Northeast - Job Postings
Adirondack Leadership Expeditions
Wilderness Field Instructor
Located in the heart of the Adirondack Mountains, A.L.E. utilizes a primitive skills teaching modality, group dynamics facilitation, experiential education curricula, and in-depth Master’s-level counseling to effect change within our students. We provide an intervention and assessment program for at-risk teens from across the U.S. Most of the students coming to A.L.E. display self-defeating behaviors and destructive decision-making patterns, which manifest as substance use problems, difficulty in school, deteriorating personal relationships, a lack of personal care, angry and oppositional behavior, and a general loss of control in their lives. A.L.E. aims to unearth the gifts and talents that have been buried beneath these unhealthy patterns of behavior. We then aim to provide our students with tools to respond to challenges in a productive, solution-oriented manner by challenging their “old habits” and cultivating a desire for change within each student. A.L.E. is an empowerment program intended for our students to walk away at the beginning of a long road of growth, more self-reliant, able to sustain meaningful relationships, and possessing a stronger personal integrity.
We serve a maximum of 8 students per group. A team consisting of 2- 3 Field Instructors (1 head and 1- 2 assistants) and a Field Supervisor facilitate the course. Instructors are with the students around the clock. During each 7-day week, groups spend approximately 5 days on expedition and 2 days at A.L.E. base camp depending on season. The Field Supervisor engages the students in deeper-level counseling and works with their parents. Under the direction of the Field Supervisor, instructors carry out specific outcomes for all students and devise strategies for reaching the intended outcomes in the field. Students progress through the program as evidenced by their investment, responsibility, and integration of the emotional work.
Pre-requisites:
* 21 Years of Age
* Have current Adult CPR and Basic First-Aid Certifications (must be current prior to working with students). Wilderness First Aid or Wilderness First Responder is preferred.
* Experience in 1 or more of the following areas is a plus: 1) Experience with at-risk youth in a work setting; 2) Experience in a counseling/teaching capacity with adolescents; 3) Personal competency with wilderness skills and/or a background in facilitating experiential education.
* A strength and commitment towards pro-active, interpersonal communication amidst constant challenge.
The Field Instructor position in a nutshell (Just a taste! Roles vary dependent on instructor level):
* First and foremost - have a high investment towards effecting a positive change within student lives and a congruency with our mission.
* Lead 8-day courses of up to eight at-risk teens into the Adirondack Mountains, accounting for 24-hr safety and supervision. Each week, approximately 2 days (seasonal) are spent at base camp conducting life skills and experiential activities with Field Supervisors.
* Participate in a pre-course training, mid-course evaluation, and a post-course debriefing. Trainings involve communication strategies, hard-skills training, field safety, field logistics, etc.
* Inspire and create self-reliance and personal care standards, insuring student safety and success.
* Employ our primitive skills modality: primitive fire making, simple traps, no-trace camping, simple shelter and bedroll construction, etc.
* Work with counseling team to identify student’s patterns of behavior and their underlying, positive intentions.
* Track and guide emotional growth curve of students through facilitation of an emotional growth workbook.
* Collaborate with Field Supervisor in order to devise practical strategies to re-frame student’s unhealthy beliefs with positive, healthy beliefs.
* Facilitate practice of individual goals via primitive skills instruction, simulated families, map and compass navigation, team-building initiatives, ropes course, personal reflection activities, journal writing, etc.
* Empower students to take responsibility for their actions and consequences, make healthy choices, build and maintain strong relationships, and demonstrate community service towards others.
* Instruct and review student curriculum.
All instructors are evaluated rigorously by their Head Instructors, Field Supervisors, and Field Directors. Instructors advance through a 5-tier role-system by completing “Instructor Growth Books,” a performance assessment plan that relates directly to upward mobility and pay increases.
Employment benefits include medical, vision insurance, and a 401K plan. I will be happy to discuss wage information in a phone call, please contact me at 208.724.9077. You can also find out more information regarding our program by looking at our website at www.adirondackleadership.com
I genuinely hope that we may explore avenues of employment together and
look forward to considering you for our team.
Please either fax or email resume to me with the information below.
