Art Specialist, Camp Star

The Arc of Union County, Inc. is a non-profit, 501c (3) organization headquartered in Springfield, NJ, dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals of all ages with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Arc serves more than 1,000 adults and children each month from the 21 towns in Union County, as well as the greater Northern and Central NJ counties. Under the direction of the Camp Director or designate this position is responsible for direct care and supervision of campers.

This position focuses on improving the quality of life of our camp participants by providing recreational activities in a camp setting, providing support and mentoring for all campers through a person‑focused approach and implementing the daily routines of camp. The Arts & Crafts Specialist is the onsite representative of the agency CAMP and responsible for fostering a FUN and SAFE environment in which participants are able to learn, develop and think creatively!

With the support and guidance of the Family Support team, the Director co‑leads the day‑to‑day program operations. In addition to maintaining the satisfaction of all students, parents, staff and community contacts, the Music Specialist will oversee the accuracy of day‑to‑day operations to include the dispensing of all camper medications and perform camper health assessments. Camp Star is offered 5 weeks in the Summer.

This is a safe, structured environment for children and teens ages 3 to 21 years old with special needs, and their siblings. Camp is designed to enhance personal and social development, language and communication skills, learning, and motor and muscular coordination. Camp Star also provides children and teens the opportunity to participate in planned programs in inclusive settings, such as day trips (museums, sporting events, performances), swimming, arts & crafts, adaptive physical education, nature exploration, hiking, karate, games and music appreciation.

Located at the Arc Family Center in Mountainside, New Jersey, Camp Star has both indoor and outdoor accessibility. When indoors, campers enjoy their day in a climate‑controlled building; in beautiful summer weather, they are just a few feet away from a open grassy area outdoors. The position requires organization and communication skills to support a participatory workplace environment, promoting mutual respect and acceptance of the abilities and viewpoints of all employees in a diverse work group.

Under the direction of the Camp Director or designate, this position is responsible for planning and administering all camp arts and crafts activities including daily classes, rainy day activities, and other special events. In addition, when not performing arts and crafts duties, the Arts and Crafts Specialist will work with assigned groups.

Scope And Limits Of Authority

This position does not have staff management authority but is dutifully required to meet the expectations of the agency fully and satisfactorily and or to fully meet the conditions of assigned work requirements for sound and functional operations. Receives structured direction and assignments from management. Incumbents work within a framework of established goals and objectives.

Reporting Relationship

This position assists and primarily reports to the Director of Family Support Services and also takes direction from the Assistant Director, Family Support or designee.

Qualifications: Possess or working towards a degree in Art Therapy, Special Education or related field. Working knowledge and experience working with persons with disabilities and/or children a plus. An interest in Arts & Crafts and abilities to design and facilitate Arts & Crafts activities.

• At least 18-years-old.
• Availability to work all 6 weeks of the camp season.

Skills/Abilities

Ensure a safe environment is always maintained for students and staff. Ensure proper supervision is always occurring, including but not limited to upholding ratios, conducting face counts, and managing risk and student behavior during activities and street crossing. Know and uphold CAMP safety policies and procedures. Execute an organized camper medication check‑in and check‑out each…