Camp Care Specialist, Camping and Outdoor Education (Neighbourhood Day Camp)

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.

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.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

What you offer?

Reporting to the Neighbourhood Day Camp Coordinator, the NDC Summer Camper Care Specialist supervises and implements the delivery of quality recreational programs, services, and experiences to children and youth aged 4 to 16 enrolled in Neighbourhood Day Camp programs. The NDC Camper Care Specialist supervises inclusion counsellors, provides them with tools to create a meaningful camp experience for all participants as they engage in summer camp activities, discover nature and enjoy the natural environment, build self-confidence and establish lasting friendships.

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, and respect, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

There will be 2 Camper Care Specialist, 1 in the West end of Ottawa and 1 in the East end of Ottawa. Overseeing sites in:

• Ottawa-Centre
• Ottawa-West-Nepean
• Nepean
• Clarence-Rockland
• Ottawa South
• Orleans
• Ottawa-Vanier
• Kanata

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Ensures that children with particular needs have a positive experience leading to personal growth through fun and rewarding recreation and sports programs.
• Fosters self-esteem as well as problem solving and conflict resolution skills in program participants while working to create an atmosphere of safety, belonging, and positive development in accordance with Y policies and procedures.
• Responsible for supporting the training of staff and providing them with tools to be successful in their role.
• Ensures that health and safety regulations and YMCA policies and procedures are upheld.
• Ensures excellent customer service is provided to members and participants by proactively addressing concerns or issues and escalating them to the Neighbourhood Day Camp Coordinator, as necessary.
• Demonstrate strong support and commitment to serving the membership, facility users, and all program participants of the YMCA of the National Capital Region.

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

• Educational background and work experience with children with disabilities and their families
• ECE certification is an asset

Language

• Fluent in English, oral and written essential
• Bilingualism an asset

Experience, Abilities & Skills

• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution skills and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with children, members, staff, and volunteers
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity
• Experience in day or residential camp in positions with progressive leadership and responsibility
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification

• NSL Certification, YMCA - Health Child Development, Fundamental Movement Skills – NCCP certification, or other relevant certifications will all be strongly considered as assets for this position
• National Lifeguard Certification, Bronze Cross, Paddle Canada, or other relevant certifications are strongly considered assets for this position
• A sound knowledge of child development
• Experience working in a day camp or overnight camp setting are considered an asset
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with children with special needs such as behavioural, cognitive or physical
• A minimum of 4 years’ experience working in and around camping and outdoor education and a minimum of 2 years of supervisory experience in and around camping and outdoor education

Additional Requirements:

• 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 

• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons and submit the certificate of completion.

• Staff will be required to swim or be in pools with participants

Core Competencies:

• Communication: The ability to transmit and receive information clearly and communicate effectively to others by considering their points of view in order to respond appropriately. It includes using tact and diplomacy in all communications as well as the ability to convey ideas and information, both orally and in writing, in a way that brings understanding to the target audience.
• Inclusiveness: Understand and commits to promoting equal opportunity and support for all children regardless of ability.
• Integrity: Demonstrates responsible behaviour at all times and maintains high 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 amongst 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.
• 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, analyse 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, and 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 Sara Pinsky. Please send applications to the Camping and Outdoor Education General Manager, Sara Pinsky (sara.pinsky@ymcaottawa.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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