Respite Apprentice - Summer 900 hour term

AmeriCorps Position Description

Purpose and Scope: Easterseals Wisconsin’s AmeriCorps members will provide intensive personal care and lead therapeutic recreation activities for individuals with disabilities, youth in transitions, and veterans and their families at Easterseals Wisconsin Camps in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

Selection Process: In order to be considered for the AmeriCorps position, submit an application through www.americorps.gov. Staff will review applications and invite the applicant to interview, if appropriate. If selected, applicant will need to pass a state and FBI background check to become enrolled in the program. To serve in AmeriCorps at Easterseals Wisconsin, member must be at least 18 years old, must be high school graduates, GED recipients, working toward attaining a high school diploma or GED, and be a U.S. citizen or lawful permanent resident.

Respite Apprentice Responsibilities: The AmeriCorps Respite Apprentice will provide direct services and camper care for campers with disabilities at Camp Wawbeek and Respite Camp. Easterseals Wisconsin Camps provides caregivers a break from the strains of caring for a loved one with a disability. This position provides hands-on experience for students in nursing, occupational therapy, recreation therapy and anyone interested in learning more about serving people with disabilities.

The Respite Apprentice- will serve a minimum of 900 hours of service from May/June 2024- August 2024. This includes AmeriCorps orientation and General Camp Training (May 20th -24th & May 30th- June 7th) and serving at least ten (10) weeks. Members are expected to serve at Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek from Sunday 11am – Friday 5:00pm. Primary service site will be in Wisconsin Dells, WI.

• Familiarize yourself with the needs of the camper(s) in your care. As appropriate, assist, instruct, and supervise campers in personal care skills, including dressing, toileting, eating, showering, lifting and transferring.
• Ensure campers are at the activities of his/her choice. Encourage and assist campers to participate fully in activities. Adapt activities as needed.
• Ensure campers receive medications on time.
• Assist staff and other AmeriCorps members when possible.

Program Leadership Responsibilities:

• Plan and lead therapeutic based programs as assigned, including sports and games, arts and crafts, drama, music and dance, and community trips.
• Train and provide leadership for their Ropes Course or Lifeguarding duties.
• Assist AmeriCorps members and staff in programming and activity facilitation.
• Participate in all required AmeriCorps Orientations, trainings (Citizenship Training, Conflict Resolution and CPR/First Aid), and meetings, as provided by the AmeriCorps Program Manager.
• Participate in all required camp orientations and general trainings under American Camping Association (ACA) standards, as provided by the Site Supervisors.
• Participate in AmeriCorps events as required and requested by the Wisconsin National and Community Service board, such as the opening and closing events, and National Day of Service.
• Make connections with individuals and volunteers in the community for program outreach and program enhancement.
• Assist volunteers that attend both Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek sessions.
• Maintain a safe therapeutic and inclusive environment for all campers.

Skill Requirements: Essential functions include the ability to: (1) lift 30 lbs to waist level, (2) physically assist both child and adult campers, (3) identify and respond to environmental or other hazards, (4) observe and assess for campers’ behavioral and physical well-being, (5) use expressive and receptive communication skills, and (6) enforce safety, emergency, and behavior management techniques. The position requires eagerness to work with people with disabilities (a vulnerable population) and an ability to work as a team member, with minimum supervision, and to perform all position duties. Easterseals Wisconsin is an equal opportunity employer.

Program Benefits: AmeriCorps members will be provided with room and board while serving during Camp sessions, training and on-site community service. In addition, member will receive a living allowance totaling $5,850 for the full term of service. After successfully completing a term of service, AmeriCorps member will be eligible to receive an education award. The education award can be used to pay education costs at qualified institutions of higher education or training programs, or to repay qualified student loans. The award will equal $3,447.50 if the full term of service is completed.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time, Temporary

Pay: $500.00 - $900.00 per month

Application Question(s):

• Understand that Summer Respite Apprentices will serve and live on site in Wisconsin Dells, WI.
• AmeriCorps members serve upwards to 80-90 hours per week including overnight care of campers.

Work Location: In person