Summer Camp Counsellor

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 Counsellor

Department: Social and Community Inclusion Programs

Time: Full-Time ~35 hours/wk (flexibility required during training week and last day of camp)

Term: Seasonal/Summer position

Accountability: The Summer Camp Counsellors is accountable to the Regional Off-Site Camp Coordinator.

Responsibility: The Camp Counsellor shall act as a guardian and facilitator for the child assigned to their care during camp hours. The Camp Counsellor is responsible to ensure a safe, fun and inclusive recreational day camp experience for the children in the camp program.

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 all policies and procedure of the organization and camp, including those identified in the Policies and Procedures Training and the Staff Manual.

• Provide 1:1 support for their assigned camper throughout the day

• Provide any personal care, meal time support and sensory support their camper required through the day.

• Ensure all campers are treated with dignity and respect

• Ensure the health and safety needs of each camper are met at all times.

• Never leave a camper unattended in the camp or community and to be able to account for a camper’s whereabouts at all times.

• Ensure camp facilities are kept clean and organized.

• Support the on-site Summer camp coordinator in organization of camp supplies.

• Notify the on-site Summer camp coordinator of any needed supplies.

• Provide safe behavior support during physical and verbal escalations and follow-up with an incident report/debrief with your On-Site Summer Camp Coordinator.

• Implement and suggest strategies to support your camper in having a positive camp experience.

• Relay necessary information to caregivers on a daily basis.

• Accompany camper and engage in all activities/outings (swimming, splash pad, community gardens, etc.)

• Other duties as required
  

Education and Experience:

• Secondary Education or student in a related post-secondary program (e.g., education, social work, recreation, psychology, etc) or equivalent experience

• Experience working with children, youth and adults with diverse support needs.

• Experience working with individuals with challenging behaviors; considered an asset
  

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);

• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;

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

• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently.

• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team.

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

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

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A Valid criminal record check is required for this position

• A Valid Child Abuse Registry Check

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

• Availability to attend our full Summer Camp Training

Please apply with an up-to-date resume and cover letter explaining how you qualify and are suited to the position as described above.

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.