Job Description

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We currently have the following opportunities in our Kinark Outdoor Centre:
Fall Outdoor Educator
Kinark Outdoor Centre – Minden
Temporary, Full Time Contract.
Contract Dates: September 6th, 2022- November 4th, 2022
Earlier Start Dates available. Winter Contracts also available (January-April)
$17.50 an hour @ 35-40 hours per week
Contract includes evenings and weekends.
Free On-site Accommodation offered

About the Kinark Outdoor Centre:
The Kinark Outdoor Center (KOC) facilitates a range of outdoor education, therapeutic recreation and experiential adventure programs. Such programs are customized specifically to meet the needs of their diverse client population including children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Throughout the operating season, the staff at the KOC facilitate our Autism Family Respite, Autism Family Camp, and Autism Summer Camp programs. They also facilitate a number of custom programs for visiting organizations including children’s mental health centers, community living agencies, elementary schools, secondary schools, and various other organizations serving youth, adults, and individuals with special needs. Job Summary:
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Outdoor Educator is responsible for interacting with children, family members and group leaders while facilitating safe and fun recreational programming. The successful incumbent will be trained in all program areas at the KOC and will assist in the development and delivery of small and large group programs.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with youth, adults, and individuals with special needs, experience facilitating programs with small and large groups, as well as the ability to work in an outdoor camp environment. Spring and Summer activities include but not limited to: rock climbing, high ropes, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interact with children and youth and foster interaction among them.
• Maintain a fun, positive, and safe environment for all clients visiting the KOC.
• Facilitate outdoor recreation activities including but not limited to rock climbing, high ropes, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking and stand up paddleboarding.
• Facilitate group development through games, leadership activities and initiatives.
• Adapt programs as necessary to suit the wants and needs of all participants.
• Engage in the ongoing assessment process of both clients and programs.
• Perform the role of primary care provider for some campers. (Including but not limited to: personal hygiene, dietary needs, and behaviour management).
• Assist in physical preparation of the facility prior to group arrival.
• Keep track of and perform required maintenance for program equipment.
• Understand and be confident with ALL emergency procedures at the KOC.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with all KOC programs.
• Know, follow, and enforce all Infection Prevention and Control guidelines.
• Ensure all agency record keeping requirements are fully maintained.

Qualifications:

• Experience working in a childcare setting (such as: camps, live-in treatment homes, school system) with children ages 8 to 18 years old.
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism, showing respect and recognizing others' roles and contributions.
• Work experience in wilderness tripping, crafts, drama, environmental programming, and group games.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C are required (Wilderness First Aid will be accepted).
• Current National Lifeguard certification (NL) is an asset. The Kinark Outdoor Centre will reimburse staff for the cost of obtaining or recertifying their NL.
• Current Pleasure Craft Operators Card (PCOC) is an asset.
• Strong organizational, interpersonal, time-management and communication skills.
• Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, rock climbing, high ropes, hiking, swimming, canoeing, kayaking, stand up paddleboarding. physical games, and activities.
• Must have the ability to restrain and physically support children when needed for safety in general KOC activities. Training will be provided.
• Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening) and Pre-Employment Medical.

Why should I join the KOC staff team as an Outdoor Educator?

• To be an important part of an incredibly diverse, fun, talented, and inclusive staff team.
• To spend majority of your time outside enjoying all the KOC has to offer with your clients.
• Staff have access to accommodations and dining service throughout the duration of their contract at no additional cost.
• Staff have access to High-Speed Wireless Internet in several communal locations for use outside of work hours.
• Staff accommodations include large, shared cabins and kitchen, private staff washrooms and parking. Laundry facilities are available on-site.
• Staff receive extensive in-house training specific to the program which includes: Challenge Course facilitation, Safe Management Crisis Intervention, program facilitation and Autism Training.
• We offer a competitive salary of $17.50 per hour + 4% vacation pay in lieu of vacation.
• Staff are scheduled to work an average of 35-40 hours per week (4-12 hours per day depending on group needs).

Kinark Child and Family Services conditions of employment include but are not limited to successful Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, completed Pre-Employment Medical certificate, and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated is defined as having received all required doses of a World Health Organization Approved COVID-19 Vaccine at least one of which being approved for use in Canada and 14 days have passed since your last dose. Proof of vaccination for each vaccine dose received is required.