"Behavioral Interventionist, Youth Programs (4128U), Recreation & Wellbeing - 80582"

About Berkeley

At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging make it a special place for students, faculty and staff.

As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value.

We are looking for applicants who reflect California's diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice. Please consider whether your values align with our Guiding Values and Principles, Principles of Community, and Strategic Plan.

At UC Berkeley, we believe that learning is a fundamental part of working, and provide space for supportive colleague communities via numerous employee resource groups (staff organizations). Our goal is for everyone on the Berkeley campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential. We actively support this by providing all of our full-time staff employees with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year to engage in professional development activities. Find out more about how you can grow your career at UC Berkeley.

Departmental Overview

The Department of Recreation & Wellbeing provides competitive and recreational opportunities for students, faculty, staff and campus affiliated community members. In addition to the 30 sports clubs, the department offers a wide range of recreational activities and state of the art equipment.

Position Summary

The Inclusion program runs throughout the duration of UC Berkeley Youth Recreation's summer and year-round youth programming, integrating into each program unit, to offer individualized and thoughtful support to campers with differing needs. The program offers close supervision and trained intervention to help youth enrolled in camps successfully participate in activities and with their peers. The program is intended to serve campers with a range of different needs and assist camp staff in understanding how to best support those needs with the goal of ensuring all campers have an enriching, safe, and fun camp experience.

Inclusion responsibilities are conducted by staff members, called Behavioral Interventionists, who have experience, training, and/or education specifically in the Child Development/Psychology and Social Service field(s) or have a passion for working with youth who need additional accommodations (e.g., challenges with social skills, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication, and so on).

Application Review Date

The First Review Date for this job is: 09/12/2025.

Responsibilities

YOUTH SUPPORT & INTERVENTION

• Develop, implement, and document a plan of accommodations for campers consistent with Camp policies, procedures, and guidelines with the Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator.
• Adhere to all assignments made by the Leadership Team to support campers/groups on an as needed basis.
• Provide extra hands-on assistance to specific campers and/or groups of campers identified as having social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.
• Observe campers' mental and physical health; refer serious concerns or problems to Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator.
• Accompany campers to their activities as assigned and assist group leaders and instructors as needed.
• Make effective use of camp materials and other supplies (e.g., fidget toys, sensory bins, etc.).
• Help campers leave their comfort zones and take healthy risks while improving their knowledge and skill levels.
• Assist and guide campers in resolving their own difficulties and step-in only when necessary to bolster their life skills.
• Step in as an instructor when needed.
• Float to all year-round programs to offer support.
• Assist in direct support of campers, including: Social emotional regulation and communication skills, Motor skills-physical education, body awareness, Speech/language-communication skills, Leisure/recreation skills-e.g., drawing, catching/rolling a ball, playing a board game, or engaging in physical activities, Self-help, and Specialized areas, based on individual needs.

ADMINISTRATIVE

• Contribute relevant feedback/information on camper progress through observation, interaction, and maintaining accurate records (e.g., documentation).
• Connect with the Wellbeing and Inclusion Coordinator about all observations and interaction so they can document assessments and interventions clearly, accurately, promptly, and concisely.
• Reach out to Wellbeing and Inclusion Coordinator to complete Accident Reports, Incident Reports, and Child Abuse/Neglect (CANRA) forms when needed, making sure to alert supervisors.
• Follow campus-wide procedures in Mandated Reporting laws regarding child abuse and neglect (CANRA).
• Refer program and administrative questions to the appropriate supervisor.
• Update the Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator regarding the status of campers receiving accommodations and support.
• Work collaboratively with other Leadership Team members, and Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator when communicating to parents, making recommendations on sending camp participants home that are consistent with all disciplinary Camp policies if necessary.
• Prepare, maintain, and process all forms and paperwork accurately and promptly (reports, timesheets, employee paperwork, etc.).
• Keep equipment, binder, and supplies in order, well maintained, and in the proper location.

PROGRAMMATIC

• Provide general supervision, risk management, and downtime/recreational activities for youth participants.
• Ensure campers have safe and appropriate equipment, facilities, and supplies.
• Account for all campers, conduct group headcounts regularly, and follow check-in/out duties as assigned.
• Walk campers safely between locations and supervise them on water/restroom breaks as needed.
• Assist campers with their belongings, lost and found, sunscreen/water, lunch, trash pick-up, etc.
• Provide coaching to staff (Group Leaders, Instructors, Junior Counselors, and Counselors-in-Training) who may be responsible for enacting recommended interventions as needed.
• Participate in weekly all team training meetings to further assess and implement behavioral help for campers.
• Look for ways to improve the camp/program and share feedback in weekly meetings with Inclusion Lead and/or to the Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator.
• Conduct daily check of activity area for safety and cleanliness; make needed improvements or report needs to a supervisor or team leader.
• Assist with, lead, and/or participate in all special events, staff meetings, theme days, and programs designated by your leadership team and/or supervisor.

MISCELLANEOUS

• Develop age-appropriate relationships with campers.
• Display appropriate behavior (action and language) around campers, parents, and staff.
• Accept constructive feedback and make necessary corrections.
• Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity in all interactions with campers, staff, and parents.
• Follow all policies and procedures stated in the Department Handbook and Employee Code of Conduct, including wearing required camp uniform and following agreed upon work schedule.
• Fill in for camp staff as needed and assigned by your supervisor.
• Complete all tasks in a timely manner as specified or requested by your supervisor.
• Perform miscellaneous tasks as requested by your supervisor.

Required Qualifications

• At least one year (or 12 months) of previous experience working in recreational or educational programs for youth.
• Service orientation, sound judgment and decision-making, and creative problem-solving skills in a varied and challenging environment.
• Verbal and written communication skills in the English language, active listening, critical thinking, multi-tasking, time management skills, and dynamic flexibility in adapting to the needs of campers.
• Passion for working with youth.
• Client service minded, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative thinking skills.
• Basic skills in computer programs relevant to job duties.
• Ability to exercise independent sound judgment and employ reasoning skills.
• Work leadership and interpersonal skills.
• Current American Red Cross Adult & Pediatric CPR, AED, First-Aid, Epi-Pen + Asthma certification (or agree to completing the certification course upon hire).
• High school diploma and/or equivalent experience/training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior experience in the Child Psychology, Child Development, Education, and/or Social Service fields.
• Some college or Associate Degree and/or Bachelor's Degree and/or equivalent experience/training.
• Knowledge of and/or can quickly learn UC Berkeley's campus policies and procedures.

Salary & Benefits

For information on the comprehensive benefits package offered by the University, please visit the University of California's Compensation & Benefits website.

Under California law, the University of California, Berkeley is required to provide a reasonable estimate of the compensation range for this role and should not offer a salary outside of the range posted in this job announcement. This range takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions including but not limited to experience, skills, knowledge, abilities, education, licensure and certifications, analysis of internal equity, and other business and organizational needs. It is not typical for an individual to be offered a salary at or near the top of the range for a position. Salary offers are determined based on final candidate qualifications and experience.

The budgeted hourly range that the University reasonably expects to pay for this position is $22.00 - $23.00. This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.

How to Apply

To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.