Job Description

Are you an experienced leader? Are you interested in working full- time this summer delivering our Youth and Camp programs and part-time the rest of the year supporting other positive and encouraging hands-on experiences for children (and their families!) in a fun and busy environment? If yes, consider this opportunity with The Ontario Science Centre Recreational and Family Programs team.
The Opportunity:
The Ontario Science Centre Recreational Programs Department offers science-based programs for youth 4-14 years. On an annual basis, the Ontario Science Centre Recreational Programs department delivers youth programs, day camps, birthday parties and interactive, hands-on recreational programs, this team also provides a wide variety of interactive support for internal departments. We expect to hire 13-15 candidates for this role.

The Opportunity:
The Ontario Science Centre Recreational Programs Department offers science-based programs for youth 4-14 years. On an annual basis, the Ontario Science Centre Recreational Programs department delivers youth programs, day camps, birthday parties and interactive, hands-on recreational programs, this team also provides a wide variety of interactive support for internal departments. We expect to hire 13-15 candidates for this role.

PLEASE NOTE:
These positions are irregular/on-call, which may include evening, weekend and Statutory holiday work with no guarantee of hours. Peak program times vary throughout the year and there will be a high demand for Senior RPAs to commit to working full-time hours during our summer camp and youth programs.

• We expect to hire 13-15 candidates for this role.

OPS Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Accessibility, and Anti-Racism:

We are committed to build a workforce that reflects the communities we serve and to promote a diverse, anti-racist, inclusive, accessible, merit-based, respectful and equitable workplace.

We invite all interested individuals to apply and encourage applications from people with disabilities, Indigenous, Black, and racialized individuals, as well as people from a diversity of ethnic and cultural origins, sexual orientations, gender identities and expressions.

Visit the OPS Anti-Racism Policy and the OPS Diversity and Inclusion Blueprint pages to learn more about the OPS commitment to advance racial equity, accessibility, diversity, and inclusion in the public service.

We offer employment accommodation across the recruitment process and all aspects of employment consistent with the requirements of Ontario\'s Human Rights Code. Refer to the "How to apply" section if you require a disability-related accommodation.

What can I expect to do in this role?

Senior Recreational Programs Assistants (RPA) are contracted annually to deliver a variety of science-based Recreational Programs. As a Senior RPA you will:

• Facilitate in-person and virtual , interactive and engaging events such as day camp, family workshops and birthday parties
• Work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and where you will need to readily adapt to change
• Work independently and as part of a team to deliver science and recreational activities and demonstrations in a safe, organized and engaging manner
• Greet, guide, and supervise program participants of various group sizes, and respond to participant needs in order to ensure customer satisfaction and an enjoyable experience for everyone involved
• Be responsible for setting up, maintaining, and cleaning up program delivery spaces and supplies inventory areas by moving boxes, supplies and other large items (up to 20 lbs) related to recreational programs to and from the required areas for set-up/take down
• Provide support to the coordination of recreational programs as assigned by the Recreational Program Leaders and/or the Manager
• Attend and participate in meetings and training sessions and follow the Ontario Science Centre recreational programs policies, principles and procedures at all times
• Participate in camp and other recreational program activities that include extended periods of sitting, walking, kneeling, crouching, squatting, reaching and/or standing

How do I qualify?

Mandatory

• All candidates must be certified in Standard First Aid and CPR Level C prior to the start of employment and maintain certification throughout employment
• Top candidates will be required to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check for this position
• Must be available to work full time to support Summer Camp 2023 and accept and work a minimum of 10 weekend shifts per quarter in the other periods of the year

Leadership and Organizational Skills

• Ability to work independently with limited supervision, or as part of a team
• Organization, time management and prioritization skills and the ability to switch quickly between conflicting priorities
• Ability to follow multi-faceted instructions
• Demonstrated dependability, reliability, initiative and flexibility
• Strong creative problem solving skills
• Ability to mentor and support less experienced staff and program volunteers

Technical Skills and Knowledge

• Experience in teaching, presenting recreational or scientific programs, or other engagement roles in a recreation/camp and/or education setting
• Practical and applicable knowledge of adaptability techniques that strategically support the integration of program participants with physical and/or developmental obstacles in a learning environment
• Demonstrated experience leading and supervising diverse groups of children including different age groups, learning abilities/styles, and/or special needs
• Ability to deliver programs and use adaptability techniques to strategically support the integration of program participants with physical and/or developmental disabilities
• Ability to learn, understand and follow procedures, daily operations and program practices

Communication Skills

• Knowledge of and experience in presentation principles and techniques to deliver creative, enthusiastic, engaging, exciting, dramatic and interactive presentations, demonstrations and activities
• Ability to deliver enthusiastic and engaging programs , demonstrations or presentations
• Understanding of adaptability techniques that strategically support the integration of program participants with physical and/or developmental obstacles
• Excellent oral and written communication skills

Customer Service Skills

• Experience in meeting and exceeding customer needs and expectations and proven commitment to customer service and visitor care
• Experience in leading children and/or family programs in a learning setting and providing engagement to participants at several age ranges
• Ability to be enthusiastic and engaging with visitors of all ages
• Ability to interact with caregivers and visitors in a professional, responsible and respectful manner as a representative of the Ontario Science Centre

Additional Information:

Address:

• 1 Temporary - Irregular On-Call, duration up to 12 months, 770 Don Mills Rd, Toronto, Toronto Region, Vulnerable Sector Check

Compensation Group:
Ontario Public Service Employees Union




Understanding the job ad - definitions Schedule:
3-A



Category:
Customer and Client Services



Posted on:
Tuesday, February 28, 2023

Note:

• In accordance with the Ontario Public Service (OPS), Employment Screening Checks Policy (ESCP), the top candidate(s) may be required to undergo a security screening check. Refer to the above to determine the screening checks that are required for this position.
  
  Required security screening checks along with your written consent, will be sent to the Transition and Security Office (TSO), Corporate Talent Programs Branch, Talent and Leadership Division to evaluate the results. If applicable, the TSO, with your written consent, will request and obtain any additional employment screening checks that were not obtained directly by you.
  
  A record under the Criminal Code and/or other federal offence record(s) does not automatically mean you will be ineligible for the position. The employment screening check(s) will only be reviewed and evaluated by the TSO for the purpose of making a security clearance decision. The details of an individual\'s employment screening check(s) will be considered in specific relation to the duties and responsibilities of the position being filled. Employment screening check records will be maintained by the TSO and kept strictly confidential.
• T-SC-195458/23