Head of Welfare Coordinator

Job Overview

Job Title: Head of Welfare Coordinator

Reports to: Camp Director.

Responsible for: Welfare Monitor Team and Welfare of campers in every age group

On TECS Summer Camps we take the welfare of our campers very seriously and for that reason we have this mid-management position. All of the staff (monitors, teachers, etc.) are responsible for the welfare of the campers in their groups or classes, the welfare coordinators role is to ensure the staff have all of the tools and support they need in order to properly care for their campers. The Head of Welfare coordinator acts as the final port of call and overall responsible when welfare or discipline issues go beyond the ability of the staff member and Welfare Monitors. The Head of Welfare coordinator is one of the few native Spanish speaking staff on our camps as not only will they sometimes need to talk to the kids in Spanish when needed, but they are also responsible for all communication with the parents on issues about their child.

1. To provide a supportive emotional base for campers.
   
2. To manage and supervise the welfare care provided by staff.
   
3. To communicate with parents about problems and issues of age group campers.
   

WELFARE and PARENTAL COMMUNICATION:

1. Communicate results of any discussion with parents or children to relevant people (staff members, welfare monitors, fellow coordinators and the director).
   
2. Insert and update welfare “observaciones” on the TECS Database.
   
3. As required, phone parents of “problem” children to discuss how the child is getting on and what action is being taken to help the child settle in.
   
4. At all times be available to help with emotional children in cases that the monitor and/ or teacher and then welfare monitor is incapable of comforting the child on their own.
   
5. Prompt Welfare Monitors to conduct morning and nightly check up on “challenged” children and help to comfort them and find source of problem. This will include checking up on welfare and discipline issues in classes.
   
6. As assigned and supervised by Camp Nurse, provide simple medical care to campers.
   

7. With nurse, monitor that campers in the assigned age group daily take needed medicines.

1. Monitor and document on a daily basis any welfare problems which are brought to your attention.
   
2. In the absence of Nurse Monitor and/ welfare monitors go with the campers for any hospital visits as required.
   
3. Oversee and manage Hygiene Check on Arrivals and mid- camp for required age groups.
   
4. Having the General emergency mobile phone at all points of the day
   

MANAGEMENT

1. Meet daily with welfare monitors and inform them of all matters related to their age group welfare. Receive info back from staff and welfare monitors regarding welfare and discipline problems and take appropriate follow up action.
   
2. Meet approx. every other day with Director and pass on any relevant information and request needed welfare and parental communication information.
   
3. Meet weekly with Activity and TEFL Coordinators to talk about all age group issues. Give fellow coordinators a brief resume daily of how all major welfare and discipline issues are progressing.
   
4. Monitor staff performance in all welfare and discipline areas and give regular feedback to staff on their performance, both positive and critical, as relevant. At all times keep peer coordinators and Director informed of any staff issues you are aware of.
   
5. At all times be responsible for making sure staff up hold camp rules and regulations.
   

STAFF WELFARE

1. As required, support staff with any emotional problems they may encounter while on camp, making sure to communicate all problems to Activity and TEFL Coordinator.
   
2. When staff members are ill, look after their welfare:
   
1. Making sure the nurse goes to see them.
   
2. Accompanying them to hospital/ doctor as required.
   
3. Ensuring needed medicines are picked up by Camp Drivers if staff member is not well enough to go to the pharmacy.
   
4. Ensuring they are brought food at meal times.
   
5. Regularly checking in on them to check how they are.
   

TRAINING WEEKs AND PREPARATION OF CAMP

1. Take part in meetings held before the start of camp.
   
2. Contribute to the planning of the training weeks.
   
3. Run the welfare side of the familiarisation week, and also contribute and run other parts of training programme as needed.
   
4. Reading the camp manuals, , and familiarising yourself with all areas of the camp programme before your arrival on camp.
   
5. Help to get the camp site ready for the arrival of the staff and assist with the Staff Arrivals Day
   

PROGRAMME RESPONSIBILTIES

1. Oversee Supervision the welfare portions of the getting up routines per age group.
   
2. Oversee Supervision phoning in and out time of assigned age group.
   
3. Oversee Supervision shower time in assigned area.
   
4. Oversee Supervision all parts of all meal times go smoothly: diets, serving, and quality of food and general control of campers.
   