Becky Stockham
bstockham@aspeneducationgroup.com
828.242.2431 cell
828.684.8667 office
828.684.9098 fax
Alldredge Wilderness Journey
Counselors
Want to make a difference. Alldredge Wilderness Journey, a therapeutic boarding school, located in Davis West Virginia, is seeking counselors who would like to be involved in one of the countries most innovative models of intervention. The ideal applicant will be familiar with family systems, experiential therapy and enjoy being exposed to cutting edge therapeutic modalities. At Alldredge we work to affect change and emotional growth for our students. Using a unique therapeutic model that concentrates on life patterns and core beliefs students learn new strategies to deal with conflict and decisions. Counselors work with a treatment team to ensure the safety and emotional growth of students in our program. Requirements: Applicants must be at least 21 years of age, possess a current driver’s license, a bachelor’s degree and excellent leadership skills are required. A Master’s Degree in a related field, three years related experience, eligible for licensure and experience working with youth preferred. Alldredge Academy is an equal opportunity employer.
Competitive benefits
Health Insurance
PTO package
401-k options
Salary based on experience and education.
Please send resume to Alldredge Academy
Human Resources
P.O. Box 310
Davis WV, 26260
Alldredge Wilderness Journey
SAR Instructor
Alldredge Wilderness Journey, a therapeutic boarding school, located in Davis West Virginia, is seeking team leaders and instructors who would like to be involved in one of the countries most innovative models of intervention. As a Wilderness Team Leader/SAR Instructor you will become a model, steward, and teacher to groups of up to eight students enrolled in our initial Wilderness Search and Rescue Phase. While living and working outdoors 24 hours beside youth 12 – 18 and with the support of team members, you will not only teach outdoor search and rescue techniques, primitive living skills and course curriculum, but also help students navigate and negotiate obstacles between where they are and where they want and need to be, both physically and emotionally. Flexible year-round schedules are available, typically rotating two weeks on duty and two weeks off. Requirements: most possess a related Bachelor’s Degree and/or several years of experience working with, guiding, or leading outdoor groups and/or at-risk youth. Excellent leadership and interpersonal skills, flexibility, maturity, innovation, and the ability to be a team player are strongly preferred. Physical requirements include the ability to hike with a 40 – 6-0 lb backpack. Wilderness experience helpful, but knowledge of primitive living skills is not required.
Competitive benefits
Health Insurance
PTO package
401-k options
Salary based on experience and education.
Please send resume to Alldredge Wilderness Journey
Human Resources
P.O. Box 310
Davis WV, 26260
Or email: marianbrowning@alldredgewildernessjourney.com
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
Clinical Director Job Description
Duties & Responsibilities
* Supervision of clinical staff.
* Development and supervision of clinical programming
* Develop individualized treatment and after care plans .
* Conduct family sessions as needed.
* On-call duties
* Assist in development and administration of community programming
* Ensure proper documentation of contact with clients, families, and coordinating agencies.
* Establish and maintain relationships with coordinating agencies, programs, and
educational consultants to insure continuity of client’s treatment.
* Facilitate family weekend programming.
* Assist in hiring, training and evaluation of staff
* Be available to go into the field in times of crisis, physical illness, or injury.
* Keep appraised of current techniques and research related to the field of wilderness therapy, experiential education, and current industry standards.
* Develop and maintain psycho-educational curriculum to be used in therapeutic programming.
* Facilitate weekly treatment team meetings.
Minimum Qualifications
* Master’s Degree in, Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field. Current licensure or eligibility for licensure (with in six months) for the state of Virginia.
* At least two years professional experience working in the field of wilderness therapy, therapeutic residential treatment, or related counseling field.
* At least one year of experience in a supervisory position.
* Ability to work in multiple roles
* Ability to create and work within organizational systems
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume by either mail or email to:
Matthew Weneta
Director
matthew@blackwateroutdoor.com
804-378-9006 Ext.2
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
13805 Village Mill Dr. #203
Midlothian, VA 23114
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
Field Instructor Job Description
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is an experiential, therapeutic treatment program. Primarily, we offer 21-day wilderness adventure courses in a variety of wilderness settings to aid adolescents and young adults in initiating positive growth and change within personal, family, peer, and school relationships. Blackwater also offers local experiential therapy and learning opportunities within the special needs community.
