Job Description

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 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. Outdoor Educators work an equivalent five-day work week May through August, at a competitive salary which includes room and board. All successful candidates will receive extensive in-house training. Outdoor Educators for the 6 month contract will also receive 2 professional certifications: Level 1 Challenge Course Instructor and a behavior management certification To find out more about our Kinark Outdoor Centre please look at our website ( www.koc.on.ca ) 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. • 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. • 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, kayaking, wilderness tripping, crafts, drama, environmental programming, and group games. • Current Standard First Aid/ Wilderness First Aid and CPR C are required. • Current National Lifeguard Service or Bronze Cross Certification is an asset. • Strong organizational, interpersonal, time-management and communication skills. • 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. • Valid Ontario class F driver’s license considered 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. Interested applicants should submit their résumés via: https://kinark.talcura.com/candidates/. and indicate if they are interested in a: i. 6 month contract ( April 28, 2014 to November 2, 2014) ii. 2 month contract (June 30, 2014 to August 31, 2014) iii. 4 month contracts are negotiable. HIRING TIMELINES January 15, 2014 Application Deadline January 27 to February 7, 2014 Interviews (in-person and telephone) will take place February 28, 2014 Offers will be made April 28, 2014 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 [email protected] 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.