Telluride Academy

Telluride Academy is seeking a qualified candidate to fulfill the seasonal position of Inclusion Director. This position is hourly in the spring and full time in the summer. It requires an individual with prior knowledge of and experience with populations with special needs, including Autism, ADHD and behavioral challenges. They must be organized, patient, creative, compassionate, empathetic, possess strong written and verbal communication skills and have a proven ability to problem-solve. The Inclusion Director plays a crucial role at Telluride Academy, and is an integral part of providing positive, safe and inclusive experiences for our student, parents and staff.

At Telluride Academy, we are dedicated to serving every child. We provide accessible adventure for all campers, creating a socially inclusive outdoor experience. By including campers of all ability levels, we are enriching our community locally and globally. Campers not only learn about each others’ differences but they also gain lifelong benefits in sharing each others’ similarities. The friendships, self-confidence, and independence built in our programs are unmatched and eye-opening.

Key Responsibilities

• Inclusion Need Assessment: Starting in April, evaluate Inclusion spreadsheet and begin personal outreach to parents who have enrolled their children and noted inclusion needs.
  • Discuss child’s needs, limitations, triggers, and tendencies.
  • Discuss required criteria children must meet in order to safely participate in Academy programs. (Ex: can the child stay with the group? Are the able to engage in outdoor activities? Do they respond violently or physically to situations?)
• Support and manage Inclusion Specialists (or “buddies”) throughout the entire summer.
• Assign Inclusion Specialists to camp programs.
• Provide guidance to Inclusion Specialists regarding their assigned child’s special needs and ways to best manage their behaviors and triggers.
• Communicate with all staff members prior to each program if there is an inclusion need in their group, allowing staff to be set up for success.
• Develop and lead an Inclusion Training Workshop for 30+ instructors during Telluride Academy’s annual all-staff training. Workshop should be designed to prepare staff to serve children with disabilities. Training should include disability etiquette, behavior management, problem-solving techniques and inclusive team building activities and games.
• Ensure the safety of all campers and instructors by proper preparation and decision making.
• Inclusion Director may be called upon to facilitate unforeseen behavioral challenges among individual students as well as within a group. 
• Cultivate and provide an inclusive learning environment for instructors and campers.

Schedule:

This position will be part-time in April and May, clocking about 10 hours (+/-) per week. Hours June-August will vary weekly. The Inclusion Director is expected to act as a “buddy” throughout the summer, and should be prepared to be staffed on a variety of different programs (all of which vary in activity, age group, number of overnights, etc.), depending on inclusion needs. The Inclusion Director will put in a number of “office hours” weekly. The number of hours will depend on inclusion needs and the amount of communication necessary to ensure all families and staff are well-informed. The Inclusion Director will clock all “office hours” and send them to the Telluride Academy Finance Director each pay period.

About the Academy

Telluride Academy, based in the heart of the rugged San Juan Mountains, is one of the largest and most unique outdoor youth organizations in Colorado. Each summer, the Telluride Academy, a 36-year-old non-profit organization, welcomes over850 students who participate in more than 100 diverse programs. Telluride Academy offers programs that introduce children to the beauty of the natural world.  Through exploration and play, we strive to inspire imaginations and instill an awareness and appreciation for the outdoors.  Our curriculum encompasses specialized activities that focus on adventure education, art, ecology, science, mountain sports, performing arts, and regional and international travel.

Qualifications

21 years of age

Current WFA and CPR certification (or ability to obtain)

Criminal and driving background check required

Knowledge of and enthusiasm for inclusion and outdoor/experiential education

Significant prior experience working with youth

We Offer
Rewarding experiences working with youth
Highly competitive wages and pay increases for certain certifications and qualifications
Pre-summer Wilderness First Aid training (50% compensation for 1st yr hires)
Paid staff training
Beautiful mountain town setting
Staff events and pro deals
Established and experienced staff members