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:

• Completion of Grade 12 and some related experience, or an equivalent combination of training and experience.
• Experience supporting people with disabilities considered an asset.
• Diploma or currently enrolled in Recreation Therapy, Education, Support Services or related discipline is considered an asset.
• Valid Standard or Emergency First Aid with CPR C is required.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Working knowledge of the behaviour, support needs and interests typical of participants, including children ages 5 – 12 years old with physical and developmental disabilities
• Working knowledge of the practices, procedures and equipment used in playground and day camp recreational programs and activities.
• Working knowledge of the safety practices, policies, regulations and rules applicable to the work performed.
• Some knowledge of the fundamentals of program planning and program leadership, including in day camps and play-based recreation and social programs
• Some knowledge of modern office practices and procedures, including report writing and record keeping.
• Ability to effectively monitor activities and the behaviour of participants
• Ability to problem solve and work effectively in a team setting, and with a variety of partners and stakeholders
• Ability to lead groups and provide basic skills instruction in various activities
• Ability to administer basic first aid as required
• Ability to develop and maintain effective working relationship with other facility staff and with parents.
• High level of interpersonal and verbal communication skills
• Non-violent Crisis Intervention training is an asset
• High 5 Principles of Healthy Child Development is an asset
• Trauma Informed Practice training is an asset

Driver’s License and Record Checks:

• A Police Record Check is a requirement of this position. A clearance requires the absence of any criminal charges or convictions related to this position.

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