Our program is focused on encouraging self-discovery, self-confidence, discipline, trust, problem solving skills, personal strengths, and the establishment of more clear communication patterns. Participants we serve may be experiencing behavioral problems, low self-esteem, manipulative behavior, depression, difficulty accepting responsibility, poor motivation, or chemical dependency. We generally work with individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in our program. Each course has a maximum participant to instructor ratio of six to two, which includes a Field Therapist and Field Instructor.
We differentiate ourselves in the industry by having a master’s level therapist in the field full time. All of our clients are willing participants who choose to take part. This perception of freedom and choice translates to higher levels of intrinsic motivation and greater success rates. We do not accept escorted participants; we are a hands off program, no restraints. As well all therapeutic expeditions include three modes of transportation; backpacking, paddling and rock climbing.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Primary responsibility of the Field Instructor is to teach backcountry skills, solidify course logistics, ensure group safety, and serve as a positive role model for the course participants.
- Assist in course preparation, which includes creating a course itinerary, meal planning, gear pack out, assisting with client treatment plans, participation in staff meetings, and participation in staff development.
- Behavior and language should communicate effective leadership and positive personal growth.
- Assist in creating a safe therapeutic environment for the course participants to explore their own emotional growth.
- Work closely with the Field Therapist in carrying out established therapeutic goals and objectives for each participant on course.
Minimum Qualifications:
- A distinct combination of education, training, and personal experience is required to carry out responsibilities of this position.
- Teaching level proficiency in at least three modes of wilderness travel (Backpacking, rock climbing, canoeing or kayaking).
- WFR or higher medical certification.
- B.A. or B.S. in related field preferred; NOLS, OB, or similar training; or experience working with at-risk youth and young adults in a wilderness setting.
- Must be at least 21 years of age.
- Able to pass a State of Virginia Criminal Background Check.
Compensation: $100 - $135 per day commensurate with experience and qualifications.
To Apply - Please send a cover letter and resume by either mail or email to:
Matthew Weneta
Program Director
weneta@blackwateroutdoor.com
804-378-9006 Ext.2
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
13805 Village Mill Dr. #203
Midlothian, VA 23114
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
Field Operations Manager
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is an experiential, therapeutic treatment program. Primarily, we offer 21-day wilderness adventure courses in a variety of wilderness settings to aid adolescents and young adults in initiating positive growth and change within personal, family, peer, and school relationships. Blackwater also offers local experiential therapy and learning opportunities within the special needs community.
Our program is focused on encouraging self-discovery, self-confidence, discipline, trust, problem solving skills, personal strengths, and the establishment of more clear communication patterns. Participants we serve may be experiencing behavioral problems, low self-esteem, manipulative behavior, depression, difficulty accepting responsibility, poor motivation, or chemical dependency. We generally work with individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in our program. Each course has a maximum participant to instructor ratio of six to two, which includes a Field Therapist and Field Instructor.
We differentiate ourselves in the industry by having a master’s level therapist in the field full time. All of our clients are willing participants who choose to take part. This perception of freedom and choice translates to higher levels of intrinsic motivation and greater success rates. We do not accept escorted participants; we are a hands off program, no restraints. As well all therapeutic expeditions include three modes of transportation; backpacking, paddling and rock climbing.
Duties & Responsibilities:
o Assist the Program Director with overall programming operations and functions.
o Required to be on-call to support field operations and emergency situations.
o Ensure all course related logistics meet industry standards.
o Ensure that all course related program documents are completed, signed, and filed appropriately.
o Ensure that all employees are current with certifications required to perform assigned duties.
o Responsible for conducting in-field observations and evaluations of Field Staff performance.
o Assist in staff training, development efforts, and policy & procedures adjustments.
o Update Field Staff on all policy and procedure amendments.
o Manage rock climbing sites when necessary.
o Repair and maintain equipment as necessary.
o Assist in posting job openings, scheduling, and attending interviews for Field Instructors.
o Scout and secure new course areas for program use.
o Ensure permitting is kept up to date with current course areas, along with obtaining information and requirements for potential course areas.
o Responsible for reporting directly to the Program Director
o Participate in required administrative meetings.
o The Field Operations Manager will be responsible for replacing field staff in the case of emergencies
Minimum Qualifications:
* Bachelors Degree in Related field Masters preferred
* Two years experience leading wilderness trips
* Ability to create and work within organizational systems
* Wilderness First Responder
* Knowledge and desire to do research in the field preferred
* Website design experience preferred
* Able to pass a Criminal Background Check.
