Camp Assistant Director, Camping and Outdoor Education (Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre)

Overview:

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.

Our competitive wage and benefit package include:

• Free Y membership.
• Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps)
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

What you offer?

The Assistant Director of Outdoor Education and Camping is responsible for assisting with the overall portfolio of the camping branch, including supporting the Bonnenfant Y Outdoor Centre and Camp Otonabee.

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Responsible for making independent decisions that reflect the practices and policies of the YMCA regarding managing the safety of all campers and staff
• Decisions effect: all staff that works in Assistant Director’s area, staff who manage issues regarding customer service, as well as customers and clients.
• Must use sound judgment in dealing with sensitive, confidential matters that apply to employees and participants.
• Must be a role model and enforce all YMCA and Camp-specific rules and policies.
• Establishes a clearly defined and effective course of action for self and others to accomplish short and long-term goals regarding behaviour
• Oversees seasonal and contract positions, including, but not limited to, Kitchen staff, administration, and program.
• Take part in implementation of annual budget, assists in purchasing with oversight from the Camp Director
• Assist in the coordination of camp logistics

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Education

• Post-secondary education or equivalent in a related field
• A Bachelor of Education would be considered an asset.
• An undergraduate’s degree in business, recreation, human kinetics, social services would be considered an asset or a degree that demonstrates high-level communication skills

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written
• The ability to work effectively in both official languages is an asset that will be given priority.

Experience, Skills and Abilities

• A minimum of 2-3 years related experience; working in an outdoor education and camping environment is an asset
• 2 years’ supervisory experience showing a progressive understanding of the YMCA and the ability to establish and manage strong relationships with staff and participants.
• Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification
• Sound knowledge of child development
• Experience and sensitivity in dealing with members of different cultural and racial backgrounds including visible and invisible dimensions of diversity
• Flexible to work days, evenings, and weekends
• Certification(s) in challenge course Facilitation, National Lifeguard Service, Wilderness First Aid, Paddle Canada, and membership in related associations will all be considered assets
• Strong communication skills, both written and verbal
• Coaching/motivating/mentoring skills used frequently for the seasonal camp team
• Frequent collaboration during planning sessions and implementing change throughout the department
• Proficient in Microsoft Word and Excel
• Ability to manage difficult situations or phone calls, provide counseling to team or peers
• Demonstrate diplomacy when managing staff
• Strong and effective listening skills
• Strong conflict resolution skills
• Effective presentation skills for staff training sessions, parent information nights, among others

Additional Requirements:

• Minimum of 18 years old
• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not more than 6 months old is required. This requirement requires a renewal every three (3) years. 
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for the Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons, and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Effective Interactive Communication: the ability to transmit and receive information clearly and communicate effectively with others by considering their points of view in order to respond appropriately. Communicates in a thorough, clear and timely manner and supports information sharing and goal achievement across the Association. Communication will consistently occur within and outside the organization. 
• Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains the highest ethical standards. 
• Teamwork and collaboration: The ability to collaborate effectively with others, to be part of a team and to promote quality work through effective contribution to others’ efforts. Create an atmosphere of trust among all team members.   
• Concern for Health and Safety: Demonstrating high concern for the health and safety of all team members, giving extra attention to Y’s guidelines on workplace safety. Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction. 
• Service Orientation: Focusing one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the clients’ needs. It implies a desire to help or serve others, to meet their needs.  
• Risk Management:  Ability to apply knowledge and skills to identify potential risks in advance, analyze them and take precautionary steps to reduce/curb the risk.   
• Relationship Building: The ability to build and/or maintain reciprocal and friendly relationships with networks of people who may be able to partner or assist in moving an agenda forward or furthering the organization’s goals. 
• Quality Focus: Taking pride in ensuring that tasks are completed with a focus on accuracy and quality by monitoring and checking work or information, insisting on clarity of roles and functions, planning, etc. 
• Leadership: Taking a role as leader of a team or other group. It implies a desire to lead others using soft power and interpersonal skills. 

 About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y: 

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

 How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.  Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Marisa Yeomans. Please send applications to Acting Camp Program Supervisor, Marisa Yeomans (marisa.yeomans@ymcaywca.ca)

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.

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