Job Description
Job Description:\n\n Position Title: Intervention Specialist Position Location: Timber Pointe Outdoor Center, 20 Timber Pointe Lane, Hudson, IL 61748 Ready to lead a team that creates life-changing camp experiences? As an Intervention Specialist, you’ll guide, support, and inspire staff while helping ensure every camper has a safe, meaningful, and joy-filled summer. Watch the video below to see the environment and team you’ll be leading. About Timber Pointe Outdoor Center Nestled on 170 beautifully wooded acres along Lake Bloomington in Hudson, IL, Timber Pointe Outdoor Center is a one-of-a-kind outdoor recreation and summer camp experience operated by Easterseals Central Illinois. As the premier accessible outdoor center in Illinois, Timber Pointe offers specialized, inclusive, and adaptive lodging, programming, and activities designed to empower campers of all abilities — from traditional day and overnight camps to weekend retreats and partner group experiences. At Timber Pointe, everyone gets to explore, learn, and grow. Campers enjoy classic summer adventures like zip-lining, horseback riding, boating, archery, arts & crafts, fishing, target sports, and more, with adaptive supports that ensure everyone feels included and capable. What truly sets Timber Pointe apart is its mission: to provide a safe, joyful, and empowering environment where individuals with disabilities or life-altering illnesses — as well as campers of all abilities — can build independence, confidence, meaningful connections, and lifelong memories. Why Work at Camp — More Than Just a Summer Job Working at Timber Pointe isn’t just employment — it’s an experience that transforms you. Make a real impact - You’ll create meaningful moments and positive change in the lives of campers who look forward to camp as a place of joy, empowerment, and friendships. Your role matters — whether you’re helping a camper try something new, cheering them on, or simply being a friendly face they trust.Be part of a community - Camp becomes a family. You’ll build deep connections with fellow staff and campers alike — creating memories that go far beyond summertime. Many past staff describe their experience as life-changing — full of personal growth, laughter, and shared adventure. Grow personally and professionally - This is a place to challenge yourself, learn new skills, and grow your confidence. You’ll receive training in adaptive recreation and activity facilitation, build leadership and teamwork skills, and gain invaluable experience working with diverse populations. Adventure every day - From campfires to waterfront activities, from high ropes and giant swings to quiet moments in nature — your workday will be filled with energy, fun, and outdoor exploration. A place that matters - If you’re passionate about helping others, love the outdoors, and want a summer that pushes you, inspires you, and connects you to something bigger than yourself — Timber Pointe is the place to be. Position Objective: The Intervention Specialist, as one of Timber Pointe’s Summer Support Staff members, has a key role in creating a camp community full of meaningful connection and positive development, a community in which accessibility and adaptation aren’t just ideals but the foundation upon which every experience is built, a community that takes on challenges together, experiences the therapeutic benefits of nature and recreation, and gains new life experiences daily. This position is devoted to being the support system for campers and counselors. Through intentional observation and interaction, they ensure that the needs of each camper are being met and that they feel safe and supported to challenge themselves, try new things, and develop meaningful life skills. The Intervention Specialist thinks outside the box to generate ideas/strategies to equip counselors to develop and promote positive behaviors and choices within campers, successful transitions, effective sensory solutions, and maximum participation in camp life. We strongly believe that success looks different for everyone, and the Intervention Specialist will work with campers and counselors to define, work towards, and celebrate their own strengths, successes, and growth. The Intervention Specialist is passionate and committed to upholding Timber Pointe’s leadership standards by providing training, supervision, coaching and support while acting as a beacon of compassion and empathy within our camp community. They are resourceful and proactive, with advanced knowledge of camper care, positive behavioral strategies, effective communication, and conflict resolution. Staff members are required to live on-site during the season but may leave during off-times. Meals will be provided throughout each camp session (we are inclusive and accommodating of any dietary restrictions), and a refrigerator/microwave will be available for use. Cabins are climate-controlled, and laundry facilities are available on-site. In addition, camp staff may use watercrafts (canoes, kayaks, etc.) and the pool during off-times if there is no programming running and all camp policies regarding the use of these areas are followed. Employment Dates: The employment dates for the Intervention Specialist run May 16, 2026 – August 7, 2026. The start date is tentative and may change slightly due to aspects of training. Camp Season runs from June 7, 2026 – August 7, 2026. The Intervention Specialist is required to attend on the following mandatory dates:Support Staff Development Day: May 16, 2026Program Staff Development Week: May 17, 2026 – May 22, 2026Camp Rental: May 24, 2026 – May 26, 2026 (Program Staff will practice skills learned during Development Week)All Staff Development: May 28, 2026 – June 5, 2026 (with a break day on June 2, 2026) There is an option to extend the contract to work August 9, 2026 – August 14, 2026 for a small partner camp where the Intervention Specialist can “opt in” to extend their contract to work this week (dependent on bed capacity and number of staff needed). If the Intervention Specialist decides to opt in, they will serve in an activities capacity, or assist in the kitchen, or help with other duties as assigned. The Intervention Specialist must begin on the training start date and be available for the entirety of the dates listed. If there is a prior commitment (wedding, family gathering, etc.), please state it during your interview, and we will try our best to accommodate. The Intervention Specialist will receive at least one day off per week and additional times off depending on which programs are running that week (Partner Camps, TPOC Overnight/Day Camps). Position Pay: The Intervention Specialist will be paid a weekly stipend of $515/week (a total of $6,180 over the course of the 12-week summer program). There is a possibility of remote work prior to on-site arrival. This remote work will be paid at an hourly rate of $15.00. Job Functions: Assist Camp Director in supervising and supporting Counselors in the supervision, management, and support of campers. Provide assistance and tools/tips in areas of camper care, including feeding, transferring, toileting, showering, dressing, and other activities of daily living. Nurture campers’ development, self-esteem, and independence in areas including but not limited to behavior, social