Summer Counselors will provide individualized and group-based support to Autistic participants as they participate in summer group programming. Counselors will have the opportunity to empower participants to explore, learn, and enjoy new experiences in a safe and supportive environment.
Programs will run from Monday to Friday between 8 am and 4 pm and will operate onsite at one of our community partner locations.
Responsibilities:
- Work closely with coordinators and volunteers to implement fun and engaging activities for all participants
- Facilitate individual and group activities, games, crafts; monitoring and respecting participants’ interests, wants and comfort levels; ensuring safety at all times
- Foster a supportive and inclusive environment where participants feel valued and encouraged to try new things
- Support participants with engagement if/when they are feeling distressed
- Communicate effectively with participants, parents/guardians, and fellow staff members and volunteers as required
- Prepare materials as needed to provide support to participants
- Utilize visual supports like picture schedules, visual timers, and social stories to support participants through their daily routine
- Assist with daily programming set up and clean up
Qualifications:
- Education or experience in the following areas: recreation management, education, disability studies, psychology, etc.
- Previous experience working with children in a group setting
- Previous experience working with children with Autism and/or other developmental disabilities
- Comfortable supporting participants with basic self-care tasks as needed (handwashing, changing into bathing suits, drying after water play)
- Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
- Ability to work collaboratively in a team environment
- Flexibility to adapt to changing priorities and environments
- Comfortable supporting participants with swimming and water-based play, including public swimming pools
- Current Standard First Aid with CPR – Level C certification (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Police Information Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Clear Child Intervention Record Check (or willingness to obtain)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training provided during orientation
** As these positions are funded through the Canada Summer Job Grant, applicants are required to:
- be between 18 and 30 years of age at the beginning of the employment period
- be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment
- have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment; legally entitled to work in Canada
Rate: $20.00/hour
Dates of employment: June 22, 2026 to August 14, 2026
- June 22 to 26: orientation training (35 hours/week)
- June 29 to August 14: (40 hours/week)
** Please note: Availability to work all weeks of camp is required **
If you are enthusiastic about creating meaningful experiences for our participants and fostering a love of learning and exploration, we encourage you to apply for the Summer Counselor position. Join our team and help us make a difference in the lives of our participants!
To apply, please submit your resume, a cover letter detailing your relevant experiences, why you’re passionate about working with Autistic individuals, and any relevant certifications to Stephanie Burgess, HR Recruiter: sburgess@centreforautismab.ca
