Camp Inclusion Counsellor - Recreation - Summer Camp

The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 4^th consecutive year as one of Canada's Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2024, the City of Markham is ranked the top city in Ontario and in the top 10 for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 357,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Join us and make a lasting difference!

Applications are now being accepted for Summer Camp Counsellors in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by April 30, 2024.

Work Locations:

• North Area (Angus Glen C.C., Crosby C.C. and surrounding areas)
• East Area (Cornell C.C., Centennial C.C. and surrounding areas)
• South East Area (Aaniin & Rouge River C.C.)
• South West Area (Milliken Mills & Armadale C.C.)
• West Area (Thornhill C.C., Thornlea C.C. and surrounding areas)
• Chimo (Outdoor camp)

Work Period:

• Casual Training Schedule - June 1 to mid-June 2024 - Schedule to be determined
• Full time (35 hours per week) from June 27 to end of August 2024 - 100% in-person

JOB SUMMARY:
Manages campers with special needs in a City of Markham Summer Day Camp. Responsibilities include inclusive program planning, delivery and administration. Primarily supports campers on a one-on-one basis. Provides support to camp counsellors and volunteers.

Assists with the implementation of camp inclusion service initiatives. Provides accessible recreation services as well as inclusion services for all ages and abilities in accordance with departmental policies and procedures.

Through effective leadership and programming, enables campers with special needs to make friends, socialize and build self-esteem. Accountable for the well-being of a group of campers under the guidance of the Camp Inclusion Supervisor, ensuring camp activities are safe, inclusive and high quality.

JOB DUTIES:

• Delivers inclusive camp programming to campers with special needs, ensuring it is adapted appropriately to individual needs.
• Closely monitors camper conduct and provides in-water supervision for some camps.
• Prioritizes child well-being, safety and protection throughout the camp. Evaluates situations for potential risks to the safety, protection and well-being of campers and staff, proactively taking mitigating actions to address such risks.
• Demonstrates sensitivity to and appreciation of special needs and diversity generally.
• Keeps attendance records and reports the absences to the Camp Supervisor. This includes knowing the location of each camper at all time during camp operation.
• Participates in the delivery of the before and after care program.
• Organizes and assist with set-up and clean up of camp events, activities and programs.
• Serves as a liaison with parents of campers, reinforcing City of Markham customer service, diversity and inclusion (special needs, ethno-cultural, English as second language, socio-economic).
• Demonstrates the confidence and ability to make decisions independently of peers and in the best interests of the campers. Resolves problems and conflicts effectively as they arise.
• Provides regular updates and feedback to the Camp Inclusion Director and Camp Inclusion Supervisor.
• Adheres to policies and procedures under the guidance of the Camp Inclusion Supervisor and Camp Inclusion Director.
• Assists with set up and clean up of camp events, activities and programs.
• Maintains positive, constructive relationships with camp staff and volunteers with the goal of meeting camper needs.
• Assists with intake meetings with families as required to better understand the individual's unique case and support needs.
• Organizes adaptive supplies and equipment inventory supplies, reporting any shortages to the Camp Inclusion Supervisor.
• Reports all incidents promptly and thoroughly to Camp Inclusion Supervisor using incident/accident report forms and processes.
• Assists campers with toileting, feeding and changing of children with exceptionalities always in the attendance of another staff member.
• Participates in camp orientation and training sessions supporting the Inclusion Camp Supervisor where necessary.
• Other duties as required.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age by June 1, 2024.
• Currently enrolled in a secondary or post-secondary institution
• Experience in a day camp setting is required
• Experience leading pre-schoolers or children with special needs is required
• Completion of a Leadership in Training course is an asset
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR 'C' required
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required
• HIGH FIVE Quest is an asset
• Crisis Prevention (CPI), Behaviour Management Training or Safe Management is an asset
• Computer skills (Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat); Registration system applications are an asset
• Must be able to directly supervise children in swimming pools
• Must be able to work in a variety of work environments i.e. indoors (with or without air conditioning), and outdoors

All required certificates must be in good standing by the end of May 2024.

CORE BEHAVIOURS

• Service Excellence: Meets or exceeds service standards when interacting with customers in the community and in the organization.
• Change & Innovation: Responds positively and professionally to change and helps others through change.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Interacts with others in an inclusive, collaborative and respectful way that creates effective working relationships.
• Communication: Communicates in a clear, professional and respectful way; demonstrates active listening.
• Accountable & Results Oriented: Demonstrates ethical behaviour and accountability, aligns with City values, and abides by relevant policies and legislation.
• Management & Leadership: Demonstrates self-management, professionalism and engagement; leads by example.

Summer student applicants must be currently enrolled in a full time educational institution and must also be enrolled in a full time educational institution in the Fall. All offers of employment for this position will be conditional on satisfactory reference checks and vulnerable sector screening checks as required for the City of Markham.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

We thank all applicants who have applied, however only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Candidates selected for an interview will be contacted by email.