Kinder Skog Mentor - Petersburg Medical Center

PMC Mission and Values

Our mission is excellence in healthcare services and the promotion of wellness in our community. Our guiding values are Integrity, Dignity, Professionalism, Teamwork, and Quality.

Position Summary

Kinder Skog Mentors will work under the Youth Programming Coordinator to implement the Kinder Skog program, an outdoor nature program that offers after school and summer programming for ages 4- 12 years old. The Kinder Skog program is designed to help children gain an appreciation for the environment and to contribute toward a sense of stewardship towards it. The program curriculum inspires free nature play, enriches learning through multi-sensory experiences and Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Math (STEM) projects. In addition, the program aims to build connections within the community through service projects that will encourage children to grow into active participants within the community of Petersburg and stewards of nature. Mentors will assist in implementing the curriculum and be role models for prosocial behaviors such as effective communication, turn-taking, healthy risk taking and discussion of feelings / emotions.

Responsibilities and Duties

1. Keep participants safe in a variety of settings and during a variety of moderate-risk activities.
2. Promote a safe, nurturing, healthy and positive environment for children.
3. Plan and implement activities which align with program philosophy.
4. Model and help participants learn positive social-emotional skills.
5. Mentors are expected to maintain program gear and ensure its safety for participants.
6. Be aware of and comply with PMC and Kinder Skog policies.
7. Maintain confidentiality
8. Properly store gear, restock items as needed or communicate gear / supply needs to the Youth Coordinator.
9. Carry a mentor backpack with required items when on outings with participants.
10. Help maintain the cleanliness of our "Skog Den" and Gear Shed space.
11. Role model and help participants learn about wearing proper gear for weather and activities.
12. Other duties as assigned

Skills and Abilities

All employees are expected to have a broad range of skills and abilities centered around strong patient / customer focus, efficient performance and teamwork. Employees should have customer service skills, interpersonal skills and good communication. Ability to manage their time and organize their work to ensure efficient performance. In addition, the ability to follow policy, procedures and instructions, and actively communicate with supervisors to ensure understanding and manage their work accordingly.

Job Specific Skills and Abilities

1. Above average customer services and interpersonal skills, communication skills with adults and children.
2. Ability to be flexible and react appropriately to changing priorities
3. Ability to lead, train and motivate children
4. Skills and experience working with children
5. Comfortable working in outdoor setting in all weather
6. Willingness to attend further education, trainings or certifications related to early childhood development

Required Knowledge

All employees are expected to have a general knowledge of office technologies such as computers, printers and typical office software.

Job Specific Knowledge

1. Knowledge of child development, parent / guardian / child relationships, and early childhood education practices is preferred
2. Knowledge of the local flora, fauna and / or environmental sciences is preferred.

Qualifications

1. Education: High school diploma or GED preferred but not required
2. Two (2) years preferred, working with children in an outdoor setting. Knowledge of child development, parent-child relationships and early childhood education is helpful
3. Must be able to pass a State of Alaska background check and drug screen (including Marijuana)