Child and Youth Care

**ABOUT POSITION**

Now hiring multiple full-time and part-time CYC positions

Do you love the great outdoors and working with children and youth of varied abilities? Becoming a Nova’s Ark CYC Mentor may be your dream opportunity

Throughout our “Out of the Box” programming day our participants work alongside their mentor (you) to achieve their individual goals, to support self-regulation, communication, social interaction, life-skills, and mental health support. Utilizing a strength-based approach, working in collaboration with the young people and their families to implement coping strategies using accommodations and modifications individualized to that person. Each participant has an individualized programming goal created by our highly-skilled interprofessional Resource Team of Child and Youth Counsellor, Occupational Therapist and Social Workers. As a team, everyone works to support each participant where they are at and honour their voice and needs.

**IN THIS ROLE YOU WILL**

As a mentor, you will get the chance to work with our participants with guidance from our Resource Team in a one-to-one or group setting throughout the day within the following areas:
**Activities**: facilitating and implementing activities that are sensory-based, educational and on theme to build social interactions, life skills and communication skills.

**Forest Program**:providing nature-based therapy while exploring the environment and honouring the Indigenous community.

**Animal Interaction**:with the assistance of our Animal Care team, our participants will gain knowledge and have an opportunity to observe, touch, and/or hold our Assisted Therapy Animals.

**Preferred Time**:this is an opportunity for our participants and mentors to build rapport through play-based therapy, impromptu counselling, creativity building and exploration.

**Additional Duties**:
**Documentation**:to track the progress of pre-determined programming goals using a standard documentation style.

**SKILLS**
- Ability to work independently
- Can work collaboratively with team members, and participate in team meetings
- Use de-escalation approaches when working with young people in high-anxiety moments
- Flexibility in working with participants of all age ranges (3 and up) and abilities
- Comfortable working outdoors in all weather conditions
- Comfortable being physically active throughout the day (running, jumping on trampoline, riding bikes, scooters, etc.)
- Knowledge of accommodations and modifications when working with individuals of varied abilities
- Knowledge of different therapeutic approaches (play-based therapy, art-based therapy, CBT and DBT)

**QUALIFICATIONS**
- Minimum CYC Diploma from an accredited institution
- Commitment to honouring diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging
- Knowledge of youth-centering practices, trauma-informed practices, and oppressive practices
- Preferred: Valid CPI Training, Valid CPR-C & First Aid

**HOURS**

Full-Time or Part-Time Positions

Monday - Friday

8:30 am - 3:30 pm

**REQUIREMENTS**
- Applicants will complete a 3-hour working interview immediately to get to know the Nova’s Ark philosophy and mission.

**ABOUT NOVA’S ARK**

Nova’s Ark is a grass-roots charity, devoted to providing individualized, strength-based programming for individuals of all ages and abilities.

Using the natural environment and a variety of therapy animals, a unique and inclusive learning environment is fostered to support development in all aspects of life. Nova’s Ark is also committed to building acceptance of people of all ages and abilities by providing opportunities for community understanding.

Thank you for your interest in Nova’s Ark

**Job Types**: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00-$25.00 per hour

Expected hours: 7 - 35 per week

Work Location: In person