Youth Program Leader

If you are up for the challenge and would like to be considered for this position, we would like to hear from you. The British Columbia Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (BC SPCA) is looking to fill the following career opportunity:

POSITION: Youth Program Leader - Lower Mainland

STATUS: On-Call; Casual

SHIFT: Various Shifts

LOCATION: This position will primarily serve communities in the Surrey and/or Tri-Cities area of the Lower Mainland, BC

CLASSIFICATION: Exempt

WAGE: Hourly

CLOSING DATE: Open Until Filled

We welcome diversity, value differences, and foster inclusion in our employment practices. Find out more about our commitment to diversity and inclusion by reading our Foundational Principles on our website. We invite applications from all qualified individuals who are philosophically aligned with our mission, vision and values.

The BC SPCA is a dynamic organization with facilities and services across the province of BC. Join an expanding team in an exciting time of change in an organization that makes a difference Please read below for additional details and let us know if you have the skills and experience we are looking for by submitting your application.

About the Position:

Our youth programs are developed to inspire and educate kids ages 6-14 about pet care, animal welfare and the environment. This casual position will coordinate with the Regional Humane Educator (RHE) in the designated area to deliver youth programs, which may include: weekend youth events, school holiday workshops, after-school workshops, spring break camps, summer camps and classroom presentations.

Some specific duties:

• Either independently or in collaboration with the Regional Humane Educator and/or other Youth Program [Coordinators], deliver fun and educational activities, as assigned, for youth at BC SPCA locations, schools and other community locations.
• Ensure the safety of participants, taking attendance and keeping track of participants at all times.
• Identify potential safety hazards in advance and take quick action to prevent/deal with any safety concerns as they arise.
• Provide suggestions to supervisor to improve safety.
• Provide first aid when required.
• Complete incident reports if required.
• Must be able to provide a schedule and commit to programs once scheduled.
• Provide a fun and inclusive environment for youth and build relationships with participants.
• Be respectful, curious, and knowledgeable about diversity and wherever possible, work with participants to ensure they acknowledge/appreciate this in other participants as well.
• Be flexible and prepared to adapt support for participants with unique behavioural, learning and/or other needs.
• Work with RHE to implement strategies and solutions to create a successful experience for participants.
• Work with RHE and/or other team members to provide one-on-one support to participants when required; look for ways to encourage interaction in a variety of ways in educational activities.
• Communicate with the Regional Humane Educator, parents and teachers to promote programs and coordinate events.
• Communicate with Regional Humane Educator to evaluate programs and make suggestions for improvement.
• Gain a basic understanding of BC SPCA policies and positions on animal welfare issues and be able to explain them at the level appropriate for the audience.
• Learn to recognize animal stress signals and monitor shelter animals for signs of stress when interacting with participants.
• Maintain a clean and organized activity space; set up and break down of workshop spaces.
• Liaise with parents to deal with any participant issues that arise during events.
• Liaise and work cooperatively with staff and volunteers at BC SPCA animal centres.
• Other duties as may be required.

Qualifications you need to have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid emergency first aid certificate
• Enthusiasm for working with kids and animals; previous experience with kids and animals an asset
• Is aware of and exhibits leadership qualities and instincts
• Demonstrated experience in teamwork with a teachable spirit
• Energetic, innovative and enthusiastic, with a passion for making a difference
• Patient, positive and hardworking
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience in a respectful way; able to address conflict in a constructive and professional manner
• Position is physically demanding and may include lifting (up to 25 lbs), pushing, pulling and participating in outdoor field games at camps/workshops
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must be willing to complete a criminal record check with vulnerable sector check
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.

How to apply:

If you are interested in joining our team and are legally entitled to work in Canada, we would like to hear from you. Click on apply now or use the link to apply

We thank you for your interest in the BC SPCA, however; only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted. No telephone calls, please.

The BC SPCA is a Registered Charity BN RR0001