Inclusion Counsellor

St. John’s is a progressive city with a strong connection to the past and a positive outlook on the future. As one of the oldest cities in North America we have a unique history, but we are also a growing city with the needs and opportunities of a modern urban population. The City of St. John’s is committed to recruiting world-class talent and expertise to join our City staff, more than 1200 strong, who provide a vast array of valued services to the residents of St. John’s and the metropolitan area. If you are an innovative thinker with a positive attitude and a commitment to quality, we want you to help us make St. John’s a city where people want to live and feel they belong.

The Opportunity

The City of St. John’s Recreation Division is currently seeking motivated, enthusiastic, and energetic Inclusion Counsellors to support and foster inclusive experience for participants of all ages facing barriers to participation in our Summer Recreation Programs (not including respite/personal care).

Accountabilities

Inclusion Counsellors must be comfortable providing one on one support to participants with disabilities/special needs, encouraging active participation, and supporting inclusion within recreation programs. They may also be required to work at more than one location throughout the summer.

Description disclaimer

The successful applicant will be required to participate in all training programs applicable to this position and other related work. The above statements reflect the general duties considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the job identified and shall not be considered a detailed description of all work requirements that may be inherent in the job.

Qualifications

• Some post-secondary education would be considered an asset in one of the following areas: Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work, Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, Nursing, Physiotherapy, ABA Therapy, or Occupational Therapy.
• Previous experience working with children/youth in a recreational group setting
• Additional experience in the following would be considered an asset:
• Hands-on experience volunteering or working with people facing barriers to participation
• Knowledge of behavior management techniques
• Knowledge of various types of disabilities
• Experience in planning and adapting programs for participants in a group setting

Other Requirements

• Royal Newfoundland Constabulary (RNC) Criminal Record Screening Certificate AND Vulnerable Sector Check (or equivalent) – Dated not more than six months prior to hire
• Must be comfortable in an aquatic setting as some positions involve activities such as swimming and canoeing

Additional Qualifications (Provided Free For Successful Candidates If Required)

• Basic Cardiac Life Support (CPR level C)
• Standard First Aid
• HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development Certification and Healthy Minds for Healthy Children
• Paddle Canada Certifications

Physical Requirements

Many of these positions require physical agility and stamina to carry out required duties. Candidates must be comfortable in an aquatic setting as some positions involve activities such as swimming and canoeing.

Hours of Work

• Monday – Friday (up to 40 hours per week)
• Must be available to attend mandatory training. First possible training date beginning June 10 and continuing throughout the month of June. Some training may be offered virtually, evenings and/or weekends.
• Program start and end dates: June 30 – August 29, 2025
• Dates may vary according to placement.

Rate of pay effective April 1, 2025.

We wish to express our appreciation to all applicants for their interest and effort in applying for this position. However, only candidates selected for interview will be contacted. The City of St. John’s does not accept applications in person, by email, fax or mail. Applications will be received up to 12:00 Midnight (Newfoundland Standard Time) on closing date.

This City of St. John’s is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to the

employment of a qualified workforce which reflects the community’s diversity.