In-hospital Program Specialist

**In-Hospital Program Specialist - Hamilton**

**ABOUT US**
Campfire Circle has offered healing through happiness for thousands of kids and families affected by childhood cancer since 1983. It’s where kids can be kids, and families can be families—engaging in camp-inspired community, in-hospital, and overnight camp programs, at no cost to them. As a privately funded organization, Campfire Circle donors make thousands of life-changing experiences possible for
Campers throughout the year, all across Ontario.

**THE OPPORTUNITY**
Campfire Circle is currently seeking an In-Hospital Program Specialist, who is accountable for developing safe, fun and engaging camp-style programs that meet the needs of campers and families. This position works to provide an enriching year-round camp experience directly to children and families through hospital and community programs in Ontario. Campfire Circle provides hospital programming at The
Hospital for Sick Children (SickKids) in Toronto and surrounding satellite hospitals, at McMaster Children’s Hospital in Hamilton, and Children’s Hospital at London Health Sciences Centre. **This role will be positioned in Hamilton working primarily at McMaster Children’s Hospital.**

The key accountabilities of the role are:
**1. Programming**

a) Create and facilitate safe, fun and engaging camp-style programs, both for individuals and groups in hospital waiting areas, play-rooms and bed-side.

b) Support, coach and lead volunteers in achieving safe, fun and engaging programs that facilitate friendship and fun.

c) Develop and maintain positive and supportive working relationships with Medical Staff and Child Life.

d) Occasionally support overnight programs and day camps.

e) Adhere to all programming and cleaning procedures while complying with hospital policies and procedures, including confidentiality, occupational health, and all protocols pertaining to COVID-19.

**2. Administration**

a) Complete administrative tasks required in the planning, execution and follow up of programs.

b) Document programs, photographs and camper stories and experiences to contribute to the program resources archive.

c) Track and maintain accurate systems for gift-in-kind donations in collaboration with Development.

d) Support volunteer recruitment, interviews, and training.

**3. Outreach**

a) Reach out to and develop meaningful relationships with campers and their families on behalf of the organization.

b) Promote programs to patients and families in efforts to recruit and support every child eligible to participate in In-Hospital, Community and Overnight Programs.

c) Foster relationships with medical staff and promote Campfire Circle programs.

d) Support medical staff engagement and appreciation events.

e) Occasionally assist with speaking engagements on behalf of Campfire Circle and attend related community outreach events.

**ABOUT YOU**

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Required Criteria:_
- Post-secondary education or equivalent experience.
- Minimum two years of experience as a staff or volunteer in a camp and/or hospital environment, or working with children in a recreational setting.
- Experience facilitating group programs.
- Comfort working in a hospital setting with seriously ill children.
- Experience working with children with a variety of physical and developmental abilities.
- Current police reference check and vulnerable sector screening.
- Current G class driver’s license and Insurable under our driving insurance policy.
- In accordance with our mandate of creating a caring and safe environment for ill children and their families, we require attestation of childhood vaccinations, updated Police Record with Vulnerable Sector Screening, and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19 for all of our staff. We also require that all staff be currently eligible to work in Canada and for Campfire Circle.
- Advantageous Criteria:_
- Post-secondary education in a related field.
- Experience teaching skill-based activities including but not limited to music, arts and crafts, drama and magic.
- Experience supporting challenging behaviours.
- Demonstrated ability to work with families and an understanding of how illness impacts the entire family.
- Overnight or day camp experience.
- Experience working with a volunteer population.

**WORKING CONDITIONS**
This role works within a flexible schedule including significant evenings and weekends. Occasional driving long distances with overnight stays will be required and working outside will be required depending on the program. This position involves working in emotionally challenging environments and working with families in crisis, support, resources and training are provided. It will primarily be set in the hospital setting.
In consideration of the population Campfire Circle serves, the incumbent is a non-smoker.

**COMPENSATION & BENEFITS**
This position offers a competitive annual salary of $44,000. In addition, Campfire Circle is invest