Job Posting
Leadership Program Specialist
Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium
LEADERSHIP PROGRAM SPECIALIST (9 month contract)
A diagnosis of childhood cancer changes life in an instant. For affected children and families, it can suddenly feel like everything is about cancer.
Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium (merged in 2020) offers a different journey, where kids with cancer can just be kids, and families connect with a community of strength and support when they need it the most.
So much more than a summer camp—we offer the social cure for childhood cancer. Our camp-inspired programs deliver fun, friendship, and community to children and families at no cost to them year-round, all across Ontario. New in 2020 are virtual camp opportunities reaching kids and families living in isolation—at home or in the hospital—wherever they are!
Cancer changes a child’s life. So does camp. And so can you. Learn more at www.ooch.org.
Overall Purpose
The Leadership Program Specialist is accountable for the development and facilitation of all Teen & Leadership Programs at Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium. This includes facilitating a variety of programs for campers aged 14-18 at overnight camp at Ooch Muskoka and Rainbow Lake, in communities across Ontario, and through a virtual platform. This role will also plan and facilitate programs for parents/guardians and their children aged 0-18 as part of our team of Community and In-Hospital Program Specialists. The Leadership Program Specialist will facilitate these programs while supporting our dynamic volunteer community. They will report to the Director, Programs Ooch Muskoka.
Some key responsibilities include:
Develop, facilitate and oversee operations of all year-round Leadership Programs for campers aged 14-18 with the goal of providing a safe, fun, engaging camp-style programs. This includes:
- Summer Leadership Day Camp Programs in the GTA**
Year Round Wilderness Expeditions (ie canoe trips, hiking trips)** - Teen and Leadership Community Virtual and In-Person** Programs across Ontario
- Collaboration with Community Specialists on camper and family Community Virtual and In-Person** Programs across Ontario
- Collaboration with In-Hospital Program Specialists on programs that meet the needs of patients receiving care at SickKids and other children’s hospitals across Ontario with a focus on teens.
**In-person programming is subject to local Public Health confirmation**
The incumbent of this role will also lead recruitment and development of Camper Graduation, all adult and alumni virtual and in-person programs and recreational/educational based initiatives in the community for people aged 19+. The incumbent will also support and
facilitate guest programs and engage, train, and support program volunteers in planning and facilitation of Leadership programs.
Communication and administration is a key component of this role as you develop & maintain relationships with campers & families, complete all administrative tasks required in the planning, execution and follow up of Teen and Leadership programs (i.e. bookings, permits, contracts, permits, program supplies and materials) and promote programs to patients and families in efforts to recruit and support every child eligible to participate in In-Hospital, Community and Overnight Programs.
Partnership with the Development team to collect multimedia (collection of pictures, videos), track gift-in-kind donations and outreach/promotion of our programs also rounds out the role and supports organizational growth.
Experience and Qualifications:
Required Criteria
a) Post-secondary education
b) Demonstrated 2-4 years of experience with Leadership Program facilitation.
c) Personable and able to develop a positive rapport with people with a range experiences and professional backgrounds.
d) Experience working with children with a variety of physical and development abilities
e) Experience working with children and teens
f) Experience organizing and leading wilderness expeditions (i.e. canoe, hiking, or winter camping trips).
g) Strong oral and written communication skills.
h) Current police reference check and vulnerable sector screening
i) Current G Class driver’s license.
Advantageous Criteria
a) Degree/diploma in Education, Outdoor Recreation or related specialization.
b) Demonstrated ability to work with children with serious illnesses and an understanding of how illness impacts the entire family.
c) Experience working with volunteers.
d) Current CPR/First Aid Certification/Wilderness First Aid
e) Current Bronze Cross or NLS certification
f) Adventure Course Experience/ Certification (ACCT).
g) Ontario Recreational Canoe Association Instructor.
Personal/Professional Characteristics
Enthusiastic, passionate, self-starter, excellent time-management skills, flexible, adaptable, diplomatic, able to work in a small office environment and on-site at overnight camp, excellent oral and written communication skills, able to meet deadlines and work well under stress, analytical, problem solving skills, sense of fiscal responsibility, able to work independently and with a team, and a commitment to programming for children with complex needs and considerations.
Particular Working Conditions:
a) This position involves routine evenings and weekend commitments, and a flexible schedule
b) Primarily this position works in an open office setting, but due to the pandemic shutdown, this position works remotely from home. As this position supports our In-Hospital and Community programs teams, this position requires an in-person presence at SickKids hospital approx. 1-2 days per week.
c) Starting Fall 2021, this position may involve living at our overnight campsites while supporting 1-4 Fall and Winter weekend overnight camp programs at Ooch Muskoka or Rainbow Lake.
d) Occasionally driving long distances, with overnight stays
e) In consideration of the population Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium serve, the incumbent is a non-smoker.
Physical Requirements:
The usual and customary methods of performing the job’s functions require the following physical demands: frequent lifting, carrying, pushing, and/or pulling; standing for long periods of time, packing and unpacking vehicles and program spaces, stooping, kneeling, crouching, and/or crawling; sleeping in a tent, and fine finger dexterity. The minimum physical requirements for this position include being able to lift 20kg. This position involves working outdoors in various environments and temperatures. The job is performed in a generally hazard free environment and in a clean atmosphere.
Ethics
Operate in keeping with the organization’s commitment to ethical behaviour by: Helping to ensure that the integrity, image and quality of all programs are consistent with our mission, operating principles and objectives and adhere to the code of ethics of Imagine Canada, the Association of Gift Planners, the Canadian Code for Volunteer Involvement and the Code of Ethics of the Association of Fundraising Professionals.
Compensation
This position offers a competitive salary, vacation, and professional development.
Duration
We are looking to have this role support our organization’s unique Teen and Leadership Programs for the 2021 year. We look to have the incumbent in role by March 2021 and ending December 2021.
To Apply
Please send a cover letter, resume and expected salary to careers@ooch.org with the email subject reading 2021004 – Leadership Program Specialist.
We will expect to commence screening applicants the week of February 8, 2021. This posting will remain open until filled. Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted. For more information about Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium, please visit www.ooch.org – No phone calls please.
Applying by mail is also acceptable and should be addressed to the attention of:
Human Resources, Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium, 464 Bathurst St., Toronto, ON M5T 2S6.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium invites applications from all qualified individuals. We are committed to employment equity and diversity in the workplace and welcomes applications from women, visible minorities, indigenous people, persons with disabilities, and persons of any sexual orientation or gender identity. In accordance with Canadian Immigration requirements, priority will be given to Canadian citizens and permanent residents.
Accessibility
Upon request, Camp Ooch & Camp Trillium will provide to applicants with disabilities, accommodations that take into account the applicants’ accessibility needs, in order to facilitate participation in the recruitment, assessment, selection and hiring stages.