SayPro Emergency Support: Be ready to address any emergency situations

SayPro Job Description: Support Staff

Position Title: Support Staff
Program: SayPro Development 5 Days Faith-Based Camp
Version: SayPro January SCDR.4.11.1
Focus: Offer Religious Instruction and Community Activities

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Position Overview:

The Support Staff in the SayPro Development 5 Days Faith-Based Camp plays a vital role in maintaining a safe and supportive environment for all participants. This position requires readiness to address any emergency situations that may arise, ensuring that the safety and well-being of the participants are upheld at all times. The Support Staff will follow established safety protocols, assist in emergency responses, and provide comfort and assurance to participants in the event of a crisis. This role requires a calm and composed demeanor, the ability to act quickly and decisively, and a commitment to keeping participants safe during all camp activities.

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Key Responsibilities:

1. Emergency Preparedness and Protocols:

• Understanding Safety Protocols: Become thoroughly familiar with the camp’s emergency procedures, including evacuation routes, first-aid protocols, weather-related emergencies, and participant health concerns. Ensure that all staff and participants are aware of emergency exits, assembly points, and emergency contacts.
• Emergency Readiness: Stay vigilant and be prepared to respond to potential emergencies at all times. This includes being aware of safety risks (e.g., weather conditions, activity-related injuries, or medical emergencies) and proactively managing those risks before they escalate.
• Safety Equipment Management: Ensure that emergency supplies (such as first-aid kits, fire extinguishers, communication devices, etc.) are readily available and easily accessible in key areas throughout the camp.

2. Responding to Emergencies:

• Providing Immediate Assistance: In the event of an emergency, provide prompt assistance to participants in need. This could involve helping with injuries, medical emergencies, emotional support during a stressful event, or guiding participants safely to evacuation points.
• Administering First Aid: If trained, offer basic first aid for injuries or health concerns that may arise during the camp. This includes minor cuts, bruises, and other common injuries. In the case of more serious health concerns, support emergency medical teams in providing care.
• Alerting Proper Authorities: In case of serious incidents or medical emergencies, notify camp leadership and external emergency services immediately. Follow established communication protocols to ensure all necessary parties are informed quickly.
• Managing Emotional Reactions: In times of crisis, support participants emotionally by remaining calm and offering reassuring words. Help participants remain composed, explain procedures, and make sure they feel safe and cared for during stressful situations.

3. Preventing Emergencies:

• Safety Monitoring: Constantly monitor camp activities for any safety risks or hazards, such as uneven terrain, improper equipment use, or potential health hazards. Report any concerns to camp leadership to address potential issues before they escalate into emergencies.
• Participant Health and Safety: Be proactive in ensuring that participants with known health conditions (e.g., allergies, asthma, diabetes) are properly supported, and that all safety measures are in place to accommodate their needs during activities.
• Emergency Drills: Assist in organizing and participating in regular emergency drills (e.g., fire drills, evacuation procedures, medical emergency drills) to ensure that staff and participants are well-prepared for potential emergencies.

4. Communication During Emergencies:

• Effective Communication: Serve as a point of contact during emergencies, ensuring clear and direct communication with camp leadership, medical personnel, and participants. Communicate calmly and clearly during stressful situations to ensure that information is understood and action can be taken swiftly.
• Participant Updates: In the event of an emergency, keep participants informed about what is happening and what they should do, offering clear guidance to avoid confusion or panic.
• Documentation: Document any emergency incidents, including the nature of the event, actions taken, and any follow-up actions required. This documentation is important for reviewing the incident and improving future safety protocols.

5. Emotional and Psychological Support:

• Providing Comfort: In the event of an emergency or stressful situation, provide emotional support to participants. Help them stay calm, reassure them, and offer assistance as needed. This may involve comforting participants who are anxious, frightened, or disoriented.
• Post-Incident Support: After an emergency, help participants debrief and process the event. If necessary, assist in connecting them with counseling or pastoral care to help them work through any emotional distress or trauma caused by the incident.

6. Camp-wide Safety Awareness:

• Ensuring Safe Participation: Help ensure that participants are aware of the camp’s rules and guidelines regarding safety. This includes reinforcing safety standards for activities (such as swimming, hiking, or team-building exercises) and ensuring that participants adhere to the guidelines to prevent accidents.
• Monitoring Safety Conditions: Regularly check camp facilities and activity areas for potential hazards, including slippery surfaces, dangerous wildlife, or poorly maintained equipment. Report safety concerns immediately and ensure corrective actions are taken.

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Qualifications:

• Experience: Previous experience in camp settings, community programs, or first-responder roles is highly preferred. Experience in handling emergency situations or providing basic first aid is a plus.
• Skills:
  • Strong knowledge of basic first-aid practices and emergency protocols.
  • Ability to remain calm, focused, and composed under pressure, especially in high-stress or emergency situations.
  • Excellent communication skills, capable of providing clear and concise instructions in emergencies.
  • Problem-solving skills to quickly assess situations and implement appropriate actions.
  • Ability to manage multiple tasks during an emergency while keeping participant safety the top priority.
• Personal Traits:
  • Responsible and reliable with a strong sense of duty to participant safety.
  • Compassionate and empathetic, able to support participants emotionally during challenging situations.
  • Calm and decisive, with a steady presence in times of crisis.
  • Detail-oriented and vigilant in monitoring the environment for safety risks.

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Working Conditions:

• Location: The Support Staff will work on-site at the SayPro Development 5 Days Faith-Based Camp, which is typically held in a retreat-style setting, often with outdoor activities that present unique safety considerations.
• Hours: Full-time during the 5-day camp period, with availability required throughout the camp’s operating hours, including evenings and weekends. Must be ready to respond to emergencies at any time during the camp.
• Physical Demands: The role may require standing, walking, and responding quickly to emergencies across the camp. Staff may need to assist in moving participants to safety or help with other physical tasks during an emergency.

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Expected Outcomes:

• Prompt and Effective Emergency Response: In the event of an emergency, the Support Staff will ensure that immediate action is taken, participants are assisted and guided to safety, and external emergency services are alerted as needed.
• Enhanced Safety Awareness: The camp will benefit from proactive monitoring of potential safety hazards, helping to prevent emergencies and keeping participants safe throughout the camp experience.
• Positive Experience in Crisis Situations: Despite any emergency, participants will feel supported, both physically and emotionally, as the Support Staff provides timely interventions and comfort.
• Compliance with Safety Protocols: The Support Staff will contribute to maintaining a safe and secure environment by consistently following safety protocols and ensuring that all necessary precautions are taken to prevent emergencies.

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The Support Staff plays an essential role in ensuring the safety and well-being of all participants at the SayPro Development 5 Days Faith-Based Camp. This role requires a combination of quick thinking, emotional support, and a commitment to maintaining a safe environment for everyone. If you are prepared to respond calmly and effectively in any situation, and care deeply about the safety of others, this position offers an important opportunity to make a real difference in the camp experience.