Position: Thrive Summer Camp Program Instructor
Location:1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, ON
Assignment: Full-time Hourly Contract (37.5 hours/week for 9 weeks)
Pay Rate: $18.60 per hour
Start/End Dates: June 22, 2026 – August 21, 2026
Openings: Number of openings is dependent on funding received from Canada Summer Jobs.
You Belong!
We exist to unlock potential through the innovation of accessibility and to create a better, barrier-free life for all Canadians. We strive to achieve this by reimagining accessibility and redefining the way Canadians live, work and play. Our organization values being person-centred, genuine, flexible, innovative, and collaborative.
As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from all persons, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide variations and accommodations at all stages of the employment and are committed to improving our process to be more accessible and equitable.
We understand that no one will ever meet all the qualifications or feel completely confident in performing every duty listed, and that’s okay! We are committed to the development of our employees and provide on-the-job training and mentorship. Unless it says required (bolded for emphasis), please do not let any other qualification or duty discourage you from applying.
If you have any issues with the online application or have any questions about the job, please email careers@abilitiescentre.org. We look forward to learning more about you and how you may be the person we’re looking for through your application!
The Position:
Reporting to the Manager, Thrive, the Summer Camp Program Instructor will assist with the facilitation of the Thrive Summer Camp Programs. The summer programs provide opportunity to spend the week engaged in meaningful, integrated programming in the areas of sports & fitness, arts, life skills and social recreation. The focus of Thrive is to improve the health, community access and independence of participants with a focus on resiliency, well-being, and quality of life.
Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) Eligibility:
- You are between 15 and 30 years of age at the start of the employment.
- You are 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*;
- You have a valid Social Insurance Number at the start of employment and legally entitled to work in Canada.
*International students are not eligible. International students include anyone who is temporarily in Canada for studies and who is not a Canadian citizen, permanent resident, or person who has been granted refugee status in Canada. Youth awaiting a refugee status ruling, as well as those who hold a temporary visitor visa, youth visa or work visa are ineligible. As the objective of the Canada Summer Jobs program is to support youth entering the Canadian labour market, the temporary nature of an international student’s time in Canada does not allow for a long-term connection to the labour market.
What You’ll Do:
- Work in person settings for implementation of summer activities and programs
- Ensure program adaptation for participants of all abilities through planning and implementation of adaptations and modifications to activities
- Ensure safety and supervision of program participants
- Assist with program evaluation
- Assist with set-up and tidying of daily program activities
- Communicate with team leads and other staff to coordinate activities for the day
- Participate in daily de-briefs with staff and students to discuss challenges, concerns and successes
- Be available to help in other areas of the summer program as a member of the staff team when needed
- Inspire confidence and self-esteem in program participants through respect, acceptance, and focus on strengths and achievements
- Foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment
- Comfortable assisting with behavioral needs, toileting and feeding - if necessary
What You’ll Bring:
Education and Experience.
- University or college program in Disability Studies, Recreation and Leisure, Developmental Service Worker, Social Service Worker, Occupational Therapist, Recreational Therapy, Health Studies, Physical Education, Health Sciences, Education or related
Skills and Knowledge.
- Familiar with and desire/passion to work with youth and adults with disabilities
- Knowledge of inclusion, accessibility, and accommodation an asset
- Proficient in use of Microsoft Office and Google Suite products
- Excellent oral and written communication skills; comfortable presenting to large groups
- Strong interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a proven ability to establish rapport with people of diverse backgrounds
- Team player with a positive attitude; interactions demonstrate accountability, authenticity, and collaboration
Administrative Requirements
- Required: Current, clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector
- Required: Current and valid Food Handlers Certification.
- Required: First Aid/CPR ‘C’/AED certification
- Safe Management CIT or CPI certification an asset
Availability
- It is required that you are available for the entire contract duration.
How to Apply:
Disclaimer: Major funding for our summer employment positions is provided by the Government of Canada through the Canada Summer Jobs (CSJ) program. As such, both the duration of each position (including start and end dates) and the number of available positions is contingent upon CSJ funding approval and is subject to change throughout the recruitment process. We expect to receive confirmation of approved funding at the beginning of May and will promptly update all applicants at that time.