Special Needs Summer Camp Assistant

The Aga Khan Museum connects cultures and communities through the arts. The Museum’s mission is to spark wonder, curiosity, and understanding of Muslim cultures and their connection with other cultures.

The Toronto-based Museum promotes pluralism through art, storytelling, and enlightened encounters across cultures. Using traditional and contemporary art as well as performing arts as a force for positive change, the Museum’s vision is to impact lives and contribute to more inclusive and peaceful societies. The Museum acts as a global learning hub, playing a unique and pivotal role in building connections between people and communities locally, nationally, and internationally.

**Purpose of Position**

The Aga Khan Museum is seeking a dedicated and enthusiastic Special Needs Summer Camp Assistant to join our team of creative individuals who facilitate the Museum’s Summer Camps. This is an exceptional opportunity to gain hands-on experience in a cultural institution. The Special Needs Summer Camp Assistant will work closely with the Senior Manager of Education and Public Engagement, the Community Engagement Manager, and the Museum’s Educators to offer additional support in classrooms for campers with mild to moderate special needs. They will assist in planning, preparing, and delivering programs that foster creative skills in children and youth through the arts and the Aga Khan Museum Collections.

**Program Stream**: Canada Summer Jobs

**Key Responsibilities**
- Assisting in the design, implementation, and evaluation of Summer Camp programs for children and youth aged 6 to 12 with mild to moderate special needs.
- Ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of campers using strategies such as proximity control and behaviour management.
- Researching and implementing developmentally appropriate recreational activities for campers during breaks, including games and art activities that sustain continued camper engagement.
- Creating an inclusive and welcoming environment where campers can learn and experiment with various art-making materials and practices at their own pace.
- Promoting confidence, self-expression, and skill development among campers.
- Ensuring camper safety by adhering to all health and safety
- Providing mentorship and support to all participants.
- Setting up and preparing materials as directed.
- Communicating effectively and professionally with parents, guardians, caregivers, and volunteers.
- Collaborating with the Museum Educators leading the camps, to finalize project details, schedules, lesson plans, and daily responsibilities.
- Assisting with the Summer Camp feedback and evaluation process, as well as performing inventory audits at the end of the season.
- Any other duties as assigned by the Manager.

**Qualifications & Experience**
- Currently enrolled in a college or university program in studio arts, art therapy, social work, psychology, education, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience supporting children/adolescents with moderate to severe special needs, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
- Ability to support camper(s) with physical, mobility, behaviour, health, and personal care needs using appropriate strategies and interventions.
- Strong communication skills, with the ability to interact sensitively and courteously with students, parents, staff, and the public.
- Committed to completing the full duration of the assignment.
- Must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or have official refugee status in Canada (non-Canadians holding temporary work visas or awaiting permanent status are not eligible).
- Must be legally entitled to work in Canada with a valid Social Insurance Number.
- Between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment.
- Highly organized team player who is outgoing, energetic, and eager to lead a variety of camp activities and games.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Eager to participate in a culture of learning, mentoring, and sharing.
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification is an asset.
- Training or certification in _HIGH FIVE®, _Behaviour Management Systems or Applied Behaviour Analysis is considered an asset.

**To Apply**

The positions are funded by the Government of Canada through Canada Summer Jobs.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 7 weeks

Pay: $21.00 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

**Benefits**:

- On-site parking

Schedule:

- Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Application deadline: 2025-05-23
Expected start date: 2025-07-02