outdoor clothing, equipment and more
• Network with Mass Audubon staff (Conservation, Education, Climate Science, etc.)
• Training in Natural History & Classroom Management