Relief Counsellor ( Red Deer )
4758 50 Street, Red Deer, Alberta, Canada, T4N 1X2
part-time . February 27, 2026
Description
Employment Environment
Working at Between Friends brings so much fun into your professional life! We are an organization that respects the need for a work-life balance. We are passionate about our employees' well-being. As an agency, we focus on bringing inclusive and accessible recreation and social programming to the people who mean the most to us, our Members! We work to break down barriers and adapt to individual and communal needs. Between Friends creates opportunities for people with disabilities to connect, grow, and belong through social, recreational, and developmental activities. One of our most popular programs is Camp Bonaventure, a fun, outdoor all inclusive summer day camp for youth ages 4-17. Activities at Camp Bonaventure include swimming, crafts, games and much much more!
Job Overview
As a Relief Camp Counsellor for Between Friends, you will provide flexible, adaptable support to groups of Campers at Camp Bonaventure. You will step into the role of a Senior or Camp Counsellor as needed, you will be placed in a different group daily or weekly based on the needs of Camp, filling in for staff absences, providing additional support when staff are occupied, or assisting in other areas of camp operations. You can see the posting for Senior and Camp Counsellors for more details. This role ensures Campers have a safe, fun and inclusive experience by supporting programming, assisting with personal care, and responding to Camper needs in real-time. The Relief Counsellor reports directly to the Site Supervisor.
Key Responsibilities Include:
- Step in as a Senior or Camp Counsellor to provide support to any Camper group as needed.
- Fill in for staff absences due to illness, or other unforeseen circumstances.
- Provide additional support when staff are occupied assisting other Campers with emotional regulation, personal care, or other needs.
- Offer guidance and feedback to Counsellors you are supporting during coverage.
- Implement program activities up to 10 Campers, maintaining a ratio of 1:3-1:4.
- Implement program activities for up to 10 Campers, maintaining a ratio of 1:3 - 1:4.
- Ensuring all program activities meet the highest standards of quality and safety, including but not limited to: age appropriateness, variety of activities, adaptability to different abilities, and backup plans for unforeseen changes (e.g., downtime, weather, facility closures, etc.).
- Administering any medications to participants as required; training will be provided.
- Effectively support Campers with additional behavioural needs.
- Follow up with the Site Supervisor and Camp Experience Lead in the event of any emergency situations.
You might be the person we are looking for if:
- Fun - You look for ways to incorporate excitement and joy into day-to-day experiences. Previous experience working at camps, considered an asset.
- Intentional - Your actions are purposeful and value driven. You are a direct and clear communicator. You have previous experience working with people with disabilities, ability to quickly and independently solve problems in high stress situations.
- Caring - You welcome and celebrate people with empathy and dignity. You value working with individuals to create adaptations and modifications to ensure an inclusive experience for all. This includes providing support to participants requiring lifts and transfers, and personal care support.
- Easeful - You strive to create accessible and inclusive spaces that remove barriers to access. You have experience adapting activities, programming, to meet the needs of everyone. Previous experience developing and implementing programming is required.
- Safe - You value creating and maintaining safe spaces to promote inclusion and fun! Must pass a Screening Process including a Backcheck search and an Intervention Record Check completed by Alberta Human Services. Must be able to provide proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification, prior to the start date.
Overview of Working Hours:
- Hours: Minimum of 40 hours a week (may vary based on organizational needs).
- Regular Schedule: Primarily 8:00 am-5:00 PM, Monday-Friday; some evening/weekends may be required (eg., camp clean-up, staff meetings)
- Mandatory Training: June 18 - 25, 2026 Typically from 8:30 AM-4:30 PM (schedule provided closer to start date).
- Camp Dates: Camp Bonaventure runs from June 29, 2026 - August 21, 2026 (excluding Statutory Holidays).
Working Location:
Assigned Camp Bonaventure Location
Job Requirements:
- Must be between the ages of 18-30 (due to funding requirements).
- Must successfully pass the screening process, including a background check.
- Must be a Permanent Resident or Citizen of Canada (due to funding requirements).
- Must be able to provide proof of current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification, prior to the start date.
- Able to adapt to changing circumstances, participant needs, and organizational goals.
- Flexibility is especially important in non-profit work, where priorities and resources may shift.
- Ability to provide support to participants requiring lifts, transfers, and personal care support.
- Previous experience working with people with disabilities is an asset.
- Reliable transportation is required.
- Passion for the mission of supporting persons with disabilities.
- Experience in a supervisory role and/or summer camp work would be beneficial, but not a requirement.
At Between Friends, we value diversity and recognize that individuals come with a unique set of experiences that can contribute to our mission of providing quality social, recreation, and development opportunities so that people with disabilities can connect, grow, and belong. We believe that adding new ideas and diversity of thought to our teams is essential to our success.
Posting Close Date:
This posting will be open until March 2026. We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for further consideration will be contacted.
Privacy and Hiring Process:
We may use artificial intelligence (AI)–based tools to assist with parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications or resumes. These tools support, but do not replace human judgment, and all final hiring decisions are made by people. Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). For more information, please contact us.
Compensation
$17.00 - $17.75 per hour
