Kinark Child and Family Services is a leading child and youth service organization in Ontario which provides a wide range of evidence-based services that include individual, family and group counselling for children and youth with complex needs and their families. Kinark’s three program streams include: Community-Based Child and Youth Mental Health, Autism and Forensic Mental Health/Youth Justice.

Want to help children and youth with complex needs?

Come join our team!

Kinark: Helping children and youth with complex needs achieve better life outcomes.

We currently have the following opportunities in our Kinark Outdoor Centre:

Outdoor Educators – Lifeguards

Kinark Outdoor Centre – Minden

Up to 8 x Temporary, Full Time (6 month, 2 month and 4 month)

Job Summary:

The Kinark Outdoor Center (KOC) facilitates a range of outdoor education, therapeutic recreation and experiential adventure programs designed to meet the specific needs of its diverse client population. Visiting groups include: children’s mental health centers, community living agencies, elementary and secondary schools, colleges, universities, and various organizations serving youth and adults with special needs. KOC also offers 5-day summer camp programs for children with Autism Spectrum Disorder throughout July & August.

The Outdoor Educator – Lifeguard is responsible for effectively delivering all aspects of the recreation programming. The successful incumbent will also assist in the development, delivery and evaluation of small and large group programs at the KOC. During our open waterfront season (mid-June to mid-September), the Outdoor Educator – Lifeguard staff have added responsibility of supervising the safety of staff and clients during aquatic programs.

Duties & Responsibilities:

Know and understand ALL emergency procedures associated with KOC program.
Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with KOC program. This includes but is not limited to being responsible for all clients’ safety.

Create and ensure a safe and positive environment for program participation.
Perform lifeguard responsibilities including opening and closing waterfront area, ensure all equipment is maintained, and supervising swimmers and boaters during programs.
Facilitate outdoor recreation activities, including but not limited to: canoeing, kayaking, wall climbing, high ropes, hikes, campfire, crafts, group games and initiatives.
Engage in the ongoing assessment process of both clients and programs, and make program adaptations as necessary.
Perform role of direct care provider for clients on the autism spectrum.
Foster growth and development in clients through the provision of primary care, including but not limited to: personal hygiene, dietary needs and behaviour management.
Assist in facility preparation and equipment maintenance.
Ensure all agency record keeping requirements are fully maintained.

Qualifications:

Post-secondary education in Outdoor Education, Physical Education, Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Child and Youth Worker or a related field. Applicants who are in the process of completing their post-secondary education will be considered. Equivalent experience will be considered in the absence of post-secondary education.
Current Standard First Aid/ Wilderness First Aid and CPR C are required.
Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) is required. We will pay for the recertification or certification for the NLS.
Experience working in a child care setting (such as: residential care, camp, school system) with children ages 8 to 18 years old.
Work experience in swimming, canoeing, wilderness tripping, kayaking, crafts, drama and group games are required.
Work experience in, crafts, drama, environmental programming, and group games.
Ability to work as a member of a team and the ability to accomplish tasks with little direct supervision.
Certification in canoeing, kayaking, wilderness tripping and environmental programming are an asset.
Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, hiking, canoeing, swimming, team building initiatives, building campfires, physical games, and activities.
Must have the ability to restrain and physically support children when needed for safety in general KOC activities. Training will be provided.
Satisfactory Criminal Record Check (including a Vulnerable Sector Screening) and Pre-Employment Medical.
Candidates Bilingual in English and French will be given special consideration.

Here are the reasons why you should join our team at the KOC as an Outdoor Educator-Lifeguard.

Competitive salary ($12.52 per hour for non water front season* + 4% in lieu of vacation)
*During the water front season the hourly rate increases to $15.52
We will pay for the recertification or certification for the NLS Certification.
Room and Board (Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner) provided at no additional cost.
Wireless connection in several locations for use during non-work time.
Staff will receive monthly schedules that indicate days and groups to be worked. On average staff work 35-40 hours per week (4-12 hours per day depending on group needs).
Staff are occasionally scheduled to sleep in a private room within camper cabins for supervision.
Extensive in-house training specific to the program which includes: Adventure Works Level 1 Instructor, Safe Management Crisis Intervention, and Autism Training.
Facilities in staff accommodations include shared cabins, kitchen, parking and gazebo. Laundry available on-site.

To find out more about our Kinark Outdoor Centre please look at our website ( http://www.koc.on.ca )

Interested applicants should submit their résumés via: https://kinark.talcura.com

and indicate if they are interested in a:

i. 6 month contract ( April 25, 2016 to November 6, 2016)
ii. 2 month contract (July 4, 2016 to September 4, 2016)
iii. 4 month contract (April 25, 2016 to September 4, 2016)

HIRING TIMELINES

January 8, 2016

Application Deadline

January 14 to January 25, 2016

Interviews (in-person and telephone) will take place

February 8, 2016

Offers will be made

April 25, 2016

Start Date (including orientation)

Kinark Child and Family Services values inclusivity and diversity in the workplace. We encourage applicants from diverse backgrounds. We are committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources at jobs@kinark.on.ca or (905) 474-9595.

While we thank all applicants, only those selected for an interview will be contacted. Any information obtained during the course of recruitment will be used for employment recruitment purposes only, and not for any other purpose.