March Break Camp Program Support Counsellor

**March Break Camp Program Support Counsellor**

**Location**

YMCA Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne and Niagara Falls

**Pay**

$17.75 per hour

**Employment Type**

Seasonal Contract - up to 40 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training.

**Placement Date**

March 10-14, 2025 plus hours of paid pre-camp training

**WHY WORK FOR THE YMCA?**

The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.

Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.

Guided by our shared values - caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.

Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.

**NATURE & SCOPE**

Program Support Counsellors are responsible for working with a variety of campers with special needs, physical or behavioural challenges, or medical considerations in YMCA Day Camps. Program Support Counsellors provide the necessary support to their camper for them to be successfully integrated into the camp program. Program Support Counsellors work alongside their peers to provide a safe and high-quality camp experience.

**RESPONSIBILITIES**:

- Ensure YMCA Day Camp is an inclusive camp experience and to implement strategies to achieve this goal.
- Plan and deliver programs for Day Camp participants following YMCA objectives.
- Support campers in the Helping Hands program with behavioural, physical, or developmental challenges.
- Assist with program implementation and adaptation of activities to meet the needs of all campers in the group.
- Make quick decisions to ensure maximum participant integration and safety.
- A Program Support Counsellor may work one to one with a camper or support a group of campers.
- Understand and commit to confidentiality.
- Greet parents/guardians each morning when they drop off children and in the evening at pick up.
- Support and work as part of a staff/volunteer team by remaining flexible (willing to learn new skills, adapt approaches).
- Responsible for the safety and security of staff and participants.
- Respond to first aid and emergency situations as required, check for the potential health and safety hazards at all times when on duty, and complete incident reports when necessary.
- Embrace diversity and inclusion of all individuals.
- Follow Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) guidelines (when certified)
- Other duties as assigned.

**QUALIFICATIONS**:

- Experience working with children and/or youth with specific needs and behavioural challenges.
- Applicants must be 17 years of age or older.
- Values driven individuals who make excellent role models for children and youth.
- Experience working in day or residential camp is an asset.
- Energy, enthusiasm and flexibility.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) Training is an asset.
- Current Standard First Aid with CPR-C.
- The ability to participate in physical activity and work in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
- Access to reliable transportation and valid driver’s license is required.
- Participate in training and adhere to the YMCA Child Protection Policy and Procedures as established by the YMCA of Niagara.
- Upon hiring, applicants 18 years of age and older must submit a current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara.

**COMPETENCIES**:
**Concern for Health and Safety**

Acknowledges and understands how to manage and educate others of risk and harm reduction.

**Teamwork**

Actively builds teams and encourages open relationships for maximum organizational effectiveness.

**Creativity and Innovation**

Develops new ways or adapts existing ideas to help us achieve desired results.

**Leadership**

Guides, motivates and inspires self and others to take action to achieve desired outcomes.

**Child and Youth Focused**

Commits to assisting growth and development among children and youth.

**Commitment to Organization Vision and Values**

Demonstrates and promotes a personal understanding of and appreciation for the mission, vision, strategic outcomes and values of the YMCA.

**DAY CAMP OVERVIEW**

Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:45am-5:15pm. M