Summer Camp Instructor - Transition Program for Blind & Visually Impaired Youth

The Arc of Ocean County is seeking an enthusiastic and skilled Summer Camp Instructor to support a residential transition program designed for students and young adults who are blind or visually impaired. This position focuses on preparing participants for future success by strengthening academic, vocational, independent living, and self-determination skills through engaging instruction and real-world learning opportunities.

The ideal candidate will be passionate about accessibility, education, and empowering young adults to achieve greater independence as they prepare for college, employment, and community living.

The program will be held at Fairleigh Dickinson University during the final two weeks of July 2026, with a required staff training week scheduled for mid-July.

Essential Responsibilities

• Design and facilitate engaging transition-focused activities that promote independence, confidence, and personal growth.
• Provide individualized and small-group instruction in areas including academic development, career readiness, independent living skills, and social interaction.
• Teach and reinforce concepts aligned with the Expanded Core Curriculum (ECC), including self-advocacy, workplace readiness, social competency, orientation to adult life, and independent decision-making.
• Support students in effectively utilizing Braille, assistive technology, screen readers, and other adaptive tools across educational, vocational, and community settings.
• Lead college and career preparation activities such as résumé development, interview practice, workplace communication, and professional conduct.
• Adapt instructional materials into accessible formats including Braille, large print, tactile graphics, and accessible digital resources.
• Supervise and mentor participants during community-based instruction, internships, field experiences, and recreational activities.
• Collaborate with camp staff, families, and community partners to support student success and create a positive learning environment.
• Monitor student participation and progress while maintaining required documentation.
• Attend staff trainings, meetings, and professional development activities.
• Respond appropriately to medical, behavioral, and emergency situations while maintaining a safe and inclusive program environment.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s Degree in Special Education, Visual Impairment Studies, Education, or a related field required.
• Master’s Degree preferred.
• Braille proficiency required.
• Teacher of the Visually Impaired (TVI) certification preferred but not required.
• Experience working with blind or visually impaired youth and transition-aged students preferred.
• Valid New Jersey driver’s license required, with no more than five (5) points.
• Must be willing and able to transport students to community-based learning experiences and program activities.
• CPR and First Aid certification preferred, or willingness to obtain certification.
• Must successfully complete all required criminal background screenings.
• Strong communication, organizational, instructional, and teamwork skills required.
• Demonstrated commitment to helping students develop independence, confidence, and self-advocacy skills.

Benefits

Why Join Us?

This is an exceptional opportunity to make a meaningful difference in the lives of young adults while helping them prepare for higher education, employment, and independent living. Your work will directly contribute to building the skills and confidence participants need to navigate adulthood successfully.

Compensation

• Program Stipend: $2,860 upon successful completion of the two-week residential camp session.

This position offers valuable hands-on experience for educators, graduate students, and professionals interested in special education, visual impairment services, transition programming, and youth development.