Summer Day Camp Behaviour Specialist
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Location
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YMCA Day Camp at sites in St. Catharines, Grimsby, Welland, Port Colborne, and Niagara Falls
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Pay
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$18.00/hour
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Employment Type
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Seasonal Contract – 42.5 to 44 hours per week. Hours of work are primarily Monday to Friday daytime, with some evenings and weekends required for training, recruitment and promotional events
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Vacancies
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2
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Placement Date
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June - September 4, 2026, plus hours of paid pre-camp training
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Why Work for the YMCA?
The YMCA of Niagara is a mission-driven organization committed to fueling a healthy, connected, and engaged Niagara. Our presence in over 100 program sites has been impacting the community with dedication and purpose for over 150 years.
Our legacy in the community is a testament to the transformative work we do. We serve a diverse range of individuals and families, with a commitment to inclusivity, collaboration, and the wellbeing of all. As we move forward, we are embracing a revitalized approach to meet the evolving needs of the community and actively contribute to transforming lives across Niagara.
Guided by our shared values – caring, health, honesty, inclusiveness, advocacy, respect, and responsibility - the YMCA provides our employees with meaningful opportunities to make a positive impact on individuals and the health of our communities.
Our dynamic team is dedicated to maintaining our positive growth trajectory though continuously adapting and innovating our services and programs to meet the changing landscape in Niagara.
NATURE & SCOPE
The Behaviour Specialist is a mobile, multi-site leadership role supporting the integration and participation of children and youth with behavioural challenges, disabilities, and other special considerations within YMCA Day Camp programs. The role provides subject-matter expertise in behaviour support, integration practices, and staff coaching across 4–6 camp locations.
RESPONSIBILITIES
Behaviour Support & Camper Success
- Support the integration and participation of campers with behavioural challenges, disabilities, or special considerations across multiple camp sites.
- Observe campers in program settings and assess behavioural, social, and environmental factors impacting participation and safety.
- Develop, modify, and support the implementation of individualized behaviour support strategies in collaboration with the Integration Supervisor, Program Support Counsellors, group counsellors, and parents/guardians.
- Respond to behavioural escalations and challenging situations, modeling calm, effective intervention and de-escalation techniques. When required, may be responsible to work directly with individual campers or groups.
- Identify early signs of behavioural stress and guide staff in using proactive and preventative approaches.
- Monitor camper progress and document strategies, outcomes, and recommendations to inform ongoing support and future planning.
- Escalate significant behavioural concerns or safety risks in accordance with established protocols.
Staff Coaching & Capacity Building
- Provide on-site coaching, mentoring, and modeling to counsellors and Program Support Counsellors to strengthen behaviour management, integration strategies, and group management skills.
- Offer real-time feedback and practical strategies to support staff confidence and consistency.
- Assist staff in adapting activities, expectations, and environments to meet diverse camper needs while maintaining program quality.
- Support staff problem-solving related to group dynamics, bullying, isolation, or conflict.
- Provide observations and recommendations to the Integration Supervisor to support staff development and performance feedback when requested.
Program Quality, Safety & Risk Management
- Promote safe, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate camp environments across assigned sites.
- Identify and respond to health and safety risks related to behaviour, environment, or program delivery.
- Respond promptly and effectively to behavioural incidents, first aid situations, and emergencies in accordance with training and YMCA policies.
- Participate in emergency response drills and support staff in safely assisting campers with additional needs during emergencies.
- Monitor camper-to-staff ratios and program flow, flagging concerns to site leadership or the Integration Supervisor as required.
Family Engagement & Communication
- Engage in parent/guardian communication related to behavioural concerns, strategies, progress, or positive feedback as appropriate.
- Support staff in preparing for and participating in parent/guardian conversations related to camper needs.
- Document relevant communications and behavioural information in accordance with YMCA protocols.
- Escalate complex or sensitive concerns to the Integration Supervisor.
Administration, Documentation & Collaboration
- Maintain accurate and up-to-date documentation, including behaviour strategies, camper notes, and incident reports.
- Utilize Camp Brain and other digital systems to review camper information and document observations.
- Assist with pre-camp preparation activities, including resource creation, equipment organization, and intake support.
- Communicate regularly with the Integration Supervisor and camp leadership regarding site observations, emerging issues, and support needs.
- Participate in mandatory training sessions, staff meetings, and planning activities.
- Record working hours accurately and comply with scheduling and attendance requirements.
- Represent the YMCA in a professional manner at all times.
- Perform other related duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
- Current Standard First Aid/CPR(C) Certification.
- Post-secondary education in Child & Youth Care, Behavioural Science, ECE, Psychology, Social Work, or a related field is an asset.
- Knowledge of Ontario Camps Association Standards is an asset.
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (Crisis Prevention Institute) Training is an asset.
- Demonstrated experience applying behaviour management and de-escalation strategies.
- Experience supporting children with disabilities, behavioural challenges, or complex needs.
- Camp experience (day or residential) is an asset.
- Current Police Vulnerable Sector Check (PVSC) issued for the YMCA of Niagara if above the age of 18.
Working Conditions:
- Work is in an outdoor environment in various weather conditions.
- typically work Monday through Friday, scheduled for shifts between the hours of 7:30am and 5:30pm.
- Evening and weekend work will be required during training and for staff meetings.
- This role requires participation in activities involving varying levels of physical activity. Accommodation will be provided in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
- Travel to YMCA of Niagara Locations, Access to reliable transportation daily.
COMPETENCIES:
Service Orientation
Proactively creates positive, inclusive experiences that enhance the quality of service for campers, families, and staff.
Quality & Outcome Focus
Ensures YMCA programs meet established standards, responds quickly to issues that threaten quality or values, and supports program outcomes and relevance.
Coaching & Development
Commits to the ongoing learning and development of staff, volunteers, and self through feedback, support, and modeling.
Planning, Organizing & Problem Solving
Establishes clear plans to achieve work goals and effectively identifies and resolves operational issues.
Relationship Building & Collaboration
Builds positive working relationships internally and externally to support program success.
Diversity
Values and promotes diverse perspectives and inclusive practices that strengthen the YMCA community.
DAY CAMP OVERVIEW
Camp operates Monday to Friday with shifts scheduled between 7:30am-5:30pm. Most camp staff are scheduled to work between 7.5 and 8.5 hours per day.
For more information on this and the variety of camps we offer, please visit our website ymcadaycamp.ca.
Successful applicants must attend all pre-camp meetings and training including training on YMCA Child & Youth Safety and Protection Policies and Procedures.
APPLICATION PROCESS
Interested applicants are invited to submit an application by noon on May 8, 2026.
Internal applicants are encouraged to notify their supervisor before applying.
All applicants are thanked for their interest. Only those applicants being considered for an interview will be contacted by email.
Accessibility accommodations and materials in alternate formats for individuals with disabilities can be arranged upon request.
For more information on other opportunities at the YMCA of Niagara, please visit: ymcaofniagara.org
