Camp Counselor

**About Us**:
The Centre for Autism Services Alberta (CFASA) is a leader in providing enriching, inclusive camp experiences designed to support the growth and well-being of individuals with autism. We believe in fostering an accessible, neuroaffirming and inclusive environment where campers can explore, learn, and have fun in a safe and supportive setting. As we prepare for the upcoming camp season, we are on the lookout for dynamic Camp Ace Counselors with a strong background in child development and group-based programming, a passion for working with autistic children, and a talent for engaging campers in our programming.

Camp Counselors will provide individualized and group-based support to autistic campers as they participate in camp programming. Counselors will have the opportunity to empower campers to explore, learn, and enjoy new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.

**Responsibilities**:

- Work closely with camp coordinators and volunteers to implement fun and engaging activities for all campers
- Facilitate individual and group activities, games, crafts; monitoring and respecting campers’ interests, wants and comfort levels; ensuring camper safety at all times
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where campers feel valued and encouraged to try new things
- Support campers with engagement if/when they are feeling distressed
- Communicate effectively with campers, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members and volunteers as required
- Prepare materials as needed to provide support to campers
- Utilize visual supports like picture schedules, visual timers, and social stories to support campers throughout the daily routine
- Assist with daily camp set up and clean up

**Qualifications**:

- Education or experience in the following areas: recreation management, education, disability studies, psychology, etc.
- Previous experience working with children in a group setting
- Previous experience working with autistic children and/or other developmental disabilities
- Comfortable supporting campers with basic self-care tasks (handwashing, changing in to bathing suits, drying after water play)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and environments
- Comfortable supporting campers with swimming and water-based play
- Current First Aid and CPR certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Criminal Record Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Child Intervention Record Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training provided during orientation

**As these positions are funded through the Canada Summer Job Grant, applicants are required to:

- be between 15 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment; legally entitled to work in Canada

Rate: $20/hour

Dates of employment: June 24, 2024 to August 16, 2024

June 24 to 28: orientation training (35 hours/week)

July 2 to August 16: (40 hours/week)

**Please note: Availability to work all weeks of camp is required**

To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your leadership experiences and why you’re passionate about working with autistic individuals, and any relevant certifications

**Job Types**: Full-time, Seasonal
Contract length: 2 months

**Salary**: $24.00 per hour

**Benefits**:

- Casual dress
- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Application question(s):

- How much experience do you have working with children?
- Are you available all weeks of camp?

**Education**:

- Secondary School (required)

Ability to Commute:

- Edmonton, AB (required)

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2024-03-15
Expected start date: 2024-06-24