FAQs about the Summer Program

1) What are you looking for in a Summer Program staff candidate?

Candidates interested in a position in the Summer Program must have the desire and ability to work hard and have fun. We are looking for mature, self-aware, flexible, empathetic, energetic, and resilient adults to join the Summer Program. We are looking for men and women who are eager to learn new things, are open to feedback and reflection, and are willing to challenge themselves and take risks. We value teamwork, humor, and optimism. Contrary to what one may think, previous experience with children or adolescents is not required.

2) What kind of supervision and training will I receive at the Wediko Summer Program?

Supervision and training are provided throughout the summer by clinical psychologists, social workers, special education professionals, therapeutic recreation specialists, and licensed nurses. This supervision is provided both formally, individually and in groups, as well as informally “on the fly.” All staff participate in lectures and case conferences during orientation, one week before the children arrive, and re-orientation, one week after the children leave. Clinical supervisors also receive individual and group supervision with a senior clinician and participate in weekly Family Forum.

3) What is AmeriCorps? If hired, am I eligible?

AmeriCorps is national service program under the Corporation for National Service. Campus Compact for New Hampshire is Wediko’s AmeriCorps sponsoring agency. SERVE-NH (Students Engaged in Redefining a Vision for Education) is an acronym for what you will be doing if you are hired as a New Hampshire Summer Program staff member. You are eligible for a $1,250 AmeriCorps educational voucher if:

1. You are a US citizen, US National, or lawful permanent resident of the US.
2. You are at least 17 years of age and have a high school diploma.
3. You complete 450 hours of service for the Wediko Summer Program.
4. You complete the required AmeriCorps paperwork during Orientation and throughout the summer program. This includes providing a copy of your birth certificate or passport (a driver’s license will NOT suffice. If you do not provide these materials you could jeopardize your AmeriCorps status and award!)

4) If I’m hired to work for the Summer Program, when will I find out what group of children I will work with?

If you are hired, you will find out the other members of your staff team and the age and gender of the children you will be working with partway through Orientation week. As your interviewer may have mentioned, we do not make final decisions about staff placement on teams until that point. There are two main reasons for this. One, in a worst-case scenario, some staff may unexpectedly not arrive for the summer program and we may have to shift teams around at the last minute. We would rather not assign or announce teams only to have things change. Feedback we have gotten about this is that it is very disappointing and often misinterpreted. Two, and more importantly, we like to meet everyone during Orientation and get to know all of you a little but before officially placing people on teams. We spend a lot of time thinking about placements during the spring and then make final adjustments during Orientation week. We hope that this ensures that each team is a diverse group of interests, personalities, strengths and weaknesses.

5) If I’m hired, when will I find out what position I will be working in (Residential Counselor, Special Education Assistant, or Therapeutic Activity Assistant)?

Some staff are hired for specific roles and will be notified of the role before the start of the program. Most staff will not find out what role they are in until they get to Wediko. We ask that all staff remain flexible and open. Often we have to make last minute decisions and at times switch positions. Placement decisions are made based on what is in the best interest of the students.

6) After my interview, how long will it be before I hear about a decision?

After your interview, you will hear back from your interviewer or an Administrative Coordinator in the summer office in Boston within two weeks as to whether or not you will be offered a position. It can sometimes take a little longer, depending on when the Conferencing Committee meets to review your application and interview. All applications and interviews are reviewed by the Conferencing Committee, an interviewer cannot make a decision about hiring on their own. You are welcome to contact your interviewer or the Administrative Coordinators in the summer office after the two-week period if you do not hear from us first.

7) If I am offered a position, how long do I have to make a decision?

Once you receive the contract and relevant materials by mail, you have two weeks to make a decision to accept the position. You may call the Administrative Coordinators in the summer office in Boston to arrange for more time. However, beyond two weeks, we cannot guarantee that the same (or any) position will still be available.

8) What does it mean to be on the Wait List? How long will I be on it?

There are times when a candidate meets all of our criteria but we no longer have any positions available. There are also times when a candidate meets criteria for a certain position, but that specific position has already been filled. In these instances, we place those candidates on a Wait List. This can happen at any point during our admissions process. You may be on the Wait List for a few weeks or even months, depending on when (or if) an appropriate position for your skills and experience becomes available. A small number of candidates are kept on the Wait List through the beginning of the Summer Program at the end of June and into July, as there are sometimes instances where staff that have been hired do not arrive to the setting for one reason or another, or some who leave because the program is not for them. You are welcome to pursue other avenues for your summer plans and be in touch with us, and you may choose to forgo your position on the Wait List at any point.

9) I’d like to apply for a staff position, but I can’t be at the Summer Program for the entire program (approximately June 27-August 23). Am I still eligible?

All staff, regardless of position, are required to be on-site during the 45 days with children (approximately July 5-August 18). However, we are able to be more flexible with staff coming late or leaving early during the Orientation weeks (approximately June 27-July 4 or August 18-August 23) if – and only if – they have school or work requirements that preclude them from arriving or finishing at the regularly scheduled times. You should discuss any schedule limitations you may have with any of these dates up front with your interviewer.