Group Leader, Nature to Nurture

Posted by on July 23, 2012

Position Opening Announcement

Open Position: Group Leader

Program:  Nature to Nurture: Respect, Resiliency & Resourcefulness

Timeline: September – November 2012 (additional programs anticipated in 2013)

Program: Nature to Nurture, a new nature and creative arts program with a therapeutic focus, is designed to build respect, resiliency and resourcefulness in children, ages 8 to 10.  The program will be offered one or two afternoons a week, for 3 hours for 6 weeks, to children in separate gender groups in the Abbottsford – East Falls neighborhood of Philadelphia.  Program goals include teaching children to adopt positive attitudes toward nature through healthy nature-based activities, such as sitting silently in nature, working in teams, and setting goals

Qualifications:  The ideal candidate will have a Masters degree in counseling, social work or creative arts therapy and experience in group process, child development, nature and/or creative arts.  Individuals with extensive experience and an undergraduate degree are welcome to apply.  Must have current or be able to obtain child abuse and criminal record clearances from PA and FBI.

Responsibilities:
·       Lead the intake process, including onsite interviews of parents/caregivers, to assess children’s fit with the program, and make decisions on admissions.
·       Lead one to two groups of same-sex children, up to 12 in a group or 24 total, in structured activities, including writing, hiking, discussions, and physical activities.
·       Escort children from meeting site to the local park.  Candidates must be able to walk/hike/roll up to one hour during the sessions.
·       Supervise student interns from partner universities during sessions, including providing directions on activities and constructive feedback on their performance in the program.
·       Communicate effectively and respectfully with children, parents/caregivers, interns, and partners.
·       Respond promptly to requests and inquiries via phone or email from the organization, partner organizations, referral sources, and/or parents/caregivers.
·       Have excellent written communications and take notes during and after sessions for use with evaluator.
·       Be flexible with program changes or adjustments, as needed, and able to creatively resolve issues that may impact the program.
·       Conduct outreach and marketing of the program to other organizations, including schools, nonprofits, health centers, as needed, through written and oral presentations.
·       Competency with racial/cultural differences and children experiencing difficulty with self-regulation, respect or attention.
·       Must be punctual for sessions and related program meetings.

Rate:  $40-60 an hour on a contractual basis.

Resumes and serious inquiries should be sent to Nature2Nurture@PSRphila.org and will be acknowledged within 5 business days.  Resumes must be received by July 31, 2012 via email.  No phone calls will be accepted.

PSR Philadelphia is a public health nonprofit organization whose mission is to promote social responsibility by protecting our health, environment and communities through education, advocacy and research.