Youth Program Leader

POSITION:                 Youth Program Leader

STATUS:                    On-Call; Casual

SHIFT:                        Various Shifts

LOCATION:                Victoria, BC

CLASSIFICATION:     Exempt

WAGE:                        Hourly  

CLOSING DATE:        Open Until Filled

About the Position:

Our youth programs are developed to inspire and educate kids ages 6-14 about pet care, animal welfare and the environment. This casual position will coordinate with the Regional Humane Educator (RHE) in the designated area to deliver youth programs, which may include: weekend youth events, school holiday workshops, after-school workshops, spring break camps, summer camps and classroom presentations.

Some specific duties:

• Either independently or in collaboration with the Regional Humane Educator and/or other Youth Program [Coordinators], deliver fun and educational activities, as assigned, for youth at BC SPCA locations, schools and other community locations.
• Ensure the safety of participants, taking attendance and keeping track of participants at all times.

• Identify potential safety hazards in advance and take quick action to prevent/deal with any safety concerns as they arise.
• Provide suggestions to supervisor to improve safety.
• Provide first aid when required.
• Complete incident reports if required.

• Must be able to provide a schedule and commit to programs once scheduled.

• Provide a fun and inclusive environment for youth and build relationships with participants.
• Be respectful, curious, and knowledgeable about diversity and wherever possible, work with participants to ensure they acknowledge/appreciate this in other participants as well.
• Be flexible and prepared to adapt support for participants with unique behavioural, learning and/or other needs.
• Work with RHE to implement strategies and solutions to create a successful experience for participants.
• Work with RHE and/or other team members to provide one-on-one support to participants when required; look for ways to encourage interaction in a variety of ways in educational activities.

• Communicate with the Regional Humane Educator, parents and teachers to promote programs and coordinate events.
• Communicate with Regional Humane Educator to evaluate programs and make suggestions for improvement.
• Gain a basic understanding of BC SPCA policies and positions on animal welfare issues and be able to explain them at the level appropriate for the audience.
• Learn to recognize animal stress signals and monitor shelter animals for signs of stress when interacting with participants.
• Maintain a clean and organized activity space; set up and break down of workshop spaces.
• Liaise with parents to deal with any participant issues that arise during events.
• Liaise and work cooperatively with staff and volunteers at BC SPCA animal centres.
• Other duties as may be required.

Qualifications you need to have:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Valid emergency first aid certificate
• Enthusiasm for working with kids and animals; previous experience with kids and animals an asset
• Is aware of and exhibits leadership qualities and instincts
• Demonstrated experience in teamwork with a teachable spirit
• Energetic, innovative and enthusiastic, with a passion for making a difference
• Patient, positive and hardworking
• Ability to communicate with a diverse audience in a respectful way; able to address conflict in a constructive and professional manner
• Position is physically demanding and may include lifting (up to 25 lbs), pushing, pulling and participating in outdoor field games at camps/workshops
• Excellent verbal communication skills
• Excellent organizational skills
• Must be willing to complete a criminal record check with vulnerable sector check
• Philosophical harmony with the vision, mission, and strategic directions of the BC SPCA.