Summer Camp Behaviour Support Staff

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: Behaviour Support Staff

DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Social Inclusion

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

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time, Seasonal Position (35–40 hours/week)

TERM: Summer 2026

SCHEDULE: Monday to Friday (hours may vary based on program needs; flexibility required during training and the final week of camp)

LOCATION: On-site (various camp locations across Nova Scotia)

Position Summary

The Summer Camp Behaviour Support Staff provides on-site, hands-on support to the Inclusion Facilitators and Summer Camp Coordinator during moments of behaviour escalation. This role involves implementing proactive and responsive strategies to reduce the likelihood of physical interventions, following Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (NVCI) practices.

This position is integral to ensuring a safe, supportive, and inclusive summer camp experience for autistic participants of all ages. Autism Nova Scotia's Summer Camp program provides social, recreation-based opportunities for individuals on the autism spectrum, ages 5 and up, across nine Nova Scotian chapter locations — including Halifax Central, Annapolis Valley, Cape Breton, and the South Shore.

Key Responsibilities

Program Support & Implementation

• Support the Summer Camp Coordinator in day-to-day camp operations, including activity facilitation, cleaning, personal care, meal support, and staff coverage.
• Implement and adapt daily program plans to meet the individual needs of campers.
• Maintain a clean, organized, and safe camp environment, ensuring supplies and equipment are properly managed.
• Support communication between facilitators and caregivers, providing daily updates as needed.
• Contribute to a positive, inclusive, and neuro-affirming environment for all campers and staff.

Behaviour Support & Safety

• Provide direct support during behaviours that challenge, using proactive, strengths-based, and de-escalation strategies.
• Implement behaviour support plans and collaborate with staff to ensure consistent approaches across the team.
• Use physical interventions only as a last resort and in strict accordance with Autism Nova Scotia's policies and NVCI guidelines.
• Support incident reporting and debriefing processes in collaboration with the Summer Camp Coordinator and Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s).
• Serve as the designated Health and Safety Representative, ensuring adherence to all safety protocols and reporting procedures.

Leadership & Team Collaboration

• Support, mentor, and model best practices for Inclusion Facilitators in their one-on-one support roles.
• Promote teamwork, open communication, and reflective learning within the camp team.
• Provide constructive feedback and implement feedback from supervisors to support camper needs and personal growth.
• Participate actively in team meetings, debriefs, and training sessions.

Other Duties

• Adhere to Autism Nova Scotia's policies, procedures, and professional standards at all times.
• Follow all current public health and safety protocols.
• 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 related field), or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience supporting autistic individuals or people with diverse support needs.
• Experience developing and implementing behaviour support plans and facilitating de-escalation strategies.
• Knowledge of alternative communication methods (e.g., AAC devices, visuals, limited or non-speaking communication).
• Experience planning and delivering recreation-based or community programming.

Skills and Competencies

• Strong interpersonal skills, including active listening, empathy, adaptability, and teamwork.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and problem-solving abilities.
• Solid understanding of evidence-based practices for supporting autistic individuals.
• Ability to remain calm and professional in high-pressure or crisis situations.
• Physical ability to safely support individuals during behaviours that challenge, in accordance with NVCI principles.
• Strong organizational and critical thinking skills.
• Ability to build and maintain positive, professional relationships with campers, families, and colleagues.
• High energy, enthusiasm, and a passion for creating inclusive recreational experiences.

Working Conditions

• This position is hands-on and physically active; staff must be able to participate in and facilitate recreational activities for extended periods.
• Work is primarily conducted on-site in camp environments, which may include both indoor and outdoor settings, in varying weather conditions.
• Requires frequent standing, walking, lifting light to moderate objects (up to 25 lbs), and engaging in activities that may involve bending, reaching, and moving quickly to ensure participant safety.
• The role may include providing personal care support, assisting with mobility, and implementing behaviour supports that occasionally require physical guidance or intervention, following NVCI protocols.
• Noise levels can be high at times due to group activities.
• Flexibility in scheduling is required during the training period and final week of camp.

Requirements

• Valid Criminal Record Check (required).
• Valid Child Abuse Registry Check (required).
• Valid 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.