Summer Camp Inclusion Facilitator/Camp Counsellor - Sydney, NS

About Autism Nova Scotia… · Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for Autistic people and their families and caregivers. We deliver person-directed, neuro-affirming supports across the lifespan through our network of Regi ...

Job description

About Autism Nova Scotia…

Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for Autistic people and their families and caregivers. We deliver person-directed, neuro-affirming supports across the lifespan through our network of Regional Autism Centres in Halifax and nine communities across the province.

Our work is grounded in First Voice leadership, community partnership, and a strong commitment to establishing equity for rural, racialized, and other underserved communities. Through programs that promote social and community inclusion, employment support, and family and caregiver support, we work to reduce barriers, strengthen community capacity, and create pathways for Autistic Nova Scotians to learn, work, live, and belong.

TITLE: Summer Camp Inclusion Facilitator/Camp Counsellor

DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Social Inclusion

REPORTS TO: Summer Camp Coordinator and Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s)

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time, Seasonal Position (up to 37.5 hours/week; flexibility required during training and the final week of camp)

TERM: Summer 2026

SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday (hours may vary based on program needs; flexibility required)

LOCATION: On-site at Autism Nova Scotia Summer Camp locations across the province

POSITION SUMMARY

The Summer Camp Inclusion Facilitator provides direct, one-to-one support to an assigned camper throughout the camp day, ensuring a safe, fun, and inclusive recreational experience. This role involves supporting campers' social participation, sensory regulation, and personal care needs, while promoting dignity, autonomy, and meaningful engagement.

Autism Nova Scotia's Summer Camp program offers social and recreation-based opportunities for autistic individuals ages 5 and up across nine Nova Scotian chapter locations, including Halifax Central, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, and the South Shore.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Camper Support & Engagement

• Provide consistent 1:1 support for an assigned camper throughout the camp day.
• Assist with personal care, mealtime support, and sensory regulation needs as required.
• Facilitate inclusion and engagement in all activities, adapting plans to meet individual needs.
• Ensure the health, safety, and dignity of campers are prioritized at all times.
• Support campers in social interactions, transitions, and communication with peers and staff.
• Accompany and actively participate in all camp activities and community outings (e.g., swimming, splash pads, community gardens).

Program & Behaviour Support

• Implement proactive and strengths-based behaviour support strategies.
• Provide safe behaviour support during escalations, following Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) principles.
• Participate in debriefs and complete incident reports in collaboration with the Summer Camp Coordinator and Off-Site Supervisor(s).
• Collaborate with team members to adapt program activities and implement individualized support plans.

Operational Support & Communication

• Maintain open, professional communication with caregivers and team members.
• Support the Summer Camp Coordinator with organization of camp supplies and site readiness.
• Ensure camp spaces remain clean, organized, and safe for all participants.
• Notify supervisors of required materials or safety concerns promptly.
• Participate in staff meetings, training, and reflective learning sessions.

Other Duties

• Adhere to all Autism Nova Scotia policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Follow public health and safety guidelines.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

• Secondary education or current student in a related post-secondary program (e.g., Education, Social Work, Recreation, Psychology, Child and Youth Care) or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Experience supporting autistic individuals or those with diverse support needs considered an asset.
• Experience working with children, youth, or adults demonstrating behaviours that challenge considered an asset.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and teamwork abilities.
• Strong understanding of evidence-based practices for supporting autistic individuals.
• Ability to remain calm, professional, and empathetic in high-pressure situations.
• Strong problem-solving, critical-thinking, and adaptability skills.
• Effective organizational and time-management abilities.
• Positive, proactive, and collaborative work ethic.
• Physically active and able to engage in a variety of recreational activities, including walking, moving quickly, and other dynamic tasks for extended periods.

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Hands-on, physically active role requiring frequent movement and participation in recreational programming.
• Work occurs primarily on-site in both indoor and outdoor settings, sometimes in varying weather conditions.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, lifting light to moderate objects (up to 50 lbs), and engaging in activities that may involve bending, reaching, and moving quickly to ensure participant safety.
• May include assisting with mobility and personal care, and implementing behaviour supports that occasionally require physical guidance or intervention, following NVCI protocols.
• Noise levels may be high during group activities.
• Flexibility required during training week and final camp week.

REQUIREMENTS

• Valid Criminal Record Check (required)
• Valid Child Abuse Registry Check (required)
• First Aid Certification, or willingness to obtain independently (required)
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) Certification (provided during training)
• Access to reliable transportation (vehicle, public transit, etc.)

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

You'll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles.

You'll make a difference.

You'll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our services

You'll find a place to grow and develop.

We support professional development through training courses and support to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need to succeed and thrive. With a lot of opportunity for professional development and collaborative projects, you'll continue to grow and learn throughout your career.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.

Please Note: We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.