To Apply:
Please send a cover letter and resume by either mail or email to:
Matthew Weneta
Program Director
matthew@blackwateroutdoor.com
804-378-9006 Ext.2
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
13805 Village Mill Dr. #203
Midlothian, VA 23114
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
Field Therapist
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences is an experiential, therapeutic treatment program. Primarily, we offer 21-day wilderness adventure courses in a variety of wilderness settings to aid adolescents and young adults in initiating positive growth and change within personal, family, peer, and school relationships. Blackwater also offers local experiential therapy and learning opportunities within the special needs community.
Our program is focused on encouraging self-discovery, self-confidence, discipline, trust, problem solving skills, personal strengths, and the establishment of more clear communication patterns. Participants we serve may be experiencing behavioral problems, low self-esteem, manipulative behavior, depression, difficulty accepting responsibility, poor motivation, or chemical dependency. We generally work with individuals who have demonstrated a willingness to participate in our program. Each course has a maximum participant to instructor ratio of six to two, which includes a Field Therapist and Field Instructor.
We differentiate ourselves in the industry by having a master’s level therapist in the field full time. All of our clients are willing participants who choose to take part. This perception of freedom and choice translates to higher levels of intrinsic motivation and greater success rates. We do not accept escorted participants; we are a hands off program, no restraints. As well all therapeutic expeditions include three modes of transportation; backpacking, paddling and rock climbing.
Duties & Responsibilities:
· Develop client specific treatment plans as part of Tx team.
· Conduct group counseling sessions and formal individual sessions on 21 day wilderness-based therapeutic courses.
· Responsible for recording each client’s experience in daily progress notes and in a thorough discharge summary.
· Teach relevant educational or life-skills as outlined in course curriculum.
· Willingness to participate in all outdoor activities and assist Field Instructor in hard skills instruction during course.
· Assist in facilitation of group family session at course end in accordance with program standards and goals.
· Assist in the development of sound aftercare recommendations with administrative staff that will be considered closely by clients and family.
· Must ensure physical and emotional safety of group and adherence to standards outlined in the program manual.
· Behavior and language should exhibit effective leadership, communication, and positive personal growth.
· Assist in completion of thorough course preparation which includes: creating a course itinerary, meal planning, gear pack out, assisting with client treatment plans, and participation in staff meetings and staff development.
· Assist the Field Instructor and the Field Operations Manager with additional responsibilities during course preparation and debrief.
· Conduct family sessions.
· Willingness to perform in multiple roles and in multiple programs.
Minimum Qualifications:
· Master’s Degree in Social Work, Counseling, Psychology or related field.
· Professional experience working with at-risk youth or young adults.
· Previous formal wilderness experience beneficial (NOLS, OB, other), but not required.
· Basic First Aid or Wilderness First Aid and CPR required upon start date.
· Must be at least 21 years of age.
· Able to pass a State of Virginia Criminal Background Check.
Compensation and Work Load:
This is a full time, salaried position. Starting at $30k per year based on credentials and experience.
To Apply - Please send a cover letter and resume by either mail or email to:
Matthew Weneta
Program Director
matthew@blackwateroutdoor.com
804-378-9006 Ext.2
Blackwater Outdoor Experiences
13805 Village Mill Dr. #203
Midlothian, VA 23114
Montcalm
Montcalm Outdoor Challenge Senior Therapist – Albion, MI
Description
The Montcalm Outdoor Challenge is seeking a Senior Therapist to provide leadership for guiding the overall treatment direction for children enrolled in the program. Applicants must exhibit a strong commitment to a personal value system of helping kids.
Since 1913, Starr Commonwealth has been providing environments to enhance the lives of children. The Montcalm Outdoor Challenge, a program of Starr Commonwealth and Montcalm Schools, was developed to meet the needs of children and families who would benefit from a short-term, therapeutic placement.
