ABOUT CHILD DEVELOPMENT INSTITUTE

Child Development Institute (CDI) is a leading children’s mental health agency in the City of Toronto offering a range of services to approximately 3,500 children ages 0‐12, youth ages 13-18 and their families each year. Our mission is to promote and support the healthy development of children and to strengthen the families and communities in which they live. We provide four streams of service to families in need: early intervention, family violence, healthy child development and specialized mental health services for children and youth with learning disabilities.

ABOUT TOWHEE

Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Residential Therapeutic Program treats youth with Mental Health issues complicated by Learning Disabilities. Located in Halliburton, Ontario, Towhee positively changes the trajectory of kids and staff lives. Towhee will be one of the most rewarding, magical and hardest places you will ever work. We provide 10 days of training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, CPI, mental health, learning disabilities, and health & safety.

POSITION SUMMARY

Child Development Institute (CDI) is seeking a Counsellor/Programmer to join our dynamic camp Towhee team.  The Counsellor/Programmer is to work remotely at our virtual online camp program, which operates out of our Imperial and Halliburton sites, and may also be required to work onsite. The successful candidate will ensure that the conceptualization and delivery of CDI programs and services are consistent with the mission, values, policies, procedures, standards and priorities of the organization and are provided within assigned resources.  Work is performed within a therapeutic virtual camp setting utilizing the Towhee therapeutic model, which includes elements of Emotion Focused Family Therapy, Cognitive Behavioural Therapy and Experiential learning, to serves youth with Learning Disabilities and co-occurring mental health concerns (LDMH). 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Support the planning, implementation and delivery of Virtual Camp programs;
2. Supervise and support a group of campers in conjunction with 1 co-counsellor/programmer
3. Consistently represent yourself and the agency with a positive, energetic and professional approach;
4. Ensure effective implementation of specialized therapeutic programming for virtual camp;
5. Assist with leading virtual activities that include arts and crafts, movement games/exercises, dancing, singing, reading and more;
6. Ensure all documentation is accurately completed and within the guidelines of the virtual camp, this includes incident reports, camper reports, program planning forms, program and training evaluations.
7. Act as a positive role model for children, youth, co-workers and families;
8. Communicate all relevant information to Program Manager or Assistant Directors.
9. Carry-out program interventions as determined in case conferences.
10. Attend all mandatory training and staff meetings,
11. Performs other assigned duties as it related to the camp.

 QUALIFICATIONS AND SKILLS

• Enrolled in or completed a degree or diploma Child & Youth Worker (CYW) or a Child & Youth Counsellor program, psychology, education or social work.
• Theatre, photographer, videographer, and technological skills are also a strong asset;
• Strong leadership, coaching, planning, problem-solving, communication, and computers;
• Direct counselling experience in a therapeutic recreational setting; 
• Proficient in using computer technology and social media and willingness to learn new skills and programs;
• Excellent administrative, organizational, interpersonal and communication skills;
• Exceptional communication skills, both orally and in writing;
• Access to a reliable computer as well as a strong and secure WIFI connection for the entire duration of virtual camp
• Ability to assume responsibility and exercise good judgment in making decisions within the scope of authority of the position;
• Ability to prioritize tasks and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment;
• Must have a current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening;
• Standard First Aid and CPR (under review);
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with groups from diverse background and experiences.   

WORKING CONDITIONS

• Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and frequent interruptions;
• Occasional travel to other community sites;
• Ability to efficiently work remotely;
• Fast-paced work environment;
• Frequent handling of queries and calls from managers and staff. 
• Occasionally required to work flexible hours related to the needs of the camp.

Thank you in advance for your interest. However, due to the volume of resumes received, only those candidates selected for interviews will be contacted.

Diversity and Inclusion:  

Child Development Institute is an Equal Opportunity Employer.  We value inclusivity & diversity in the workplace. We actively encourage applications from members of groups with historical and/or current barriers to equity, including, but not limited to,

• First Nations, Métis and Inuit peoples, and all other Indigenous peoples;
• members of groups that commonly experience discrimination due to race, ancestry, colour, religion and/or spiritual beliefs, or place of origin;
• persons with visible and/or invisible (physical and/or mental) disabilities; and
• persons of marginalized sexual orientations, gender identities, and gender expressions.

We recognize that many of these identities intersect and that therefore, equity, diversity and inclusion can be complex. We value the contributions that each person brings, and are committed to ensuring full and equal participation for all in our community.

Accommodation:

Child Development Institute is committed to creating an accessible and inclusive organization. In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005 (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code (OHRC). Child Development Institute will provide accommodations throughout the recruitment & selection process to applicants with disabilities.  During any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources of the nature of any accommodation(s) you may require.   Any information received relating to accommodation measures will be addressed confidentially.

All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.