Summer Camp Coordinator

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 Coordinator

DEPARTMENT: Recreation and Social Inclusion

REPORTS TO: Off-Site Camp Supervisor(s)

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-Time, Seasonal Position (35–40 hours/week; flexibility required during training and final week of camp)

TERM: 10–13 weeks, Summer 2026 (depending on location)

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 Coordinator is responsible for leading the daily operations of Autism Nova Scotia's Summer Camp, creating a safe, enjoyable, and fully inclusive environment for participants of all abilities. In this pivotal role, the coordinator provides hands-on supervision and mentorship to 1:1 Inclusion Facilitators and camp counsellors, ensuring staff are supported, trained, and empowered to deliver high-quality programming.

The coordinator also oversees the implementation of evidence-based behaviour support strategies, promotes best practices in recreational facilitation, and ensures all activities are designed to foster social engagement, skill development, and a positive camp experience.

Autism Nova Scotia's Summer Camp program provides enriching social and recreation-based opportunities for autistic individuals aged 5 and up, offering a welcoming, adapted environment that prioritizes inclusion, fun, and personal growth for every participant.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Leadership & Coordination

• Oversee daily operations of the camp, ensuring activities run safely and inclusively.
• Support Off-Site Camp Supervisor in planning and organizing camp schedules.
• Assist with camper onboarding and maintain camper documentation in adherence to strict confidentiality policies.
• Contact community spaces to book outings, as directed by Off-Site Supervisor.
• Organize the structure of each day's programming and oversee activity implementation.
• Make necessary adjustments to program plans based on individual camper supports.
• Ensure program facilities are clean, orderly, and well-stocked with supplies.
• Maintain and track on-site camp float and submit receipts to the finance department.

Staff Supervision & Mentorship

• Provide direct supervision and mentorship to Inclusion Facilitators and camp counsellors.
• Conduct mid-term and final evaluations for staff, providing ongoing constructive feedback.
• Manage volunteers and placement students on-site, as directed by the Off-Site Supervisor.
• Support staff in behaviour plan implementation using NVCI techniques and incident reporting.
• Adapt communication style to support a diverse team and address staff concerns professionally.

Camper Support & Behaviour Safety

• Work directly with children, youth, and adults with autism, ensuring dignity, health, and safety at all times.
• Administer medications as per caregiver instructions.
• Support Inclusion Facilitators and staff in implementing behaviour support plans and de-escalation strategies.
• Ensure campers are supported in social participation and engagement in all activities.

Operational & Communication Duties

• Provide updates to Off-Site Supervisor on daily camp operations.
• Ensure strong communication with staff, caregivers, and participants regarding program activities.
• Follow all current Public Health and Safety protocols.
• Implement Emergency Plan as directed.
• Perform post-program tasks, including reorganization of supplies and completion of final reporting/documentation.

Other Duties

• Adhere to Autism Nova Scotia policies, procedures, and professional standards.
• Perform other 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.
• Minimum one (1) year experience supporting autistic individuals or those with diverse support needs.
• Experience supporting individuals with behaviours that challenge.
• Experience developing and implementing behaviour support plans to encourage de-escalation and reduce the requirement for physical interventions (NVCI).
• Knowledge and experience in alternative communication methods (AAC devices, visuals, limited or non-speaking communication).
• Experience in environmental adjustments to support campers.
• Knowledge and experience supervising and managing a team.
• Experience planning and facilitating recreation-based activities.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Demonstrated leadership and supervisory experience.
• Strong interpersonal skills (active listening, empathy, communication, teamwork, conflict resolution, adaptability, patience).
• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting autistic individuals.
• Strong recreational program development and facilitation skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Word, Excel, Outlook/Teams; ability to learn new software systems quickly.
• Calm, professional demeanor under pressure.
• Ability to advocate with and for campers to ensure their needs are being met.
• Strong problem-solving, critical thinking, and adaptability skills.
• Strong organizational and analytical skills with attention to detail.
• Physically active and able to participate in recreational activities, including moving quickly and performing other physically demanding 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, 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, final week of camp, and as needed throughout the season.

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)
• ASIST Suicide Intervention Training (considered an asset)
• 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.