5. Prompt daily supervision for first hour of class check up on problem children, as discussed with TEFL Coordinator/ Headteacher, and check there are no problems.
   

1. Be available and oversee supervision the welfare part of sports sessions.
   
2. Every second or third night, as assigned, is on duty night watch welfare coordinator, supervising the putting to bed procedure for age groups and providing welfare and discipline support as needed. Cover for the Nurse during these times for simple medical problems. Welfares must stay on site all night when on Night Watch.
   

OTHER GENERAL DUTIES

1. Assist in the preparation of the camp site on the weekend before the staff arrival.
   
2. Act as Lead Coordinator on one of the excursions at the weekend, which includes working the night time and morning routine of that excursion. The Head of Welfare is also responsible for taking the medical bag on excursion days and handing out medicines and dealing with minor ailments as required.
   
3. On Arrivals, organise “check ins” communicating with parents about welfare, health and other issues of children.
   
4. On Departures, oversee “check outs” communicating with parents about any relevant welfare or TEFL issue.
   
5. During all meal times, ensure campers are gaining the correct nutrition within their meals and eating well. Assist monitors/teachers with welfare and/or dietary issues. Give Director feedback on food quality.
   
6. Carry out assigned office/admin tasks.
   
7. As needed, accompany children and staff on trips to the hospital/ dentist etc..
   
8. Speak English to the campers at all times unless Spanish is needed for welfare, discipline or medical reasons.
   
9. Ensure the campers respect all camp facilities and equipment at all times and be responsible for ensuring the campers uphold the camp rules and regulations.
   
10. Uphold all areas of the staff code of conduct as outlined in the conditions of contract sheet and be an example to fellow staff of correct work conduct and attitude at all times.
    
11. Carry out all tasks asked of you by the members of the TECS management team, professionally and thoroughly.
    
12. Must wear uniform continuously: yellow TECS polo.
    
13. Are expected to be positive role models to all new coordinators and their welfare monitors
    
14. Are expected to support and provide assistance to new coordinators whenever needed.
    
15. In case of illness, may be needed to cover for more senior staff.
    
16. Will take part in management training week
    
17. Will run the daily Welfare meeting with Welfare Monitors of every age group
    
18. Is expected to provide constant support and assistance to both new and returnee coordinators as they deem is needed as is assigned by the Camp Director.
    
19. In case of need may be assigned by Central Office to cover for Camp Director.
    
20. Will have the overall responsibility and biggest role in how the welfare area is running in all age groups.
    

HOURS OF WORK:

Requirements

EXPERIENCE

1. Extensive experience working with children.
   
2. Experience of dealing with the emotional problems of others, be it in a professional or personal role.
   
3. Experience of working in a fast moving environment where stress levels can at times be very high.
   
4. Experience of dealing with simple medical ailments of children is preferred but not essential.
   

QUALIFICATIONS

1. Candidates with relevant qualifications working with children will be viewed favourably.
   
2. Applicants with recognised qualifications in English, First Certificate and above, will be looked upon favourable.
   
3. Any first aid qualifications will be looked upon favourable.
   

KNOWLEDGE/SKILLS

1. First class interpersonal skills.
   
2. The ability to manage continually conflicting priorities in a high pressured environment.
   
3. High energy levels and a young but responsible and mature outlook on life and work.
   
4. Fluency in Spanish and a very high level of English and a good knowledge of the customs and cultures of both countries (please note that if your English level is not high enough to work completely in this language you should not apply for a welfare position).
   
5. Ability to work effectively and efficiently alone with little supervision or support.
   

Benefits

« Ambience of summer camp environment- team work and spirit!

« Fulfilment of working with kids and of managing people in that environment.

« Professional and personal development

« Friends from around the world.

« Sun and fun!

TECS PROVIDES:

« Staff uniform- enough so you won’t have to rewash them yourself!

« Staff events- Bonding events, sport and game competitions during camp.