Peer (Pediatric Cancer Patients and Survivors

Kids with Cancer Society PEER (Pediatric Cancer Patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery) Program Instructor

Contract Role: 10 Hours Per Week

Location: Edmonton

Who We are: The Kids with Cancer Society provides unique, vital programs and services free of charge to children diagnosed with cancer and their families residing in Northern Alberta and the NWT. Many families describe the Kids with Cancer Society as a lifeline when their lives have been turned upside down. We offer programs and services that address their unique and complex needs including financial and educational support, family activities and counselling services. We also fund groundbreaking pediatric cancer research.

Opportunity: Kids With Cancer Society is looking for a PEER Instructor (Pediatric cancer patients and survivors Engaging in Exercise for Recovery). This is a position with non-traditional hours as programs are typically scheduled to run during the evening and on some weekends. This is an in-person position in Edmonton. Position Overview The PEER Program is a research-based community exercise program developed by the Health and Wellness Lab at the University of Calgary. Since 2013, the program has been growing and run by the Kids Cancer Care (KCC). The Kids with Cancer Society in partnership with KCC is launching the PEER program in Edmonton. This program aims to restore healthy levels of strength, aerobic capacity, flexibility, coordination, balance, and physical literacy through fun exercises and games.

Key Areas of Responsibility:
The position requires the PEER instructor to be responsible, approachable, flexible, able to create the best exercise plan for individual needs, and able to oversee the program's safety and lead a great team of volunteers.

Specific Duties:

- Actively deliver in-person group-based PEER sessions creating lesson plans that meet the PEER program vision and mission and are curated to meet participants’ needs.
- Conduct and record physical literacy and fitness assessments for PEER participants to:

- actively deliver PEER sessions tailored to the unique needs of each participant based on cancer type, stage of treatment, treatments received, side effects of treatment, and participant preferences.
- and measure the impact of PEER sessions to adjust training as needed.
- Oversee volunteers and direct them during PEER group sessions.
- Participate in planning meetings.
- Collaborate in volunteer training.
- Ensure the safety of PEER participants during the active delivery of PEER sessions.
- Promote a positive and welcoming environment promoting an active lifestyle.
- Increase awareness about the benefit of exercise among participants and their parents.
- Communicate directly with the participant parent/guardian to inform them of the participant’s progress.
- Communicate with PEER specialist at KCC for support and be sure that standards of the programs are met in the Edmonton location.

General Duties:

- Be aware of the needs of young people affected by childhood cancer and their families, especially related to physical literacy, fitness, and abilities.
- Adhere to standards of practice, policies, and procedures as outlined by KWCS when facilitating PEER sessions.
- Ensure the PEER program standards are met and collaborate with the PEER program specialist at KCC to be sure that the PEER curriculum is met and up to date.
- Follow recommendations and seek advice if needed from the PEER program specialist at KCC.
- Work flexible hours, with frequent evening and weekend work. Most days will require work between 3:00 and 8:00 pm.
- Protect the privacy and confidentiality of PEER participants.
- Ensure the high quality, efficacy, and responsiveness of programs to meet the needs of kids with cancer, survivors, their families and volunteers:

- Balance the practical drive for results with empathy and compassion.
- Ability to creatively solve problems and respond to children’s needs as they arise.

Education and Certifications
- A Certified Exercise Physiology Degree or MSc or Ph.D. in Cancer and Exercise is needed.
- A combined Kinesiology degree or Physical Education Degree with physiotherapy or occupational therapy would be a great fit too.
- Experience working with children or adults with cancer in exercise is an asset.
- Experience working in physical activity for children and adults is an asset.
- Knowledge of the needs of young people with a history of cancer and their families.
- Previous experience working at a paediatric oncology or special needs camp, or recreation program would be an asset.
- Excellent interpersonal, written, and presentation communication skills.
- Excellent organizational and time management skills.
- Able to prioritize and be flexible in scheduling.
- Demonstrated critical thinking and decision-making skills.
- Physically able to perform all assigned tasks.

Other Requirements:

- Must provide a current Level II Criminal Records Check, which includes vulnerable