Field Instructors/ Guides | GA
Blue Ridge Therapeutic Wilderness
236 File St
Clayton, GA 30525
United States
Full-time
Posted on June 12, 2023
Description
About Blue Ridge
Blue Ridge serves youth ages 13-18, young adults ages 18-29, and their families. Families or individuals may seek us out for a variety of reasons: anxiety, depression, substance abuse or other addictions, coping with loss, and many other challenges. Our Mission is to teach individuals and families the skills needed to be aware of and act on their values.
We are proud to have developed a tight-knit community of highly-trained and compassionate wilderness professionals. Our staff is comprised of former wilderness students, individuals who are passionate about psychology or are in school for counseling, individuals who have experienced their own journey of recovery and healing, and more. Field Instructors work closely with students throughout each shift, reporting observations to the Primary Therapist— a number of whom were once Field Instructors themselves!
Field Instructors
As a Blue Ridge field instructor, you work as part of a team. In a typical week, 3 or 4 instructors will be with a group of 6-12 students. While working, staff live outdoors, with their group, 24-7. We are an immersive wilderness program, meaning we embrace the wilderness aspect of wilderness therapy by continuously living and backpacking in an outdoor setting.
Field instructors work an 8-day on, 6-day off schedule (typically working Tuesday-Tuesday, and then off Weds to the following Monday). For the entire 8 days, instructors camp and live with the students in the Blue Ridge Mountains of North Georgia or North Carolina. Blue Ridge provides all necessary group gear and emergency/ safety equipment. Instructors are expected to provide their own personal gear to keep themselves safe, comfortable, and effective while on shift.
Responsibilities
First and foremost, Instructors are responsible for managing the physical and emotional safety of each student and the student group as a whole. Field Instructors also play an integral role in delivering our curriculum and helping students see the connections between their thoughts, feelings, and choices.
While working in the field, Field Instructors can expect to backpack, sleep under tarps, cook meals over a fire, practice Leave No Trace ethics, administer medication, provide 1st aid as needed, and generally teach students how to practice healthy self-care and self-reliance. In addition, staff demonstrate healthy boundary-holding and communication skills. You’ll lead group discussions, games and initiatives, and complete written reports of how each student is doing every week. Our dedicated staff are with students to provide support during their most difficult moments as well as their biggest accomplishments.
Qualifications
Please submit a resume and cover letter to careers@blueridgewilderness.com. In your cover letter, please speak to your interest in, and qualifications for this role.
Application Requirements
- Minimum of 21 years old
- Obtain a physical stating you are cleared to do this work (we provide a form to be completed to those attending a Training)
- Pass a State and Federal criminal background check (BCI) (Blue Ridge will provide on the last day of Training)
- Pass a pre-employment drug screening (Blue Ridge will provide on the last day of Training)
Prior to official hire:
- Reference checks for three references
- 1st aid & CPR certifications
- Provide a copy of your diploma or official transcript from your highest education achieved
Beyond these basic requirements, we are also looking for staff who:
- Demonstrate a track record of service and care for others
- Are comfortable living and working outdoors, even if they are not yet ‘experts’ (we can teach you!)
- Show a willingness to learn and grow
- Develop resilience and align with Blue Ridge’s mission and approach
After You Submit Your Resume & Cover Letter:
Expect to hear back from us within 1-2 weeks.
Benefits
Vision, 401(k), Dental, Medical, Life Insurance