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 Coordinator

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: 10-13 weeks depending on location, fixed. Seasonal/Summer


Accountability: Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s)


Responsibility: The Summer Camp Coordinator shall oversee the day to day operations of summer camp. They are responsible to ensure a safe, fun and inclusive recreational day camp experience for the children in the camp program and provide direct supervision to 1:1 inclusion facilitators.


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 polices and procedures of the organization and camp outlined in the Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp Training & the Autism Nova Scotia Employee Package;
• Support the Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor to plan/organize the camp schedule.
• Support the Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor with camper onboarding prior to and during camp.
• Ongoing organization of camper documentation and confidential participant files and adhere to strict confidentiality policies;
• To contact community spaces in regards to booking outings, as directed by Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor;
• To organize the structure of each day's programming, and the implement and oversee daily activities as per program schedule.
• To make necessary adjustments and adaptions to program plan based on camper supports.
• To manage volunteers and placement students while on-site at summer camp, if directed by Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor;
• 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.
• To administer any medications required by camper as per instructions given by caregiver.
• Mentor and support camp counsellors to grow their own skill set, and support their 1:1 camper.
• Support Camp Inclusion Facilitators with behavior plan implementation using NVCI techniques and incident reporting; as required
• To ensure good communication with staff, caregivers and participants regarding program activities;
• To ensure program facilities are clean and orderly and that all camp supplies are being respected and organized.
• To adhere strictly to all current Public Health and Safety protocols related the COVID-19 throughout the duration of the program.
• To follow-up after completion of the program with reorganization of supplies and final reporting/documentation.
• To provide the Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor with regular updates regarding the daily ongoing of camp, as necessary;
• Provide staff with mid-term and final evaluations as well as ongoing feedback.
• Implement Emergency Plan; as needed and directed by Off-Site Summer Camp Supervisor.
• Responsible for maintaining and tracking on-site camp float and receipt submission to finance department;
• 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 supervising and managing a team;
• 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;
• Proficient skills in Microsoft Word and Excel as well as the ability to learn basic software quickly
• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;
• Advocates with and for campers to ensure their needs are being met;
• Strong computer skills navigating systems including word, outlook/teams, excel and ability to learn new software systems quickly;
• Forms strong professional relationships with community partners, campers, families, and colleagues;
• Manages a team of facilitators and provide feedback to encourage personal growth;
• Conducts tough conversations with staff as necessary in-regards to performance;
• Adapts communication style to support a diverse team and ensure staff concerns are being heard and addressed either at camp or directed to management team;
• Provides feedback and conducts performance reviews;
• Analytic ability to collect data for the purposes of program evaluation and program management;
• 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)
• Asist Suicide Intervention Training, considered an asset
• 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.•