Relief Counsellor

Employment Environment

Working at Between Friends brings so much fun into your professional life! We are an organization that respects the need for a work‑life balance. We are passionate about our employees' well‑being. As an agency, we focus on bringing inclusive and accessible recreation and social programming to the people who mean the most to us, our Members! We work to break down barriers and adapt to individual and communal needs.

Between Friends creates opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong through social, recreational, and developmental activities. One of our most popular programs is Camp Bonaventure
, a fun, outdoor all inclusive summer day camp for youth ages 4‑17. Activities at Camp Bonaventure include swimming, crafts, games and much more!

As a Relief Camp Counsellor for Between Friends, you will provide flexible, adaptable support to groups of Campers at Camp Bonaventure. You will step into the role of a Senior or Camp Counsellor as needed, you will be placed in a different group daily or weekly based on the needs of Camp, filling in for staff absences, providing additional support when staff are occupied, or assisting in other areas of camp operations.

You can see the posting for Senior and Camp Counsellors for more details. This role ensures Campers have a safe, fun and inclusive experience by supporting programming, assisting with personal care, and responding to Camper needs in real time. The Relief Counsellor reports directly to the Site Supervisor
.

• Step in as a Senior or Camp Counsellor to provide support to any Camper group as needed.
• Fill in for staff absences due to illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
• Provide additional support when staff are occupied assisting other Campers with emotional regulation, personal care, or other needs.
• Offer guidance and feedback to Counsellors you are supporting during coverage.
• Implement program activities up to 10 Campers, maintaining a ratio of 1:3‑1:4.
• Implement program activities for up to 10 Campers, maintaining a ratio of 1:3 - 1:4.
• Ensuring all program activities meet the highest standards of quality and safety, including but not limited to: age appropriateness, variety of activities, adaptability to different abilities, and backup plans for unforeseen changes (e.g., downtime, weather, facility closures, etc.).
• Administering any medications to participants as required; training will be provided.
• Effectively support Campers with additional behavioural needs.
• Follow up with the Site Supervisor and Camp Experience Lead in the event of any emergency situations.

• Fun - You look for ways to incorporate excitement and joy into day‑to‑day experiences. Previous experience working at camps, considered an asset.
• Intentional - Your actions are purposeful and value driven. You are a direct and clear communicator. You have previous experience working with people with disabilities, ability to quickly and independently solve problems in high stress situations.
• Caring - You welcome and celebrate people with empathy and dignity. You value working with individuals to create adaptations and modifications to ensure an inclusive experience for all. This includes providing support to participants requiring lifts and transfers, and personal care support.
• Easeful - You strive to create accessible and inclusive spaces that remove barriers to access. You have experience adapting activities, programming, to meet the needs of everyone. Previous experience developing and implementing programming is required.
• Safe - You value creating and maintaining safe spaces to promote inclusion and fun! Must pass a Screening Process including a Backcheck search and an Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Human Services. Must be able to provide proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification, prior to the start date.

• Hours:
  
  Minimum of 40 hours a week (may vary based on organizational needs).
• Regular
  
  Schedule:
  
  Primarily 8:00 am‑5:00 pm, Monday‑Friday; some evening/weekends may be required (eg., camp clean‑up, staff…