When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service
• Paid personal days;
• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;
• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;
• Employee and Family Assistance Program;
• Parental leave top up program;
• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance
• Employee recognition programs.

Resumes are being accepted for the temporary position of Camp Behaviour Specialist within the Culture and Recreation Department. Reporting to the Supervisor, Programs and Community Development, the successful candidate will support individuals who are exhibiting behavioural challenges while participating in a camp setting. As a Behaviour Specialist for our Summer Camp programs, you will travel between camp sites to provide direct support to the Camp Team. You will help navigate challenging participant behaviours, support medical and physical needs of participants, and assist with the successful inclusion of participants with exceptionalities and diverse backgrounds into the camp setting. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph Corporate Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Work directly with the camp team to model, coach, and educate staff on behaviour management techniques to aid in their understanding and ability to manage behaviours.
• Conduct debriefs with camp staff and volunteers to ensure appropriate support and identify opportunities to reflect on and learn from in-camp experiences.
• Use Camper Information packages and in-camp observations to develop flexible behaviour management plans and strategies for the successful integration and inclusion of camp participants.
• Design and support the implementation of positive behaviour support plans and interventions for camp participants.
• Engage and coordinate with participants and caregivers to find appropriate behaviour management techniques, services, and support tools to ensure camp is a positive environment.
• Assist campers in identifying inappropriate behaviours and develop better behaviour alternatives.
• Analyze behavioural plans, strategies, and interventions to determine their success.
• Complete Behaviour Checklists and update Camper Information Packages at the end of each session, summarizing strengths, strategies, and recommendations for future programming with the participant and their families.
• Support education and awareness of inclusive programming for all camp team members and strive to create a camp environment that promotes respect and inclusion.
• Evaluate camp situations and placements for potential risks and implement actions and strategies to address such risks. Report all incidents to Supervisor.
• Manage sensitive information and documentation and maintain confidential information.
• Assist with personal care including changing, toileting, lifts and transfers, as required.
• Assist with pre-program care providers meetings and maintain documentation for Camper Information packages.
• Ensure adherence to City of Guelph Policies and Procedures and support the health and safety of all participants, volunteers, and staff.
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through completion or working towards completion of a post-secondary degree in Social Services, Psychology or specialization in Applied Behaviour Analysis, or related field, including Education Assistant Diploma, Developmental Services Worker and/or Personal Support Worker Certificate. Minimum 2 years’ experience working with and supporting individuals with exceptionalities and diverse backgrounds. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.
• A valid Class G drivers licence with a good driving record. Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver’s abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements.
• Working knowledge of evidence-based behavioural interventions and de-escalation strategies.
• Standard First Aid and CPR C certification or ability to obtain prior to start date required.
• Behaviour Management Systems Training and/or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training an asset.
• High Five Principles of Healthy Childhood Development an asset.
• Flexibility, patience, empathy and ability to work closely with participants with complex needs.
• Knowledge of community support organizations and services an asset.
• Ability to train others in behaviour management techniques.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Required to travel between camp locations. Access to transportation to travel between multiple locations across the city in a timely manner required.
• A satisfactory Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check would be required at time of offer.

Hours of work

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 7:00am to 5:00pm. Occasional evening and weekend shifts will be required. This position is anticipated to start June 3, 2024.

Pay/Salary

Cupe 973 Grade 6: $27.61 - $33.90 per hour

How to apply

Qualified applicants are invited to apply using our online application system by Wednesday, April 24, 2024. Please note all applicants must complete the online questionnaire specific to this position at the time they submit their resume and cover letter in order to be considered.

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.