The Respite Apprentice- will serve a minimum of 300 hours of service from September 2022- April 2023. This includes serving at least eight (8) weekends and one training weekend (September 16-18, 2022 or January 14-15, 2023). Members are expected to serve at Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek from 4:00pm Friday afternoon through 2:00pm Sunday afternoon. 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
Service Activities
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.
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 Directors.
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.
Train and assist volunteers that attend both Respite Camp and Camp Wawbeek sessions.
Maintain a safe therapeutic and inclusive environment for all campers.
Attitude & General Responsibilities:
Accept responsibility for overall health and safety of all campers, staff and AmeriCorps members.
Serve as model representatives of Easterseals Wisconsin and AmeriCorps.
Consult with supervisor(s) regarding any ideas, issues or concerns, offering analysis and solutions whenever possible.
Practice sound health habits to effectively perform position requirements.
Respect confidentiality of campers, staff and AmeriCorps members.
Learn camp emergency procedures and follow emergency protocol if necessary.
Assist with camp clean-up on last day of each session.
Provide overnight on-call on-site for camper support during sessions.
Report any accidents, illness, or sickness to supervisor(s) or nurse.
Maintain all necessary records, monitoring and evaluation data regarding service activities they are due and that the reports are accurate.
The following is a partial list of required reports:
o AmeriCorps Member Timesheet in OnCorps
o End of Term Member Reflection
o Exit Survey
In addition, the member may be mobilized for disaster response in Wisconsin, perform service on national service days and participate in other service projects or events coordinated by Easterseals Wisconsin.
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 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.
Community Need Addressed
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.
Position Outcomes
The AmeriCorps Respite Apprentice- will provide direct service 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.
Benefits
Education award upon successful completion of service, Housing, Living allowance, Student loan forbearance, Training
AmeriCorps members will be provided room and board while serving during Camp sessions, training and on-site community service. In addition, member will receive a living allowance totaling $2,074 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 $1,347.50 if the full term of service is completed.
Education Benefits
College Degree
CPR & First Aid
Skills you will gain
Direct personal care, program facilitation, adaptation, timekeeping, documentation
Competencies You Will Develop
Communication
Demonstrate sensitivity and empathy, Lead group discussion, Listen to and consider others' viewpoints, Maintain open lines of communication with others, Turn taking, Write cleary and effectively
Creativity & Problem Solving
Able to identify and define the problem, Capable of generating possible solutions, Communicate the problem to appropriate personnel, Improvise, Provide relevant expertise, Select and implement well-considered solution
Teamwork
Derive consensus, Develop constructive working relationships and maintain them over time, Establish a high degree of trust and credibility with others, Interact professionally and respectfully with supervisors and co-workers, Stay positive and outcome oriented, Use appropriate strategies and solutions for dealing with conflicts and differences to maintain a smooth workflow
Decisions
Accepts responsibility, Anticipate the consequences of decisions, Identify and prioritize the key issues involved to facilitate the decision making process, Involve people appropriately in decisions that may impact them, Quickly respond with a back-up plan if a decision goes amiss
Planning
Able to prioritize various competing tasks, Create environment of contribution, Create plan of action, schedule tasks so that work is completed on time, Demonstrate the effective allocation of time and resources efficiently, Drive decision making, Effectively delegate tasks, Facilitate group planning, Set goals
Service
Be pleasant, courteous, professional and respectful when dealing with internal and external customers or clients, Evaluate customer or client satisfaction, Honor the privilege of being able to work with and for those being served, Provide personalized, prompt, and efficient service to meet the requirements, requests and needs of customers, Recognize the importance of maintaining privacy and confidentiality of those being served, Understand and anticipate the needs of others, Understand the importance of one's role in the functioning of the organization, Understand the significance of maintaining a healthful and safe environment