The Montcalm Outdoor Challenge is offered as a 45-day to 60-day program that takes place at a fixed-base location on Starr Commonwealth’s Albion, Michigan campus. During the program, students will receive individual and group therapy; they will attend class, and go on several multi-day adventure based trips. Family involvement is important to the success of all our program participants and families will have the opportunity to have contact with their child through letters, phone calls, family weekends, and special visits. For more information about the Montcalm Outdoor Challenge, Montcalm Schools, and Starr Commonwealth, visit www.montcalmschools.org.
Responsibilities
The Senior Therapist is the overall team leader for the Montcalm Outdoor Challenge for day to day operations relating to treatment activities, communication with parents, and staff development. The Senior Therapist will provide individual and group counseling sessions and develop strategies for involving parents in the treatment process. Keep families and other stakeholders informed of the progress and overall treatment direction of their child by serving as the primary contact. Provide leadership to staff in developing activities and interventions that meets the psychological, social, physical, and mental needs of children enrolled in the program including crisis management plans. Develop individual treatment plans and maintain accurate up to date case notes for each enrolled participant.
Qualifications
+ Master’s degree in social work, counseling, psychology or related field required
+ Group and individual counseling experience required
+ 2-4 years of progressive treatment and/or adventure-based counseling related experience
+ Crisis intervention training required
+ First aid, CPR, Wilderness First Aid certification and Lifeguard certification desired
+ Experience in facilitating experiential activities in a variety of settings
+ Strong written and verbal communication skills
Benefits
Starr Commonwealth provides a competitive salary within the youth services industry along with a desirable benefits package including health, dental and vision insurance, retirement, and tuition reimbursement. All Starr Commonwealth employees have free access to the Towsley Center for Recreation which houses an Olympic size pool, basketball courts, fitness center, and racquetball courts.
For more information or to apply, please contact:
Starr Commonwealth: Michigan
Human Resources
13725 Starr Commonwealth Road
Albion, MI 49224
E-mail: jobs@starr.org
Fax: 517-629-7775
Phone: (800) 837-5591 ext. 2459
Download application: www.starr.org
Starr Commonwealth is an Equal Opportunity Employer
Scottie’s Place
PO Box 905
Powell Mountain Road
Peterstown WV 24963
Scottie’s Place is currently seeking individuals for summer camp counselor/program leader positions/internships. Qualified candidates should be mature individuals who have experience with special needs children and/or therapeutic recreation. From June through August, Scottie’s Place will host three, two-week-long sessions with approximately five days between sessions. There will also be a week-long training session in early June. The two most important criteria for working here are an appreciation for the wilderness experience and a love for children. The job requires flexibility, patience, creativity and energy. Salary is $1500 for the summer. For more information about the camp, working conditions and staff responsibilities, visit our website and click on HOW YOU CAN HELP for job descriptions.
In addition to summer opportunities, Scottie’s Place is offering a VISTA position as a Program Director/Program Developer. The goals of the VISTA position are to develop and implement year-round programs at the camp. The VISTA worker would coordinate weekend leadership programs with area children’s homes and homeless shelters; recruit, train and organize a volunteer core to staff the weekend programs and design and lead the camp programs at Scottie’s Place. The VISTA position is federally funded and provides an annual stipend of $10,000, health insurance and an education award of $5000 at the end of a one year commitment. Scottie’s Place can provide housing at the camp for the VISTA worker.
scottiesplace@usa.net or (304) 753-5701.
New Horizons Wilderness Program
Wilderness Instructor
Description:
New Horizons for Young Women is a wilderness therapy program located in the
central Northeast Maine countryside. We are a business of human behavior science
and serve a rewarding social services group; adolescent, at-risk girls. We
promote self-awareness with a holistic approach; utilizing natural activities,
rewards and natural consequences. NHYW provides opportunities of employment to
dynamic, intentional and team centered leaders.
Qualifications:
Qualified applicants will have a four year degree or licensed and experienced
in Outdoor leadership, with a minimum of first aid and CPR certification.
Wilderness Instructors work a focused 8 days on â 6 days off expedition
and base style-schedule. We are confident members of a client focused team;
deliberate and aware of details pertaining to all opportunities in a Wilderness
Therapy environment.
