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Accessible Summer Camp | Respite Worker
Description
Reports To: Programs Coordinator and Social Worker
Start Date:
- Camp 1: Monday, July 7 - Friday, July 11th (9am - 2pm)
- Camp 2: Monday, August 4th - Friday, August 8th (9am - 2pm)
Location: 2200 South Sheridan Way, Mississauga, ON L5J 2M4
Job Term: Contract Position
Overview: We are seeking a compassionate and attentive Respite Worker to provide one-on-one or small-group support to children and youth with disabilities attending our inclusive summer day camp. This role is essential in ensuring that all campers can participate safely and meaningfully in camp activities while receiving the personalized care and support they need.
Key Responsibilities:
- Provide direct, individualized support to campers with a range of physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.
- Assist with daily routines such as mobility support, feeding, toileting, communication, and transitions between activities as needed.
- Monitor and respond to campers' emotional and behavioral needs, offering calm and consistent support.
- Ensure each assigned camper is included in all activities to the fullest extent possible by facilitating modifications or alternative engagement strategies.
- Communicate regularly with the Social Worker to share observations, concerns, and successes regarding camper participation and well-being.
- Work collaboratively with camp staff to create a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment.
- Maintain awareness of risk factors and take proactive steps to ensure camper safety and comfort.
- Sound judgment in knowing when to escalate situations to supervisory staff.
- Ability to de-escalate situations and provide appropriate support as needed.
- Support setup and cleanup of camp areas with a focus on accessibility and safety for all campers.
- Attend all orientation, training, and staff meetings.
- Other duties as assigned.
Key Qualities:
- Deep understanding of and commitment to inclusion, accessibility, and family-centered support
- Patient, calm, and nurturing approach to caregiving
- Ability to build trusting relationships with children, youth, and their families
- Reliable, attentive, and proactive
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
- Ability to respond to challenging behaviors or personal care needs with sensitivity and professionalism
Qualifications and Skills:
- Applicants must be between the ages of 18 to 30 years (inclusive)
- Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, or person on whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act, for the duration of the employment
- Legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations
- Have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and be legally entitled to work in Canada in accordance with relevant provincial or territorial legislation and regulations.
- Comfortable working with ages 5-17, with various accessibility needs.
- Previous experience in accessible programming, camp counselling, or working with individuals with disabilities is considered an asset.
- Related degree or diploma in youth work, special education, disability studies, or a related field, or equivalent experience is an asset.
- Valid First Aid and CPR certification is considered an asset.
- Comfortable providing personal care and physical assistance as required.
- Experience working with campers who have physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities is an asset.