Group Facilitator Description
LEAP is hiring a lead group facilitator for our 2022 summer season. This role is ideal for a graduate student in need of an internship in the outdoor education, wilderness therapy, or experiential learning fields -- or a mature person with group facilitation experience who is looking for the next step in their career. Previous outdoor field experience with youth is ideal. This position is not required to have prior river experience or wilderness medicine training, though applicants with those experiences are encouraged to apply. Candidates with prior river experience could be considered to work as a guide as well as the lead facilitator.
What you will be doing/Primary Responsibilities:
Be the point person on our team for all needs of the group – our entire staff will observe and tend to group & individual needs of our participants, and our lead group facilitator’s role is the person who is most engaged in overall care for the group.
Carry a substantial portion of the welcoming and orientation pieces for each group – other than river specific orientation which is provided by our Head Guide.
Along with support from our Exexcutive Director, create a facilitation plan for each program you’d be working, specific to the needs, goals, and outcomes for that group and that are in line with our overall curriculum.
Adjust facilitation plan creatively to meet the needs of the group.
Support healthy group formation and tend to any conflict or group/inter-personal challenges that arise.
Facilitate strong program conclusion activities.
Lead morning group activities – movement, mindfulness, or reflective prompts/conversations.
Observe and recognize the needs of the group – lead games or activities that suit the needs of the group throughout the week.
Connect with staff from partner organizations and solicit their expertise or support for situations as needed on program.
Lead evening meetings for the group – offer creativity, flexibility, thoughtfulness, and a priority towards facilitating equitable and inclusive group conversations.
Enjoy the river and learn alongside participants! This is not necessarily a guiding position, so your primary role on the water is to support participants in their experience, offering playfulness, connection, and genuine interest in their lives, as well as support the work of your teammates who are guiding.
Be a team player and step in where you can in camp. Help in the kitchen as needed and applicable. Help set up tarps and tents before (or during) a storm. Your primary role is in leading the program and supporting the participants, however, lend a hand in other tasks as you’re able.
Minimum Qualifications:
Experience leading multi-day outdoor programs
Experience facilitating groups and/or consistent teaching experience with diverse communities of youth
High-level of competence and comfort leading group activities – both fun and playful, as well as reflective
Experience facilitating dynamic group conversations with up to 30 people – with a focus on coaching/empowerment verses counseling/advice-giving
Depth of life experience and mature communication skills
Ideal Candidates:
Group facilitation training, specific to working with youth, with a coaching conversation and empowering questions approach
Experience leading mindfulness-based activities
Completed training and/or specific experiences in Equity & Inclusion work – and continued student of how the concepts of race, gender, and access show up in group dynamics and individual experiences
Experience facilitating from an equitable lens
Working understanding of trauma formation and trauma-informed care practices
Experience on multi-day river trips + technical river skills
Working knowledge of holistic risk management
Compensation DOE + pertinent certifications
HOW TO APPLY
To complete your application, please send the following to our Board Chair, Erik Weiseth, at erik@orangetorpedo.com
Resumé
Three professional references
Send a pdf with brief answers to the following questions (250 words or less per question):
What past experiences do you feel have prepared you for this opportunity?
Please describe a memorable conversation you facilitated. What changed for the group or individuals? How did the energy shift? Describe the beginning, middle, and end.
Please review the groups we work with. What themes do you think might be impactful to explore with these groups and individuals? Please give examples of possible questions or activities.
Pick one group that LEAP works with -- What focus might you take for a conversation arch throughout a week-long program? Please list at least 5 questions you could ask connected to that theme. What activities might you employ? Give specific examples.
What outdoor group experiences have prepared you to be a leader in this environment?
Position open until filled – final deadline for application April 15th, 2022