Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff

UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE – INCLUSION

About Autism Nova Scotia

Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people with ASD can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.

Autism Nova Scotia delivers programming in Halifax and in nine communities across Nova Scotia through our Regional Autism Centres. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

Job Title: Summer Camp Behavioral Support Staff

Department: Social and Community Inclusion Programs

Time: Full-Time ~37.5 hrs/wk Flexible schedule is required during training week and end of camp.

Term: Temporary/Seasonal position

Accountability: The Summer Camp Behavioral Support Staff is accountable to the Regional Off-Site Summer Camp Coordinator

Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp is a social and inclusive program that provides individuals on the autism spectrum ages 5+ the opportunity to attend Summer Camp in a supportive, inclusive and adapted environment with 1:1 staff support. Summer Camp is focused on the importance of recreation and leisure for children, youth and adults of all abilities.

Autism Nova Scotia is proud to run our Summer Camp across 9 Nova Scotian Chapter locations including, the Halifax Central area, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton and the South Shore.

General Duties:

• To adhere to policies and procedures of the organization and camp outlined in the Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp Training & the Autism Nova Scotia Employee Package.

• Support the On-Site Summer Camp Coordinator in the daily operations of camp including cleaning, facilitation, Behavior Support, counsellor breaks, etc.

• Track and manage the on-site camp inventory with support from the On-Site Summer Camp Coordinator.

• Organize the structure of each day’s programming, and the implementation and oversee daily activities per program schedule.

• To make necessary adjustments and adaptions to program plan based on individual camper supports.

• To work directly with children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum ensuring all participants are treated with dignity and respect, and that the health and safety needs of each participant are met at all times.

• Support camp counsellors to grow in their role, and support their 1:1 camper.

• Support the communication between counsellor and caregivers on a daily basis.

• To ensure that program facilities are clean and orderly and that all camp supplies are being respected and organized on a daily basis.

• To adhere strictly to all current Public Health and Safety protocols related to COVID-19 throughout the duration of the program.

• Support in the implementation of Emergency Plan; as needed and directed by Regional Off-Site Summer Camp Coordinator.

• Speak for the camp in the case of On-Site Coordinator absence

• Support in Incident Report writing and de-brief process

• Act as designated Health and Safety Representative of the camp. Responsible for ensuring all protocols are followed, follow up with Autism Nova Scotia HR should there be an issue or a check in.

• Other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Secondary Education or student in related post-secondary program (e.g., education, social work, recreation, psychology, child and youth care, behavior intervention, etc.) or equivalent experience.

• Knowledge and experience in planning and facilitating recreation based activities.

• Up to date Current CPR First Aid Certificate; or willing to obtain prior to camp

• Clear, current Criminal Record Check

• Clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Certificate (considered an asset)

• Experience working with autistic individuals/individuals on the autism spectrum

• Experience working with challenging and aggressive behaviors is required

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);

• Strong interpersonal skills;

• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;

• Ability to form strong professional relationships with participants, families, and colleagues.

• Ability to effectively work with minimal supervision and manage tasks independently.

• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and ability to practically and professionally adapt

• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills and keen attention to detail.

• Strong complex behavior/Behavior Support skills and experience creating and following an individualized behavior plan.

• Able to lift up to 50 pounds

• Able to be on your feet for long periods of time at Summer Camp. Including running and strenuous activity.

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A Valid criminal record check is required for this position

• First Aid certification / non-violent crisis intervention, or willingness to acquire

You’ll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles.

You’ll make a difference.

You’ll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our services

You’ll find a place to grow and develop.

We support professional development through training courses and support to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need to succeed and thrive. With a lot of opportunity for professional development and collaborative projects, you’ll continue to grow and learn throughout your career.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.

Please Note: We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.