POSITION: SUMMER COMMUNITY SERVICE TRIP LEADERS Plus: CARPENTERS + Wilderness First Responders
LOCATIONS: British Virgin Islands, Dominican Republic, Montana Indian Reservations & Montana Farm TYPE OF POSITION: Seasonal
OVERVIEW
VISIONS offers summer programs for teens and Gap semester programs for college-aged students that focus on meaningful community service, cultural immersion and adventure. Co-ed groups of 16 - 25 teens and 4 - 6 leaders live and work together in the heart of a host community. (Our Gap Semester programs are ~ 10 students with 2 - 3 leaders, based on a farm/ranch in Montana.)
POSITION DESCRIPTION
VISIONS leaders are the backbone of our successful teen community service programs. We seek exceptional people who are hard-working and spirited for our international community service program summer jobs and Gap semesters. Our leader teams are comprised of individuals who are respectful of other cultures, have good judgement, and are positive role models for teenagers. Typical teams include teachers, graduate students, returned Peace Corps Volunteers, outdoor educators, carpenters, adventurers and alumni of VISIONS programs.
Leaders supervise and mentor teens during 12-day to 4-week programs (8-week programs for Gap Semesters). Some locations have back-to-back sessions with a few days of break in between. Leaders work with and supervise students in all aspects of the program: service projects, recreational activities, cross-cultural events, and even day-to-day chores such as cooking and cleaning. The first priority is creating a positive and productive experience for the participants that cultivates growth and global understanding.
This is a residential program, with leaders and teens living together in a community center, rented house, or similar place that we call home for the summer, usually in a local neighborhood. We have long-term ties to the places we work, and thus are a part of the community. Leaders work hard, but the work is incredibly fulfilling when it’s the right fit. VISIONS leaders commit to a work attitude that is respectful, cooperative, positive, safety-conscious, and community-spirited.
A VISIONS leader is a team player first and foremost. We maintain a 1 to 4 or 5 leader to student ratio, including the Program Director. We place leaders in VISIONS program locations where their skills are the best fit, and also keeping in mind complementary leadership styles for a well-rounded team.
Most VISIONS summer leaders are mid-20s to mid-30s, with a minimum age of 22 for our teen summer programs and 24 for our Gap programs, with no upper age limit. Leaders must be First Aid and CPR certified before employment begins (but not before applying), and more advanced medical certifications can bolster an application.
VISIONS also hires carpenters for several of our sites. Solid foreign language skills are required for our language immersion locations.
Leaders receive a pay stipend, round-trip travel to the program site, and meals / lodging. Feel free to contact us with any questions.
APPLICANT REQUIREMENTS
● Minimum age 22; 24 for Gap Semester
● First Aid and CPR certified before the program begins
● Background check, required of all trip leaders upon job offer
● For language immersion programs: fluent or conversational-level Spanish or French
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS (Depending on location assignment)
● Experience working with teenagers ● Carpentry skills
● Lifeguarding experience
● Farming experience
● Advanced medical training (WFR, EMT, etc.)
SALARY/BENEFITS
Salary is commensurate with similar employment opportunities and experience, and varies depending on the program duration. Please email if you would like more details.
EMPLOYMENT DATES
Employment duration ranges from 6-10 weeks in June-August, depending on the program location, and includes 7-10 days of on-site training before participants arrive. We run Gap programs during the spring, summer and fall for 8-week long periods, and training for leaders happens a few weeks before the start of the program.
TO APPLY
Visit our website and apply online at: https://visionsserviceadventures.com/jobs
Interviews begin in late-January, with additional interviews if needed February - April until all positions are filled. Questions? Email [email protected]