Who we are
As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI)
continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental
health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our
services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family
and the community in the journey of supporting children and youth.
Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most vulnerable members,
infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research.
Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs
of our community.
We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural,
religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age,
gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by deeply caring
and compassionate teams that guide children, youth and families along a mental
health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.
Who we need
Reporting to the Program Supervisor, we are hiring a Coordinator, Therapeutic
Recreation Programs to join our team. In this role, you will oversee the daily
operations of our Therapeutic Recreation Programs, including Camp Towhee and our
Mindfulness Martial Arts programs. As the new Coordinator, Therapeutic
Recreation Programs you will facilitate client intakes and assessments,
coordinate group assignments, and provide support to program staff to ensure
effective program delivery.
This is a full-time position requiring onsite work five days a week at our St.
Clair Gardens location from September to May. From June 1 to August 31, the role
transitions to overseeing our summer camp in Haliburton onsite for the summer.
Flexibility to work evenings and weekends from September to May is necessary to
accommodate clients participating in therapeutic recreational programs.
This is a chance to contribute to life-changing programs for children and youth
as you work to align therapeutic program delivery with our mission, vision, and
values.
Who you are
You believe in the benefits of intervention and therapeutic recreation
programming that introduces safe spaces for play, challenging activities,
socialization, cooperation, accountability, and outdoor adventure for children
experiencing mental health challenges. You want the opportunity to connect
children and youth to the therapeutic recreational programs that can supplement
other interventions and therapies they attend. And you love summer camp!
As a Child and Youth Worker, Social Worker, Youth Counsellor, or Child
Therapist, you have experience in an agency or private setting, in both
recreational and therapeutic environments, supporting children and youth with
learning disabilities and mental health challenges. In addition, you have
leadership, relationship-building and organizational skills gained through
coordinating and delivering recreational programming for participants up to age
18.
What’s in it for you
A meaningful purpose. You are passionate about making a difference in the lives
of children, youth, and their families. This is your chance to champion
therapeutic recreation activities that build mental, social, and emotional
resilience and wellbeing in children with mental health challenges and learning
disabilities. You will work closely with families, receiving direct feedback
that reinforces the profound impact of your work, while supporting a program
that transforms lives.
The benefits of a camp experience. You are deeply committed to the camp
experience and understand its transformative power. From guiding kids to push
their boundaries and conquer fears to helping them grow through challenges, you
are excited to create those profound, life-changing moments. You thrive in the
outdoors and are eager to bring the unique energy and quirks of the camp
environment to life. At Camp Towhee, you will lead and support camp staff to
provide therapeutic recreation activities that leave lasting impressions on both
campers and their families.
Personal and professional growth. This is an opportunity to join a dedicated,
evidence-based child and youth mental health agency recognized for its
commitment to excellence. Working alongside the Program Supervisor and a team of
passionate individuals, you will hone your leadership skills, and strengthen
your ability to coach and inspire others. You will have the deeply fulfilling
experience of seeing campers grow over their time at camp and of contributing to
a supportive and empowering team culture.
As our new Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreational Programs, you will:
- Support and coordinate year-round therapeutic programs. Under the guidance of
the Supervisor, Therapeutic Recreation Programs, you will oversee the
planning, quality assurance, risk management, and safe operation of CDI’s
Therapeutic Recreation Programs. You will coordinate program logistics,
manage waitlists, facilitate client intakes and assessments, and arrange
group assignments. You will support registration processes and ensure
effective service delivery while adhering to CDI’s vision, mission, values,
and goals.
- Lead program delivery. You will support facilitation of Therapeutic
Recreation groups, ensuring that programs are evidence-supported and grounded
in a strong conceptual understanding of child development, family
functioning, and therapeutic recreation interventions. You will actively
participate in program development, evaluation, data collection, and research
activities to continuously enhance program quality.
- Collaborate and foster relationships. You will develop and maintain trusting
relationships with families and their support networks, including community
agencies, hospitals, and other stakeholders. You will liaise and consult with
CDI staff and external professionals to ensure effective communication,
referrals, and coordination of services.
