Job Posting

Camp Counsellor at Camp Otonabee YMCA YWCA

Overview:

As one of the largest charitable community service organizations in Canada, the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region responds to critical social needs in the community and works to provide lasting solutions. Serving thousands of people across our region annually, we are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential. This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, respect, and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.

Working for the Y

Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA-YWCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals. Some of the benefits of working for the Y include:

What we offer

At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families. Our competitive wage and benefit package includes:

• Free Y membership.
• Access to an Employee Assistance Program

What you offer?

The Camp Counsellor ensures that children and youth have a positive experience leading to personal growth through fun and rewarding recreation and sports programs. This position fosters self-esteem as well as problem-solving and conflict resolution skills in program participants while working to create an atmosphere of safety, belonging, and positive development in accordance with Y policies and procedures.

The Camp Counsellor presents a professional appearance and attitude at all times and ensures excellent customer service is provided to members and participants by proactively addressing concerns or issues and escalating them to the Coordinator of Camping, as necessary. This position ensures that health and safety regulations and YMCA-YWCA policies and procedures are upheld..

This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of responsibility, honesty, caring, and respect, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services

Some of the tasks of this position include:

• Primarily this role requires working in a recreational setting, with staff, volunteers, and program participants
• Deliver high-quality program facilitation of boating activities, high ropes, and/or horseback riding
• Perform some housekeeping responsibilities in line with WHIMIS training and COVID-19 procedures – sanitation of equipment, cleaning program areas, etc.
• Assist in set up and takedown of program areas and equipment
• Participate in swimming, canoeing, rock climbing, kayaking, horseback riding and other activities

Ensure safety and well-being of campers

• Actively supervise assigned camper(s), learn their name(s) on the first day, and know where they are at all times
• Act as a positive role model in attitude, health, and wellness for campers, volunteers, and staff
• Active risk management practices as per current policies
• Administering first aid, writing accident/incident reports as required
• Positive communication, problem-solving, and addressing concerns in a timely manner with camper families

Prepare and deliver exceptional day camp programming

• Learn how to effectively lead all-day camp programming
• Create developmentally appropriate program plans
• Deliver day camp programs to an assigned camper group
• Participate actively in all camp activities and special events
• Incorporate inclusive programming allowing for children of all abilities to participate
• Involve campers in choice of activity where appropriate
• Encourage campers to set and achieve goals
• As per the Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons Policy, staff of the YMCA-YWCA will take allegations of abuse seriously.
• All staff members are familiar with their duty to report and the procedure for reporting suspected abuse or neglect of a child.
• Lead programming with awareness to camper emotional well-being as well as physical safety
• Provide behavior management of campers aligning wish the child’s age and development
• Create a sense of community within the assigned camper group where campers care for look out for each other

What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?

At YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.

The successful candidate will have the following:

Language

• Ability to work in English
• Bilingualism an asset

Experience, Skills, and Abilities

• Current Standard First Aid & CPR “C” certification
• Be self-motivating, enthusiastic, and a responsible individual with strong leadership skills committed to the healthy development of children
• Ability to work in a team setting
• National Lifeguard Certification, Bronze Cross, Paddle Canada, Cui, or other relevant certifications are strongly considered as assets for this position
• Experience working in a day camp or overnight camp setting is considered as an asset
• Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution skills and relationship building skills; ability to establish rapport and excellent communication with children, members, staff, and volunteers
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and non-visible dimensions of diversity

Additional Requirements:

• Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
• Criminal Reference Check for the Vulnerable Sector, not more than 6 months old is required
• As a condition of employment, in accordance with the COVID-19 Vaccination Requirement Policy for Staff and Volunteers, you are required to provide proof that you are fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a valid exemption.
• Annually all staff must complete the mandatory training for the Protecting Children, Youth, and Vulnerable Persons, and submit the certificate of completion.

Core Competencies:

• Effective Interactive Communication: the ability to transmit and receive information clearly and communicate effectively to others by considering their points of view in order to respond appropriately. It includes using tact and diplomacy in all communications as well as the ability to convey ideas and information, both orally and in writing, in a way that brings understanding to the target audience.
• Integrity: Demonstration of conduct consistent with values and ethics
• Teamwork and collaboration: The ability to collaborate effectively with others, to be part of a team, and to promote quality work through effective contribution to others’ efforts.
• Concern for Health and Safety: Demonstrating high concern for the health and safety of all team members, giving extra attention to Y’s guidelines on workplace safety.
• Service Orientation: Focusing one’s efforts on discovering and meeting the clients’ needs. It implies a desire to help or serve others, to meet their needs.
• Risk Management:  Ability to apply knowledge and skills to identify potential risks in advance, analyze them and take precautionary steps to reduce/curb the risk.
• Relationship Building: The ability to build and/or maintain reciprocal and friendly relationships with networks of people who may be able to partner or assist in moving an agenda forward or furthering the organization’s goals.
• Quality Focus: Taking pride in ensuring that tasks are completed with a focus on accuracy and quality by monitoring and checking work or information, insisting on clarity of roles and functions, planning, etc.
• Leadership: Taking a role as leader of a team or other group. It implies a desire to lead others using soft power and interpersonal skills.

About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y: 

Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.

How to apply?

All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.  Internal applicants can apply only after completing the probationary period of their current job unless approved by People and Culture.

Applications must be submitted to the YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region, and all cover letters should be addressed to Sara Pinsky. Please send applications to Program Manager, Camp Otonabee Director, Sara Pinsky (sara.pinsky@ymcaywca.ca)

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

The YMCA-YWCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Please advise in advance if you require any accommodation during this process. We believe all people have the right to live free from discrimination or harassment of any kind.