Summer Camp Lead Teacher

Job Description

Job Description

Description:Summer Camp Lead Teacher

About Friendly House

Friendly House creates a thriving community by connecting people of all ages and backgrounds through quality educational, recreational, and life-sustaining services.

Position Information

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt, Limited Duration (temporary)
Employment Term: June 8, 2026 – August 15, 2026, with the potential to transition into a regular part-time Lead Teacher position within the Afterschool Program for the 2026–2027 school year.

Compensation:

• $22.50 per hour, 30–40 hours per week during Summer Camp

Benefits:

• Prorated sick leave and holiday pay based on FTE
• Discounts on children’s programs, facility rentals, and memberships
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Reports To: Afterschool/Summer Camp Director

Work Environment:
Most workdays begin at Friendly House, located at 1737 NW 26th Ave., Portland, OR. The summer program includes frequent field trips throughout the Portland metropolitan area and occasional trips outside the metro area. Transportation may include walking, public transit, and charter buses while supervising children.

Schedule:
Summer Camp operates Monday through Friday between 7:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m.
This is an in-person position; remote work is not available.

Supervision:
This position does not formally supervise staff but may provide informal guidance and support to youth volunteers.

This position is union-eligible and is represented by ILWU Local 5.

Start Date: ASAP – no later than June 8, 2026

Summer Camp training and orientation will begin on June 8th, with the first day of camp scheduled for June 15, 2026. Candidates eligible and available prior to June 8th may begin immediately in substitute Lead Teacher role in our After School program.

Position Summary

In collaboration with the Summer Camp team, the Summer Camp Lead Teacher plans and implements safe, engaging, and developmentally appropriate programming for mixed-age groups of children in grades 1–6. Lead Teachers are responsible for managing both large and small groups of children while maintaining strict compliance with Oregon childcare licensing regulations.

This position supports children’s enrichment, social-emotional development, health, and safety through structured and recreational activities held at Friendly House, Wallace Park, and additional field trip locations. Duties include supervising children indoors and outdoors, traveling with groups by foot and bus, and maintaining a positive and inclusive learning and joy-filled environment.

All employees are expected to adhere to Friendly House policies and applicable childcare regulations.

Essential Functions

• Demonstrate understanding of and compliance with Oregon Rules for Certified Child Care Centers.
• Actively supervise children at all times to ensure physical and emotional safety in both indoor and outdoor environments.
• Identify and address potential hazards promptly and appropriately.
• Maintain respectful, patient, and supportive relationships with children and families.
• Exercise sound judgment and responsible behavior to promote the health and safety of children and coworkers.
• Recognize and respect the individuality, culture, background, and potential of every child and family.
• Maintain required staff-to-child ratios:
• Independently supervise groups of up to 15 children
• Collaboratively supervise groups of up to 30 children with another qualified teacher
• Participate in whole-group supervision of up to 45 children during outdoor programming
• Model positive communication, emotional regulation, and conflict-resolution skills.
• Monitor and respond to Brightwheel communications as needed or directed.
• Immediately report incidents, accidents, injuries, or safety concerns in accordance with Friendly House procedures.
• Track and manage essential program information, including schedules, dietary restrictions, medication needs, transportation details, and authorized pick-up information.
• Report suspected abuse, neglect, or exploitation in accordance with Oregon law.
• Maintain all required certifications, trainings, and professional development requirements, including Oregon Department of Early Learning and Care standards.
• Foster a workplace culture grounded in positivity, teamwork, inclusion, and professionalism.

Core Competencies

• Create and sustain daily routines that promote joy, wellness, positive behavior, accountability, and cultural responsiveness.
• In depth understanding and experience using Positive Behavioral Interventions and Support (PBIS) is strongly preferred
• Collaborate respectfully and effectively with staff, families, and community members.
• In partnership with the Afterschool/Summer Camp Director and camp team, implement a nine-week summer curriculum that reflects the interests, abilities, and diverse backgrounds of participating children and families.
• Support children’s development through engaging activities, play materials, and enrichment opportunities appropriate to varying developmental levels.
• Maintain organized, safe, and clean classroom and storage environments.
• Routinely clean, sanitize, and disinfect shared materials and surfaces, and assist with delegated cleaning responsibilities.
• Prepare indoor and outdoor environments daily, including lifting and moving tables, chairs, and supplies as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and adaptability in a fast-paced environment where schedules and plans may change with limited notice.
• Maintain punctuality and reliability. Consistent attendance is essential to program quality, safety, and team functioning.
• Perform additional duties as assigned to support successful program operations.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification
• Current Food Handler certification
• Current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR)
• Authorization to work in the United States

Physical Requirements

• Regular attendance during scheduled work hours is required.
• Ability to routinely lift up to 50 pounds.
• Ability to bend, stoop, twist, crouch, run, and sit on the floor with children.
• Frequent standing, walking, carrying, reaching, grasping, pushing, and pulling.
• Ability to move throughout classrooms, offices, parks, and field trip locations.
• Frequent exposure to outdoor weather conditions, temperature changes, and loud environments.

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Notice of Non-Discrimination

It is the policy of Friendly House to treat all people with dignity and respect. The agency prohibits discrimination based upon race, sex, creed, color, gender identity, age, national origin, marital status, pregnancy, sexual orientation, citizenship status, source of income, political affiliation, union affiliation, physical disability, mental disability or other protected status in accordance with applicable law. In addition, we shall not discriminate against minority-owned, women-owned or emerging small business.

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Current First Aid and Pediatric CPR certification
• Current Food Handler certification
• Current enrollment in the Oregon Central Background Registry (CBR)
• Authorization to work in the United States