- Ensure compliance and support administration. You will assist in monitoring
equipment, inventory, and program expenditures to ensure Therapeutic
Recreation Programs operate within budget. You will ensure all legislative,
Ministry, accreditation, and Occupational Health and Safety standards are
met. You will complete all client and program documentation in accordance
with agency policies and procedures and participate in relevant departmental
and agency meetings and committees.
- Prepare for and lead camp operations. While the year-round focus is on
therapeutic program coordination, you will also prepare for and lead the
delivery of Camp Towhee, a therapeutic summer camp, on a full-time live-in
basis from June to August. Residing onsite in Haliburton, you will oversee
camp operations, recruit and train 18–29 casual and contract staff, and
ensure programs are delivered safely and effectively.
- Nurture a knowledge-sharing environment. You will stay current with
evidence-supported studies on child development, therapeutic recreation, and
family interventions, integrating this knowledge into program delivery and
staff training.
What you bring:
- Clinical expertise. You hold a diploma or degree in Social Work, Child and
Youth Work, or a related field, with at least three (3) years of experience
working with children, youth, families, and groups in therapeutic or clinical
settings. Your background includes supporting children and youth with mental
health challenges complicated by learning disabilities, underpinned by a
strong understanding of human development and therapeutic intervention
methodologies.
- Practical application of clinical knowledge. You excel in assessing
individual child, youth, and family mental health needs, delivering
therapeutic interventions, and building essential skills within your
designated scope of practice. You are adept at evaluating changing or
emerging client needs, triaging effectively, and managing crisis situations
with confidence and expertise.
- Leadership and program coordination. You have demonstrated success in
supervising and mentoring staff, managing risk, and addressing complexities
in a professional setting. Your operational leadership includes hiring,
training, and overseeing staff, as well as facilitating and developing
therapeutic recreation programs.
- Passion for outdoor therapeutic experiences. You have experience working in
summer camps, outdoor education centers, or residential treatment settings
and are deeply committed to leveraging the outdoor environment as a tool for
personal growth and mental strength. You thrive in active, outdoor settings
and can confidently lead and participate in recreational activities,
including yoga, martial arts, meditation, and other physical challenges.
- Respectful and relational approach. You excel at building genuine, trusting
relationships with children, youth, young adults, and families. Your ability
to coach, train, and provide constructive feedback ensures the success and
growth of both staff and program participants.
- Professional integrity. You uphold the highest standards of ethics and
professionalism in client interactions, documentation, confidentiality, and
the security of agency information. You are committed to maintaining a safe,
inclusive, and respectful environment for everyone.
- Emotional intelligence and resilience. You remain calm and positive in
high-risk, high-stakes situations, demonstrating exceptional patience and the
ability to engage individuals from diverse backgrounds. You are skilled at
navigating conflicts, offering support, and fostering a sense of safety and
stability.
- Commitment to making a difference. You are inspired by the mission of the
organization and eager to contribute to meaningful change. You understand the
seasonal demands of the role, balancing year-round program coordination with
the unique responsibilities of camp leadership.
- Adaptability and physical readiness. You are comfortable living and working
in an outdoor camp environment, including participating in physically
demanding activities and maintaining the energy required to engage with
children, youth, and staff. You can lift up to 45 lbs. and are capable of
activities involving bending, stretching, running, and climbing stairs.
- Availability and flexibility. You are willing and able to work extended
hours, including evenings and weekends, as needed. You hold a valid driver’s
license and have access to a vehicle to meet the travel requirements of the
role.
Other Requirements
- All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the
successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Credential verifications and references are required.
Apply now
If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with
every requirement, we encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are
strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and
knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your
application.
What you can expect from our interview process:
- A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the
role and background. The conversation will be recorded using BrightHire, an
AI-powered video interview tool. More details will be shared when you are
invited to interview.
- An in-person interview with Therapeutic Recreation Programs staff and an HR
representative to learn more about the role and an opportunity to ask and
answer questions about Camp Towhee, Mindfulness Martial Arts and CDI.
CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes
applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of
North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and
those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are
committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a
workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally
committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require
accommodations, please reach out to us at careers@childdevelop.ca
LI-DNI
