WHY JOIN THE CANADIAN CANCER SOCIETY (CCS)?

The Canadian Cancer Society works tirelessly to save and improve lives. We fund the brightest minds in cancer research. We provide a compassionate support system for all those affected by cancer, across Canada and for all types of cancer. As the voice for people who care about cancer, we work with governments to shape a healthier society. No other organization does all that we do to make lives better today and transform the future of cancer forever.

COME AS YOU ARE

At CCS, we embrace everyone’s uniqueness and recognize the strength that lies in differences. We believe in the power of our collective potential and strive to achieve a more diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace to empower and create opportunities for all. We welcome and encourage applications from all qualified candidates regardless of their gender, age, religion, race, ethnicity, and nationality. Particularly equity deserving groups, such as members of the BIPOC, and 2SLGBTQI+ communities, people living with disabilities, veterans, and anyone who may contribute to the further diversification of the Canadian Cancer Society. Together we unite and inspire all Canadians to change the future of cancer.

JOB OVERVIEW

The Canadian Cancer Society’s Camp Goodtimes provides children and youth affected by cancer and their families with an unforgettable overnight summer camp experience in a medically supervised, safe and supportive environment. We have been committed to providing a camping experience for children affected by cancer since 1985.  

The Volunteer Support Program Specialist will serve as the primary staff contact for all Camp Goodtimes volunteers, overseeing the recruitment, training, and ongoing support of over 150 volunteers annually. This role includes providing on-site support during the summer camp sessions in July and August. In collaboration with both the program staff and volunteer teams, the Program Specialist ensures that camp programming is inclusive and meets the social and emotional needs of participants.

Key responsibilities include developing and delivering role-specific training, fostering relationships with volunteers, managing their day-to-day activities, and executing volunteer engagement, support, and recognition plans. The Program Specialist will conduct interviews, manage volunteer placements, and coordinate schedules for camp volunteers. Additionally, they will provide guidance to volunteers through job-related challenges, ensuring proper stewardship and recognition in line with the established plans.

During the summer months, this position requires living on-site at camp.

WHAT YOU’LL BE DOING: 

Recruit and train Camp Goodtimes volunteers:

• Work with Manager to plan and execute year-round volunteer engagement, stewardship and communication plan for all volunteers
• Support the development of and implementation of a robust recruitment strategy
• Conduct interviews, and confirm volunteer into position
• Manage volunteer documentation and paperwork (police checks, first aid, etc)
• Act as a line of communication with regards any questions for new and returning volunteers have regarding the upcoming season of camp
• Be the project manager for the Camp Goodtimes Training Weekend. Run sessions at training weekend regarding all the steps required for volunteers

Support Camp Goodtimes volunteers:

• Be the face and point of contact to the volunteers. Field any questions about camp to appropriate staff members
• With support from Manager, schedule volunteers with various levels of experience for 9 or more sessions camp.
• Communicate directly with  volunteers all and any information needed for their volunteer experience and follow up.   
• Provides direction and support to volunteer counsellors (Skips), and Hosts around behaviour management for campers with emotional and behavioural difficulties including those with special needs and/or behavioural issues.
• Uses professional expertise to provide and recommend strategies and behavioural intervention techniques to staff and volunteers to best support Camp Goodtimes participants.
• Thoroughly understands the needs of campers who require social-emotional and behavioural support including those with challenging behaviours.
• Supervises, coaches and provides feedback to all volunteers at camp.
• Works collaboratively with Program Director to deliver positive camp experiences to participants, staff and volunteers.

Supports with staff interactions, enhancement of camper experience and program implementation:

• Serves on the staff team, working to create a positive cabin and camp environment to bring positive changes in behaviours, attitudes, and values
• Provides expertise and perspective on appropriate program planning and implementation based on perceived needs of Camp Goodtimes participants.

Facilitating program activities:

• Facilitate specific program activities and all camp programming throughout the summer and during the year
• Work with entire camp team to develop, design and implement creative and supportive programs for children and youth with a cancer diagnosis and their families with an aim to enhance participant experience. This in person interactive programs that are psychosocially and emotionally appropriate.
• Contribute to our culture of justice, belonging, equity, diversity, and inclusion by ensuring that all staff feel represented and heard regardless of their gender, age, religion, ethnicity, and nationality or race. 

QUALIFICATIONS: 

• Minimum of a diploma or bachelor’s degree in recreation, education, child and youth care, psychology or a related discipline.
• Ability to work in a multidisciplinary team environment with children and volunteers
• Previous residential camping experience or understanding of residential camp culture
• Experience in facilitating inclusive recreation programming for children with a range of physical disabilities and/or developmental delays;
• Experience working with diverse groups of people;
• Experience providing social-emotional and behavioural support to children, youth and families.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including weekends and evenings and live on-site for the duration of the camp summer sessions and other overnight in-person events.
• Knowledge and experience managing volunteers
• Excellent problem-solving skills
• Excellent interpersonal skills, including team building, and facilitation skills
• Intermediate computer skills
• Knowledge of pediatric oncology and the psychosocial aspects of oncology or strong knowledge of trauma work preferred.
• Strong knowledge of child and adolescent development and family dynamics
• Knowledge of behavioral interventions for children and families
• Possession of a valid Driver’s Licence
• Clear Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Check (updated every year)

WHAT YOU CAN EXPECT FROM US:

CCS offers meaningful opportunities to help make a difference in the lives of Canadians with cancer, their caregivers, families and communities. We are committed to building an inclusive community for our employees by highlighting their unique experiences. We value diverse skills and strongly encourage applications from all qualified candidates. CCS is dedicated to fostering a culture that is inspiring and exemplifies our core values:

COURAGEOUS    UNITED    CARING   RIGOROUS

In return for your skills and dedication, we offer an attractive compensation package that encompasses a competitive salary, excellent benefits, which include paid parental leave, paid family sick time and health insurance, and the opportunity to have a rewarding employment experience where your contributions can make a true difference every day.

HOW TO APPLY: 

https://workforcenow.adp.com/mascsr/default/mdf/recruitment/recruitment.html?cid=7da0a9eb-c7f2-490d-a0f7-779c58f6fd8b&ccId=19000101_000001&jobId=555011&lang=en_CA