Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff

**About Autism Nova Scotia**

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Our vision is a society where people with autism 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.

**Position: Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff**

**Department**:Recreation Department

**Schedule**:Monday - Friday (hours may vary) on location
Flexible schedule is required.

**Employment Type**:Full-Time 35-40 hours/wk (flexibility required during training week and last day of camp)

**Term**:9 weeks fixed. Seasonal/Summer

**Accountability**:Summer Camp Coordinator & Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s)

**Responsibility**:The Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff shall act as an additional support to inclusion facilitators and/or Summer Camp Coordinator during behaviors that challenge and de-escalation. They are responsible for making quick decisions regarding what behavior support tools to use to reduce the likelihood of physical intervention being needed as per NVCI.

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 policies and procedures of the organization and camp outlined in the Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp Training & the Autism Nova Scotia Employee Package.
- Support the Summer Camp Coordinator in the daily operations of camp including cleaning, activity facilitation, behavior support, personal care support, mealtime support, facilitator breaks, etc.
- Track and manage the on-site camp inventory in collaboration with the Summer Camp Coordinator.
- Organize the structure of each day’s programming, and the implementation and oversee daily activities per program schedule.
- To make necessary adjustments and adaptions to program plan based on individual camper supports.
- To work directly with children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum ensuring all participants are treated with dignity and respect, and that the health and safety needs of each participant are met at all times.
- Support camp counsellors to grow in their role, and support their 1:1 camper.
- Support the communication between counsellor and caregivers on a daily basis.
- To ensure that program facilities are clean and orderly and that all camp supplies are being respected and organized on a daily basis.
- To adhere strictly to all current Public Health and Safety protocols related to COVID-19 throughout the duration of the program.
- Support in the implementation of Emergency Plan; as needed and directed by Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor;
- Speak for the camp in the case of Summer Camp Coordinator absence
- Support in Incident Report writing and de-brief process in collaboration with Summer Camp Coordinator, Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s);
- Support Camp Inclusion Facilitators with behavior plan implementation using NVCI techniques
- and behavior support plan development;
- Act as designated Health and Safety Representative of the camp. Responsible for ensuring all protocols are followed, follow up with Autism Nova Scotia HR should there be an issue or a check in.
- Other duties as required.

**Education and Experience**:

- Secondary Education or student in related post-secondary program (e.g., education, social work, recreation, psychology, child and youth care, etc.) or equivalent experience.
- Minimum 1 year experience supporting autistic children, youth and adults or individuals with diverse support needs.
- Experience supporting individuals with behaviors that challenge
- Experience developing and implementing behavior support plans to encourage de-escalation, reducing the requirement to use physical interventions as outlined by NVCI.
- Knowledge and experience in alternative communication methods (non-speaking, limited speaking, assistive communication devices, visual tools, etc)
- Knowledge and experience in environmental adjustments to support campers;
- Knowledge and experience in planning and facilitating recreation based activities

**Skills**:

- Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
- Demonstrated leadership experience
- Strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability, leade