Overview
Behavioral Interventionist - Youth Recreation (4128U), Recreation & Wellbeing - 83735
At the University of California, Berkeley, we are dedicated to fostering a community where everyone feels welcome and can thrive. Our culture of openness, freedom and belonging makes it a special place for students, faculty and staff. As a world-leading institution, Berkeley is known for its academic and research excellence, public mission, diverse student body, and commitment to equity and social justice. Since our founding in 1868, we have driven innovation, creating global intellectual, economic and social value. We seek applicants who reflect California’s diversity and want to be part of an inclusive, equity-focused community that views education as a matter of social justice.
At UC Berkeley, learning is a fundamental part of working, and we provide space for supportive colleague communities via employee resource groups. Our goal is for everyone on campus to feel supported and equipped to realize their full potential, with at least 80 hours (10 days) of paid time per year for professional development.
Departmental Overview
The Department of Recreation & Wellbeing provides competitive and recreational opportunities for students, faculty, staff and campus affiliated community members. It offers a wide range of recreational activities and state-of-the-art equipment alongside 30 sports clubs.
Position Summary
The Inclusion program runs throughout UC Berkeley Youth Recreation’s summer and year-round youth programming, offering individualized support to campers with differing needs. The program provides close supervision and trained intervention to help youth participate in activities with peers. The goal is to ensure all campers have an enriching, safe, and fun camp experience. Inclusion responsibilities are conducted by staff members named Behavioral Interventionists, who have experience or training in Child Development/Psychology and Social Service fields or a passion for supporting youth who need accommodations (e.g., social skills challenges, repetitive behaviors, speech and nonverbal communication).
Application Review Date
The First Review Date for this job is 01/31/2026. This is an ongoing hiring process with multiple positions. Applications will be regularly assessed, and hiring will occur at various points. The listing remains open as long as applications are accepted.
Responsibilities
YOUTH SUPPORT & INTERVENTION
- Develop, implement, and document a plan of accommodations for campers consistent with camp policies, procedures, and guidelines with the Inclusion Leads and Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator.
- Adhere to all assignments made by the Leadership Team to support campers/groups as needed.
- Provide extra hands-on assistance to campers/groups identified as having social-emotional and/or behavioral needs.
- Observe campers' mental and physical health; refer serious concerns to appropriate Leadership Team members and the Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator.
- Accompany campers to activities and assist leaders and instructors as needed.
- Make effective use of camp materials (e.g., fidget toys, sensory bins).
- Help campers leave their comfort zones and take healthy risks while improving knowledge and skills.
- Assist and guide campers in resolving difficulties and step in only when necessary to bolster life skills.
Direct support of campers (additional areas)
- Social-emotional regulation and communication skills
- Motor skills-physical education, body awareness
- Speech/language-communication skills
- Leisure/recreation skills (e.g., drawing, ball activities, board games, physical activities)
- Self-help and other specialized areas based on individual needs
ADMINISTRATIVE
- Provide feedback on camper progress through observation and accurate records.
- Document assessments and interventions clearly and promptly.
- Complete Accident Reports, Incident Reports, and CANRA forms when needed; alert supervisors.
- Follow campus-wide mandated reporting procedures for child abuse/neglect.
- Refer program questions to the appropriate supervisor.
- Update Inclusion Leads and Wellbeing & Inclusion Coordinator on camper status and accommodations.
- Collaborate with team when communicating to parents and making recommendations regarding camper accommodations and outcomes.
- Prepare and process all forms and paperwork accurately and promptly.
- Keep equipment and supplies organized and in the proper location.
PROGRAMMATIC
- Provide general supervision, risk management, and downtime/recreational activities for youth participants.
- Ensure campers have safe and appropriate equipment and facilities.
- Account for all campers, conduct headcounts, and manage check-in/check-out duties.
- Walk campers safely between locations and supervise them during water/restroom breaks.
- Assist campers with belongings, lost and found, sunscreen/water, lunch, and trash pickup.
- Provide coaching to staff responsible for enacting interventions as needed.
- Participate in weekly team trainings to assess and implement behavioral support.
- Share feedback to improve the camp/program in weekly meetings.
- Conduct daily safety and cleanliness checks and report needs to a supervisor.
- Assist with, lead, or participate in special events and staff meetings as designated.
MISCELLANEOUS
- Develop age-appropriate relationships with campers.
- Display professional behavior around campers, parents, and staff.
- Accept constructive feedback and make corrections.
- Demonstrate professionalism, courtesy, and sensitivity in all interactions.
- Follow Department Handbook and Employee Code of Conduct, including wearing the camp uniform and following the work schedule.
- Fill in for camp staff as needed and complete tasks timely as directed by supervisors.
- Perform miscellaneous tasks as requested.
Required Qualifications
- At least one year (12 months) of experience in recreational or educational programs for youth.
- Service orientation, sound judgment and creative problem-solving in varying environments.
- Verbal and written English communication, active listening, critical thinking, multitasking, time management, and flexibility for campers’ needs.
- Passion for working with youth.
- Client-service minded, entrepreneurial spirit, and creative thinking.
- Basic computer skills relevant to job duties.
- Ability to exercise independent judgment and reasoning.
- Leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Current American Red Cross CPR, AED, First Aid, EpiPen + Asthma certification (or willingness to complete upon hire).
- High school diploma or equivalent experience.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in Child Psychology, Child Development, Education, and/or Social Service fields.
- Some college, Associate or Bachelor's Degree or equivalent experience.
- Knowledge of UC Berkeley campus policies and procedures.
Salary & Benefits
For information on the comprehensive benefits package, visit UC Berkeley's Compensation & Benefits website.
Under California law, UC Berkeley provides a reasonable estimate of the compensation range. The budgeted hourly range is $22.00 - $23.00, typically for 32-40 hours per week for about three months during the summer. This is a non-exempt, biweekly-paid position.
How to Apply
- To apply, please submit your resume and cover letter.
Other Information
- This is not a visa opportunity. No sponsorship for new H-1B petitions.
- This recruitment has 14 openings.
Conviction History Background
This is a designated position requiring fingerprinting and a background check. Berkeley hires people with conviction histories and will consider information in the context of job responsibilities. Employment is contingent on successful background check completion.
Mandated Reporter
This position is identified as a Mandated Reporter required to report abuse/neglect of children, dependent adults, or elders. Employment may be contingent on signed statements acknowledging responsibilities.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, age, protected veteran status, or other protected status under state or federal law.
Referral Source
This job is part of the Employee Referral Program. If a UC Berkeley employee is referring you, select the Referral Source of "UCB Employee" and enter the Employee’s Name and Berkeley Email in the Specific Referral Source field.
How to Apply (URL)
To apply, visit https://careerspub.universityofcalifornia.edu/psc/ucb/EMPLOYEE/HRMS/c/HRS_HRAM_FL.HRS_CG_SEARCH_FL.GBL?Page=HRS_APP_JBPST_FL&JobOpeningId=83735&PostingSeq=1&SiteId=21&languageCd=ENG&FOCUS=Applicant