Outreach Specialist - Philadelphia

Organization Description

Founded in 1988 by Paul Newman, The Hole in the Wall Gang Camp provides “a different kind of healing” to more than 20,000 seriously ill children and family members annually – all completely free of charge. For many of these children and families, Hole in the Wall provides multiple Camp experiences throughout the year at the facility in Ashford, Conn., in more than 40 hospitals and clinics, directly in camper homes and communities, and through other outreach activities across the Northeast.

Position Description

Develop and deliver Hole in the Wall Gang Camp style activities and interactions to young people (toddler through young adult), in hospital and clinic settings including individual, group, and event style programming. Collaborate with on-site professionals to offer supportive and uplifting programs for children and families affected by childhood illness. Bring the Core Values of The Hole in The Wall Gang Camp (Safety, Camaraderie, Possibility, and Appreciation) to all activities and interactions.

Our Hospital Outreach Specialist can expect to…

• Engage pediatric hospital and clinic patients in one-on-one games, arts and crafts, computer/multimedia projects, and other activities, in the patient's hospital room, the clinic waiting room, or other appropriate space.
• Plan and lead activity groups for pediatric patients and their siblings, alone or in collaboration with another Hospital Outreach Specialist.
• Assist in the planning, preparing, and implementing event-style programming for hospital partners and stakeholders in collaboration with colleagues.
• Involve patients, siblings, parents, and other family members in individual or group activities, as appropriate and desired by the patient and family.
• Manage daily and weekly schedule of hospital and clinic visits, incorporating input from hospital staff (Child Life, Art Program, Volunteer Services) in developing daily assignments and work flow.
• Maintain high professional standards as a representative of Camp with all stakeholders and external partners including in the hospital, and with children and families.
• Collaborate with fellow HOP Specialists in research and development toward the enhancement of program offerings and other departments as needed.
• Create, develop, and maintain an inventory of activities and offerings, and select activities for each individual or group interaction.
• Cultivate relationships in and out of the Camp community that will provide new program ideas and opportunities.
• In collaboration with HOP Manager, maintain an inventory and budget for the implementation of the program. Maintain specific records on the evolution of program activities and their effectiveness.
• Maintain specific records of program activities and their effectiveness on Microsoft Lists.
• Continually evaluate and assess the effectiveness of programming and interactions; make necessary changes.
• Engage in regular, twice-monthly 1:1 check-ins with Regional Manager and additional meetings as needed.
• Represent the Camp as assigned at fundraising or other public events. Attend and contribute to all HOP and Camp meetings as scheduled.
• Adhere to all Camp and hospital mandated policies, procedures and trainings regarding credentialing, HIPPA, health and safety, etc.

Our Hospital Outreach Specialist should have…

• Previous experience working with children and families in a variety of settings is desirable, but is not required.
• A strong preference for experience working with children dealing with chronic or life-threatening illness or hospitalization is desirable, but is not required.
• A preference for experience working at a camp that serves children and families facing serious illness such as those in the SeriousFun Children's Network is desirable, but is not required.
• A  background or Bachelor's degree in creative arts/education, psychology, social work, therapeutic recreation, child life, or other related field in programming for children and families is desirable, but is not required.
• The ability to establish positive relationships with a variety of people in multicultural environments.
• The ability to tailor activities for the individual needs of patients and families.
• The ability to collaborate with hospital psych-social personnel.
• The ability to be flexible in navigating different hospital units and spaces as assigned.
• The ability to utilize creativity in facilitating and developing multimodal programming and interactions.
• A proficiency in Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Well-developed communication skills, both written and oral.
• Full vaccination against COVID-19, plus a booster that meets all current medical requirements. 

• 10 Paid Holidays
• 27 Days Paid Time Off
• Paid Parental Leave (both parents)
• Paid Bereavement Leave
• Paid Jury Duty
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Healthcare Plan (Medical, Dental, Vision, Prescription)
• Medical Co-Pay and Insurance Deductible Reimbursement
• Life Insurance
• Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Wellness Reimbursement
• 403(b) and Roth 403(b) Retirement Plans