Program Assistant II - Inclusion Facilitator

at  The City of Vancouver

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience:

• Completion of grade 12 and some related experience; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Minimum of six months related part-time experience in recreation (preferably in a camp setting) with an emphasis on working with people with disabilities within the past three years,
• Approved diploma in Therapeutic Recreation, Support Services or a related discipline and or an equivalent combination of training and experience; or
• Currently enrolled in a Therapeutic Recreation program , Support Services or a related discipline and or an equivalent combination of training and experience;
• Experience supporting volunteers
• Current and valid First Aid and CPR C Level 1 is required. (Applicants must attach a copy of their First Aid to their application)
• Current and valid Non Violent Crisis Intervention (CPI) training, or willingness to obtain

Knowledge, Skills, Abilities

• Working knowledge of the behavior, needs and interests typical of participants
• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and equipment used in playground recreational programs and activities
• Working knowledge of the safety practices, policies, regulations and rules applicable to the work performed
• Good knowledge of the fundamentals of program leadership
• Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures
• Ability to effectively monitor activities and the behaviour of participants
• Ability to assist in the planning and carrying out of special events or programs
• Ability to lead groups and provide basic skills instructions in various activities
• Ability to render basic first aid as required
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with other facility staff and with parents

Driver’s License and Police Record Checks:
A Police Record Check is a requirement of the position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.
Affiliation: CUPE 15 Parks
Employment Type: Auxiliary/Casual
Position Start Date: May, 2024
Position End Date: September, 2024
Salary Information: Pay Grade GR-012: $25.93 to $30.41 per hour
Number of vacancies: Multiple

MAIN PURPOSE AND FUNCTION

The Supported Summer Day Camps support children with disabilities in typical community day camp programs. The programs run out of Champlain Heights, Dunbar, Renfrew, and Hillcrest community centres. This full-time position and runs for twelve to thirteen (12-13) weeks, Monday to Friday. In June some evening and/or weekend availability is required. This position begins in May, 2024.

SPECIFIC DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporting to the Recreation Programmer I and Recreation Programmer II in Adapted Recreation, the successful applicant will work as a key member of the day camp team to create an inclusive environment for children. Prior to the start of camp, the Inclusion Facilitator will work to welcome campers and families to the program during introduction meetings, and will use information gathered in this meeting to develop planning and strategies to best support each camper. They will also collaborate with other day camp staff to assist with planning and adapting activities that are accessible for all campers.During the day camp season, the successful applicant will work with the day camp project manager and day camp leaders to ensure successful participation of all campers, including adapting and modifying activities, communication methods, and providing alternate activities for small groups as necessary. The successful applicant will advocate for campers with disabilities and/or challenging behaviour to facilitate their inclusion in the day camp community and to help them develop relationships with their peers.The successful applicant will develop sincere relationships with parents through regular and respectful check-ins and communication before and after camp. They will also send out welcome emails and social stories to families prior to the respective week in camp.The successful applicant will participate in the training, mentoring, and evaluation of volunteers assisting with camp.The Inclusion Facilitator will create and submit both weekly and a season-end report in order to discuss camper successes/challenges and general daycamp operations, and to provide recommendations for future years.