Job Description

About Autism Nova Scotia...

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Our vision is a society where people with autism can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.


Position: Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff

Department: Recreation Department


Schedule: Monday - Friday (hours may vary) on location


Flexible schedule is required.


Employment Type: Full-Time 35-40 hours/wk (flexibility required during training week and last day of camp)


Term: 9 weeks fixed. Seasonal/Summer


Accountability: Summer Camp Coordinator & Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s)


Responsibility: The Summer Camp Behavior Support Staff shall act as an additional support to inclusion facilitators and/or Summer Camp Coordinator during behaviors that challenge and de-escalation. They are responsible for making quick decisions regarding what behavior support tools to use to reduce the likelihood of physical intervention being needed as per NVCI.


Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp is a social and inclusive program that provides individuals on the autism spectrum ages 5+ the opportunity to attend summer camp in a supportive, inclusive and adapted environment with 1:1 staff support. Summer Camp is focused on the importance of recreation and leisure for children, youth and adults of all abilities.


Autism Nova Scotia is proud to run our summer camp across 9 Nova Scotian Chapter locations including, the Halifax Central area, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton and the South Shore.



General Duties:

• To adhere to policies and procedures of the organization and camp outlined in the Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp Training & the Autism Nova Scotia Employee Package.
• Support the Summer Camp Coordinator in the daily operations of camp including cleaning, activity facilitation, behavior support, personal care support, mealtime support, facilitator breaks, etc.
• Track and manage the on-site camp inventory in collaboration with the Summer Camp Coordinator.
• Organize the structure of each day's programming, and the implementation and oversee daily activities per program schedule.
• To make necessary adjustments and adaptions to program plan based on individual camper supports.
• To work directly with children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum ensuring all participants are treated with dignity and respect, and that the health and safety needs of each participant are met at all times.
• Support camp counsellors to grow in their role, and support their 1:1 camper.
• Support the communication between counsellor and caregivers on a daily basis.
• To ensure that program facilities are clean and orderly and that all camp supplies are being respected and organized on a daily basis.
• To adhere strictly to all current Public Health and Safety protocols related to COVID-19 throughout the duration of the program.
• Support in the implementation of Emergency Plan; as needed and directed by Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor;
• Speak for the camp in the case of Summer Camp Coordinator absence
• Support in Incident Report writing and de-brief process in collaboration with Summer Camp Coordinator, Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s);
• Support Camp Inclusion Facilitators with behavior plan implementation using NVCI techniques
• and behavior support plan development;
• Act as designated Health and Safety Representative of the camp. Responsible for ensuring all protocols are followed, follow up with Autism Nova Scotia HR should there be an issue or a check in.
• Other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Secondary Education or student in related post-secondary program (e.g., education, social work, recreation, psychology, child and youth care, etc.) or equivalent experience.
• Minimum 1 year experience supporting autistic children, youth and adults or individuals with diverse support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals with behaviors that challenge
• Experience developing and implementing behavior support plans to encourage de-escalation, reducing the requirement to use physical interventions as outlined by NVCI.
• Knowledge and experience in alternative communication methods (non-speaking, limited speaking, assistive communication devices, visual tools, etc)
• Knowledge and experience in environmental adjustments to support campers;
• Knowledge and experience in planning and facilitating recreation based activities



Skills:

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability, leadership and patience);
• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism;
• Strong recreational program development and facilitation skills;
• Implements physical safety interventions when required during behaviors that challenge (NVCI skills)
• Understanding of physical interventions being a last resort, and ability to implement support tools that don't require physical interventions until absolutely necessary;
• Follows strict Autism Nova Scotia policy regarding physical behavior interventions;
• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;
• Advocates with and for campers to ensure their needs are being met;
• Forms strong professional relationships with campers, families, and colleagues;
• Manages a team of facilitators and provide feedback to encourage personal growth;
• Implement feedback provided by management to support campers needs and encourage personal growth;
• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team;
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and ability to practically and professionally adapt;
• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills and keen attention to detail;
• Staying active and participating in various physical activities for long periods at Summer Camp, including moving quickly and other strenuous tasks

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A valid Criminal Record Check is required for this position
• A valid Child Abuse Registry is required for this position
• First Aid Certification, or willingness to acquire independently is required
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (will be provided during training week)
• Access to transportation to our camp locations (vehicle, public transit, etc)

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

•You'll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals. •

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles.


•You'll make a difference. •

You'll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our services


•You'll find a place to grow and develop. •

We support professional development through training courses and support to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need to succeed and thrive. With a lot of opportunity for professional development and collaborative projects, you'll continue to grow and learn throughout your career.


•Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.•

•Please Note: • •We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.•