interaction, and emotional regulation. Act as a resource, utilizing knowledge and experience to introduce/suggest advanced strategies in these areas to counselors and staff, aiding them in the growth of their own skillset and “toolbox.” Step in as necessary to provide additional behavioral support for campers with higher support needs, and to provide breaks for staff to process/decompress after challenging behaviors/situations. Know the location of campers at all times if/when under your responsibility.As needed, facilitate activities in primary program areas (Rock Wall/Zip Line, Arts & Crafts, Giant Swing, Sports & Games, Cooking, etc.), specialty theme activities, and all-camp activities/evening programming.Assist with and lead set-up, decorating, clean-up, and other tasks assigned to best ensure the success of camp. Identify and respond to environmental hazards at camp; respond to written emergency plans and verbally issued instructions; assist campers safely and effectively during potential emergencies.Communicate orally and in writing with campers, staff, and supervisors; complete paperwork as needed and ensure all Counselor paperwork is completed (Camp-unications, etc.) Marginal Responsibilities: Attend and participate fully in mandatory training (“Staff Development”) at the beginning of summer, learns and retains information presented in a variety of learning environments (including role-play scenarios), and utilizes this knowledge to provide the best possible experience for campers/guests.Other duties as assigned. General Expectations: Live with campers and staff of all ages and abilities in a cabin, helping them adjust to camp life and grow in understanding of other campers/staff and the dynamics of community living.Provide a physically and emotionally safe environment for campers and staff where they feel comfortable trying new things and communicating concerns. Set campers and staff up for success, recognizing that success looks different for each individual. Maintain camper and staff confidentiality at all times and respect the confidentiality of support team discussions/responsibilities.Serve as a mentor/coach to camp staff, Counselors-in-Training, and volunteers, helping them navigate challenges that arise and providing check-ins, encouragement, motivation, and feedback. Monitor the “pulse” of team dynamics and communicate conflicts, performance issues, or potential improvements/solutions to supervisor.Support Timber Pointe programs and summer staff in the delivery of intentional programs, seeking to maximize fun while increasing connection, autonomy, resilience, and positive self-image for each camper participating.Utilize adaptive strategies and a strengths-based approach to ensure all activities are universally accessible and in line with the Timber Pointe mission of inclusivity and empowerment. Support facilitation of activities relevant to our population’s needs and abilities, so that all campers are able to participate, recognizing that participation may look/sound different for each camper. Participate fully in the camp program, including leading or assisting with activities, managing behavior, following the daily schedule, engaging with campers during “down times,” and putting an enthusiastic effort into camp traditions, dress-up days, songs/cheers, etc. (the goofy parts of camp that make it truly magical!) As needed, provide constant supervision of campers with limited breaks; sleep subject to the understanding of being woken up during the night to assist campers/staff if necessary Education/Experience Requirements High School Diploma or GED, required.College experience in Therapeutic Recreation, Special Education, Occupational Therapy, or related field. Preferred, but not required. Current CPR/First Aid Certification. Preferred, but not required (We will fund a course if not certified).Minimum of one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities. Minimum of one year of experience working in a camp environment.Proven experience in providing behavioral support for youth and/or individuals with disabilities. Competency Requirements Ability to provide direct, effective, and respectful feedback to others.Ability to build community and camaraderie defined by love, mutual respect, dedication to growth, and playful interactions.Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment. Patience, willingness to learn, integrity, adaptability, flexibility, enthusiasm, and self-controlAbility to understand, role model, and follow policies and procedures and to utilize strategies/tools taught during training for professional development and interactions; ability to seek/accept supervision and guidance. Accepting of differences in ability/religion/ethnicity/culture/race/gender/sexual orientation and/or other diversities. Willingness and ability to treat all campers and staff fairly, regardless of background/preferences. Perform all essential functions listed while demonstrating the emotional resiliency to handle extended, repeated stressful situations appropriately and be capable of “self-management” of his/her/their own conditions with reasonable accommodations, which can be made without altering the requirements of this role. Physical Requirements Due to the fast-paced schedule, stimulating sensory experience of large-group living and dining, and emotionally/physically demanding role of a staff member, all team members must have the physical, cognitive, and mental ability, as well as strength and endurance to perform all job functions and expectations listed. Additional physical requirements include: Ability to independently navigate, participate in and provide supervision to active/outdoor activities spread out over Timber Pointe’s 170-acre facility, which may include without limitation walking long distances, running, paddling, crouching, reaching, pulling, and lifting 50 pounds or more. Emotional and physical stamina to engage with a community of campers and staff for 12 weeks joyfully and enthusiastically in a summer camp environment. Work Environment Outdoor camp environment with exposure to all types of weather and conditions, including extreme heat, cold, snow, rain, and specific environmental realities (humidity, wind, bugs, lake water, etc.)Reside in camp cabins in a bunkbed with limited privacy and infrequent, minimal access to technology (internet, cell phone, etc.). *Prior to applying to Timber Pointe Outdoor Center’s 2026 Summer Team, please be prepared to commit to providing the safest camp environment possible. As a camp that serves immunocompromised populations, 2026 Summer Team members will be expected to practice intentional communicable illness (COVID-19, etc.) safety throughout the entirety of their summer agreement. Staff will be tested if they exhibit symptoms consistent with COVID-19 or if there is any known exposure within the camp community, and additional testing protocols may be implemented as needed. Masks may be required during periods of exposure, outbreak, or high community transmission levels, and they may also be required during close-contact tasks such as providing personal care to campers. While vaccination is not currently required, it continues to be highly recommended for all staff. Easterseals Central Illinois is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender