Program Assistant II (Inclusion Support Staff)

Main Purpose and Function

Vancouver’s Recreation department offers supported summer day camps at four community centres in partnership with local community centre associations. These day camps provide support to children with disabilities so they can participate with their peers in a typical community day camp program.

Inclusion Support Staff work as key members of the community centre day camp team to plan and facilitate an inclusive environment for all children, with a primary focus on working with children with physical or developmental disabilities. Staff may work 1 : 1 with participants or support a small group of campers at a time, depending on participant support needs.

Specific Duties and Responsibilities

• Welcomes campers and families during introductory meetings prior to the start of camp. Meetings are facilitated by the Inclusion Support staff, and inform camp planning, and the planning and development of strategies to support each camper, including camper profiles.
• Develops sincere relationships with parents through regular and respectful check-ins before and after camp, or through phone or email.
• Works with the day camp CCA Project Manager and day camp leaders to help ensure successful participation of all campers, including planning, developing, and modifying the day camp program, activities and communication methods, and providing alternate activities for small groups as necessary.
• Facilitates the inclusion of campers with disabilities and / or challenging behaviors in the day camp community and helps them develop relationships with their peers.
• Participates in training and mentoring volunteers assisting with camp.
• Creates and submits weekly and a season-end report to discuss camper successes / challenges, general day camp operations, and recommendations.
• Assists the CCA Project Manager in planning and leading the weekly team meeting, including discussing the needs of campers; works with the CAA Project Manager to create adaptations and coach other staff on implementation and use of support strategies.
• Provides daily support to campers requiring additional support to participate at camp. Responsibilities include supervision, ensuring camper stays with the group, encouraging attendance in activities, adapting an activity to include the camper’s needs and interests, and using calm down techniques to promote regulation.

Qualification

Education and Experience :

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities :

Driver’s License and Record Checks :

Business Unit / Department : Board of Parks & Recreation (1400)