Life skills instructor

Support families and nurture their children in holistic programming

Reporting to Child & Youth Coordinator, the Summer Life Skills Instructor is responsible for:

• Developing, planning, and implementing a summer programme for children ages 7-12 years old.
• Engaging with programme participants in ways that represent our values of dignity, service, stewardship, and hope.
• Working with a team of staff and volunteers led by the Sports and Recreation Leader to implement a summer day camp enrichment programme at the Harvest Community.
• Administrative tasks include assisting with registration, daily programme scheduling, purchasing, and preparing supplies, and managing the indoor/outdoor environment to ensure appropriate health and safety requirements are met.
• Interacting with parents and communicating with teammates is required throughout the process, as is dealing with behavioural concerns of children and youth if they arise during programme participation at day camp.
• Primary responsibility for working with supervisor to plan programmes and other administration duties as required.

The Life Skills Instructor is required to perform their duties in a manner consistent with The Salvation Army Harvest Community core values and to ensure neighbours' safety and well-being. The job requires responsibility for planning, implementation and evaluation of the programme provided to our neighbours.

• Organize and lead a team of day camp leaders through example, positivity and experience.
• Plan, coordinate or lead skills workshops to camp participants (i.e., programming - drama, sports, cross-cultural understanding, spiritual practices, volunteering/community service.
• If applicable, work alongside food security programmes through interaction with families in need of registration referrals.
• Develop relationships with families, encouraging happy and well-developed children and youth, living in peace with themselves and others.
• Contribute to the annual plans for ministries with input such as written records/logs of activities, reports, and statistics for ministry evaluation.
• Monitor expenditures to ensure conformity to budget provisions.
• Participate in staff training and development.
• Know and act according to the security procedures of The Salvation Army to ensure the safety and confidentiality of participants and information.
• Teach essential Life Skills such as communication, problem-solving, decision-making, critical thinking, time management, and organization.
• Facilitate Social and Emotional Development: The instructor will create a supportive and nurturing environment where children can develop emotional intelligence, empathy, resilience, and interpersonal skills through activities that promote teamwork, cooperation, conflict resolution, and self-awareness.
• Provide Personal Finance Education: The instructor may introduce basic financial concepts such as budgeting, saving, spending wisely, and understanding the value of money.
• Promote Health and Wellness: The instructor will teach children about the importance of physical and mental health, including nutrition, exercise, hygiene, stress management, and self-care practices.
• Foster Independence and Self-Reliance: The instructor will encourage children to take the initiative, set goals, and develop a sense of autonomy. They provide opportunities for children to practice decision-making and problem-solving skills in real-life situations, gradually building their confidence and independence.
• Cultivate Communication Skills: The instructor will help children improve their verbal and non-verbal communication skills, including active listening, public speaking, assertiveness, and conflict resolution. Effective communication is essential for building positive relationships and navigating social interactions successfully.
• Perform other relevant duties as assigned (set up, clean up, communication).

• Due to the nature of Canada Summer Jobs Grant, applicants must be a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person to whom refugee protection has been conferred under the Immigration and Refugee Protection Act for the duration of the employment, who is 30 years of age or under.
• At least one year of post-secondary education (an alternative level of education and experience may be acceptable).
• Related studies or equivalent work experience with youth and children.
• Full License and Clean Drivers Abstract.
• First Aid/CPR Certificate.
• Clear and current Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Screening.

TERM OF EMPLOYMENT:

• Temporary Full Time Temporary - 30 hours/week.
• Monday - Friday, July 2nd, 2024, for 8 weeks (possibly include Sat/Sun, depending on programme delivery needs).

The Salvation Army will accommodate candidates as required under applicable human rights legislation. If you require a disability-related accommodation during this process, please inform us of your requirements.

We thank all applicants, however, only those candidates to be interviewed will be contacted.

Internal Applicants, please advise your managing supervisor of your intentions prior to submitting your application.

Successful candidates, prior to hiring, may be required to provide:

• Background check consent.
• A clear vulnerable sector screening.
• A clean drivers' abstract.
• Completion of our online Armatus Abuse Training and required Health and Safety training.

• Passionate for building loving relationships with youth and children inspired by The Salvation Army values (Hope, Service, Dignity, and Stewardship).
• Highly organized, an effective leader, and a self-starter.
• A demonstration of openness to and respect for spiritual disciplines.
• Excellent interpersonal skills and ability to work cooperatively and effectively with others to plan, execute, and lead younger team members and participants.
• A desire to be creative and innovative showing initiative with limited supervision.
• Excellent administrative, organizational, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Digital skills with Google Apps, Slack, and social media are assets.
• Teaching skills in subjects for day camp participants is an asset.

Working Conditions

• Both indoor and outdoor work environments.
• Carry a cell phone.