Some of the objective parts of the Wilderness Instructor job are; managing risk
in the wilderness-during base camp and expedition activities, communicating with
team members consistently about client skills and goals, maintain daily logs of
client experiences and expedition activities, control and log medication
dispensation, attend and complete mandatory trainings (paid), and continually
engaged in the vocation of wilderness therapy best-practices.
Please visit our website www.daughtersinc.com for Wilderness Instructor
requirements and applications or send your inquires or resumes to
nhywhr@earthlink.net.
Soltreks, Inc
Job Name: 2007 Summer Wilderness Therapy Instructors!
Description
We are currently hiring for Summer Wilderness Instructors. Spend a hot summer in the cool Northwoods! Summer Wilderness Instructors deliver the technical and therapeutic programming components of a 6 or 8 week, multi-element, wilderness course with a very small group of students and three staff.
Soltreks offers programs for those seeking to reclaim their personal power while discovering their true potential. We are a small, owner-directed therapeutic program fostering the personal growth and development of adolescents and families, with learning, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges.
Our summer program area is beautiful and remote including areas such as the Lake Superior Hiking Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area in Northern Minnesota. Course elements and activities include backpacking, rock climbing, ropes course, service learning, family activities and canoe expedition. Instructors teach a variety of outdoor living skills and facilitate emotional growth learning with motivated students who are willing to engage in the growth process.
Student’s families are involved throughout the experience, empowering the family to heal and to progress through changes together. These positions are fully supported logistically and clinically and will work very closely with strong support from a multi-disciplinary team.
Qualifications
We seek experienced wilderness instructors, preferably with experience in therapeutic settings. Opportunities and positions beyond our summer programming are awarded to those who demonstrate excellent skills. Effective verbal/written skills, demonstrated leadership ability. We are looking for flexible team members with a positive attitude!
CPR and WFR/WEMT required
BA or MS in related field preferred
Documented field hours preferred
Please send a letter of interest and a completed application to Matt Brownlee by fax or email. The employment application can be downloaded from our website at www.soltreks.com/career.htm
Salary: You will be pleasantly surprised by our competitive day rate with retention bonuses, increasing pay scales, numerous company perks and pro-deals. Category: Outdoor
Location: Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area, Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota
Contact Information
Matt Brownlee, M.S., CTRS, Wilderness Program Coordinator
Email: matt@soltreks.com
Telephone # Fax: 707-549-3785
Web Link: www.soltreks.com
2007 Wilderness Therapy Instructors for ONE on ONE Experiences!
Description
Soltreks is a small, owner-directed therapeutic program fostering personal growth and development of adolescents and young adults, with learning, emotional, and/or behavioral challenges. Programs include One-on-One Treks, Summer Adventure Program, Winter Program and Family Programs. Soltreks offers programs for those seeking to reclaim their personal power while discovering their true potential. Treks are facilitated in northern Minnesota throughout the year and in New Mexico seasonally.
One on One Wilderness Instructors deliver the technical and therapeutic programming components of a one on one trek with a young adult. Trek areas include the Lake Superior Hiking Trail and the Boundary Waters Canoe Wilderness Area with adventure activities to include backpacking, rock climbing, ropes course, and canoe expedition. Instructors teach a variety of outdoor living skills and facilitate a highly individualized emotional growth experience. These positions are fully supported logistically and clinically and work very closely with strong support from a multi-disciplinary field team.
Qualifications
We seek experienced wilderness instructors, preferably with previous experience with group programming in wilderness therapy.
Current CPR and WFR/WEMT required
BA or MS in related field
Documented field hours and excellent references required
Salary: You will be pleasantly surprised by our competitive day rate with retention bonuses, increasing pay scales, numerous company perks and pro-deals. One on One contracts allow instructors to influence their own scheduling, resulting in abundant time off and a well-balance working schedule.
Category: Outdoor
Location: Boundary Waters Canoe Area, Superior National Forest in Northern Minnesota
Contact Information
Matt Brownlee, M.S., CTRS, Wilderness Program Coordinator
Email: matt@soltreks.com
Telephone: 218-834-4607 Fax: 707-549-3785
Web Link: www.soltreks.com