Kinark Child & Family Services Hiring For Outdoor Educator at Minden, ON Full Time

Winter Outdoor Educator
Kinark Outdoor Centre – Minden
Temporary, Full Time Contract.
Start date of January 11th, 2023
Contract Dates January 11th-March 24th, 2023
$17.50-$18.00 an hour @ 30-35 hours per week
Contract includes evenings and weekends.
On-site Living Accommodations offered

About the Kinark Outdoor Centre:
The Kinark Outdoor Center (KOC) facilitates a range of outdoor education, therapeutic recreation and experiential adventure programs. Such programs are customized specifically to meet the needs of their diverse client population including children with an Autism Spectrum Disorder and their families. Throughout the winter the staff at the KOC facilitate our Autism Family Respite program and visiting organizations including children’s mental health centers, community living agencies, elementary schools, secondary schools, and various other organizations serving youth, adults, and individuals with special needs.

Job Summary:
Reporting to the Operations Manager, the Outdoor Educator is responsible for interacting with children, family members and group leaders while facilitating safe and fun recreational programming. The successful incumbent will be trained in all program areas at the KOC and will assist in the development and delivery of small and large group programs.

The ideal candidate will have a passion for working with youth, adults, and individuals with special needs, experience facilitating programs with small and large groups, as well as the ability to work in an outdoor camp environment during the winter. Winter activities include cross country skiing, snowshoeing, broomball, and snow tubing.

Duties & Responsibilities:

• Interact with children and youth and foster interaction among them.
• Maintain a fun, positive, and safe environment for all clients visiting the KOC
• Facilitate outdoor recreation activities including rock climbing, high ropes, cross country skiing, snowshoeing and snow tubing.
• Facilitate group development through games, leadership activities and initiatives.
• Adapt programs as necessary to suit the wants and needs of all participants.
• Engage in the ongoing assessment process of both clients and programs.
• Perform the role of primary care provider for some campers. (Including but not limited to: personal hygiene, dietary needs, and behaviour management).
• Assist in physical preparation of the facility prior to group arrival.
• Keep track of and perform required maintenance for program equipment.
• Understand and be confident with ALL emergency procedures at the KOC.
• Know, enforce, and follow all safety guidelines associated with all KOC programs.
• Know, follow, and enforce all Infection Prevention and Control guidelines.
• 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 childcare setting (such as: camps, live-in treatment homes, school system) with children ages 8 to 18 years old.
• Being open to feedback and constructive criticism, showing respect and recognizing others’ roles and contributions.
• Work experience in wilderness tripping, crafts, drama, environmental programming, and group games.
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR C are required (Wilderness First Aid will be accepted).
• Current National Lifeguard Service (NLS) 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.
• Must have the physical ability to lead and participate in camp activities which include, but are not limited to, snowshoeing, cross country skiing, 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.

Why should I join the KOC staff team as an Outdoor Educator?

• To be an important part of an incredibly diverse, fun, talented, and inclusive staff team.
• To spend majority of your time outside enjoying all the KOC has to offer with your clients.
• Staff have access to accommodations and dining service throughout the duration of their contract at no additional cost.
• Staff have access to High-Speed Wireless Internet in several communal locations for use outside of work hours.
• Staff accommodations include large, shared cabins and kitchen, private staff washrooms and parking. Laundry facilities are available on-site.
• Staff receive extensive in-house training specific to the program which includes: Challenge Course facilitation, Safe Management Crisis Intervention, program facilitation and Autism Training.
• We offer a competitive salary of $17.50 – $18 per hour + 4% vacation pay in lieu of vacation.
• Staff are scheduled to work an average of 30-35 hours per week (4-12 hours per day depending on group needs).

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

Kinark Child and Family Services conditions of employment include but are not limited to successful Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening, completed Pre-Employment Medical certificate, and proof of full vaccination against COVID-19. Fully vaccinated is defined as having received all required doses of a World Health Organization Approved COVID-19 Vaccine at least one of which being approved for use in Canada and 14 days have passed since your last dose. Proof of vaccination for each vaccine dose received is required.