An instructor of the hearing impaired at Bay Cliff is a vital part of the total camp program. In addition to instructional duties, an instructor versed in sign language may be called upon to assist with interpreting for the deaf or teaching signs for a performance or various camp activities. Basic instructional areas of emphasis will include: speech intelligibility, speech reading, oral and written language, vocabulary, auditory training, academics, and social skills. The teaching of sign language will be used with campers who use total communication and for nonverbal children who communicate via sign language. Maintenance of hearing aids and teaching proper use and care of them is an ongoing role throughout the summer.
RESPONSIBLE TO: Therapy Coordinator, Camp Directors
GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) Have fun, enjoy being with children, and enter enthusiastically into camp life, activities & routines.
b) Develop and provide a realistic, positive, personalized seven-week instructional program.
c) Provide meaningful feedback and recommendations to referral professionals and parents in the form of a written report for each camper.
d) Carry out any other duties as may be assigned by the Therapy Coordinator.
SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES:
a) Arrive at camp on the specified day in your contract.
b) Evaluate & treat an average summer caseload of 15 campers in individual and/or group sessions. Each instructor will develop a short-term individualized program for the summer. This will also be facilitated by meeting with parents when campers arrive and evaluating each camper informally during the first week of camp.
c) Communicate to counselors the goals for each camper and assist them in working towards these goals through a cabin carryover plan within an everyday camp setting.
d) Attend daily departmental meetings to discuss the day’s announcements/camp events.
e) Attend staffings as needed for a camper(s) on your caseload.
f) Occasionally provide brief descriptions or demonstrations of your instructional program for visiting guests.
g) Participate in the general camp program. This includes attendance at meals, helping out with campers during evening programs, and participating in all-camp events such as the 4th of July celebration and Bay Cliff’s annual (but surprise) birthday party.
h) Accept assignment of Rest Counsel with the campers, and help with Dining Room duties, 2-3 times during the summer, as needed.
i) Clean, decorate and maintain your therapy cabin and the Speech Therapy Office at the beginning of camp, during, and at the end of camp.
QUALIFICATIONS:
a) Must be certified as a teacher of the hearing impaired (include a photocopy of teaching certificate with application) or certified as a special education teacher or specialized clinician of the hearing impaired with a background in language development, linguistics, or aural rehabilitation.
b) Need to have an ability to work with others on staff in a spirit of cooperation, patience, and respect.
c) Desire to live and work in a camp setting.
d) A love for children is a must!
PRE-REQUISTITES FOR A SUCCESSFUL INSTRUCTIONAL PROGRAM:
a) Instructors who have knowledge/competence in their field, the ability to convey knowledge or techniques in a meaningful way.
b) Staff members who have the ability to communicate with campers and co-workers and be respectful of their opinions, needs, differences.
c) Individuals who demonstrate respect for differing philosophies and ability to work with other disciplines.
d) Individuals who demonstrate flexibility.
e) Individuals whose spirit of cooperation allows them to work as a team.
**ALL STAFF ARE RESPONSIBLE FOR CLEANING THEIR DEPARTMENTS AND LIVING QUARTERS AT THE BEGINNING, DURING, AND AT THE END OF CAMP.
**Other duties may be assigned by the Therapy Coordinator or the Camp Directors.
Program details are provided in the summer overview for therapy staff.
Revised 3/15/09
