Inclusion specialist - Kanawana YMCA camp

Camp YMCA Kanawana is Québec’s oldest residential summer camp, offering innovative programming and traditional YMCA values-based camping. Staff members live on-site for the duration of the summer, from June to August. Salaries include food, lodging and transportation to and from camp.

Reporting to the Camp Director and/or Section Directors, the Inclusion Specialist is responsible for integrating children with special needs into camp. They may act as a one-on-one Companion to integrate a camper with a group of children of the same age; encourage the animation and participation in appropriate activities; or touch base with multiple children throughout the day to offer advice to their counsellors or assist with additional supervision for certain warranted activities. They participate in the full life of camp, and establish and maintain positive relationships with the children, parents, and the camp team.

This position provides supervision for the campers during the entirety of the day. They will supervise children with special needs during all meals and activities and, depending on the level of care needed for an individual child, may accompany them to the washroom and spend time with them during the scheduled free period in the day. The Inclusion Specialist may sleep in the cabin/tent with the campers to ensure they can provide the best care if needed throughout the night.

What challenges will you tackle?

• Train, support, and work with a team of companions and counsellor in working with campers with different abilities and needs;
• Ensures the safety, security, health, and well-being of campers, staff, and program participants at all times;
• Follows policies regarding program delivery, care of campers, and staff conduct at all times;
• Participates in compulsory staff training;
• Leads or helps with daily specialized activities (Interest Groups) for campers;
• Plans group activities for a cabin/tent group for four sessions (each session is twelve days long);
• Organizes and leads designated camp activities;
• Attends regular section meetings;
• Attends all-staff meetings as required;
• Completes a camper evaluation at the end of each session for all campers with special needs under their supervision;
• Reports any safety hazards or maintenance deficiencies to the Section Director;
• Provides a general camp evaluation to the Director at the end of the summer;
• Adheres to the YMCA’s Child Protection Policies and Procedures;
• Understands and integrates the value of philanthropy in both their specific position and the Association, and participates in the Annual Campaign and/or other fundraising events.

Who are we looking for? 

• Have a valid First Aid/CPR certificate (training may be offered during the spring);
• Have strong English language skills and can communicate in French;
• Are passionate about working with children and the environment;
• Have experience working with children with special needs;
• Have no criminal record in connection with employment.

Why join the YMCA? 

YMCA Kanawana offers great benefits and a unique natural environment to work in, but being part of our team also means you will:

• Develop your expertise and gain experience;
• Have a positive impact on your community;
• Really make a difference in people’s lives;
• Have an opportunity to take on exciting challenges;
• Collaborate with people who love camp and working with children.

To apply

1. Send us your resume and cover letter by email at: cv-kanawana@ymcaquebec.org.
2. Fill out the form sent by automatic response.
   

Thank you for your interest! We will reach out to candidates as they apply.

Competencies

• Strive to encourage growth and development in campers and youth with different needs.
• Actively participate in group work with the goal of achieving the organization’s mission.
• Behave responsibly and in accordance with ethical norms at all times.
• Show initiative in decision-making.
• Recognize and understand risk and injury management practices and advocate for their proper implementation.
• Work independently with minimal supervision.
• Be able to work well with a wide range of people and leverage individual strengths towards achieving common goals.
• Be capable of active listening, encouraging a healthy exchange of ideas and constructive discussions. Communicate well both verbally and in writing in a clear, concise, coherent, respectful, and accurate manner.
• Understand and welcome different perspectives and lived experiences in the professional discourse, and enrich the institution.