Summer Care Staff

Job Description

The Summer Care Staff Provide safe, engaging, and supportive care for children participating in the summer program. Plan and lead recreational, creative, and outdoor activities that promote positive development in an inclusive environment.

Primary Areas of Responsibility

Child Care & Engagement; Child Safety

Duties and Responsibilities

Child Care & Engagement 

• Supervise and engage with children in daily activities 
• Lead and assist with planned programming. 
• Ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive environment at all times. 
• Support behavior guidance using positive and respectful approaches. 
• Assist with snack/lunch routines and daily transitions. 
• Communicate effectively with other staff and leadership team. 
• Follow all health, safety, and childcare procedures. 

Child Safety 

• Report any incidents or concerns to the Program Lead promptly 
• Contribute to maintaining a clean, safe, and inclusive environment 
• Adhere to all Occupational Health and Safety policies to always maintain staff and child safety and security 

 Other Duties & Responsibilities 

• Participate in internal team meetings as required  
• Look for potential improvements and help implement solutions  
• Maintain quality, safety and the confidentiality of employees, children, and volunteers   
• Maintain professionalism, tact, diplomacy, and sensitivity so as to portray New Dawn in a positive manner, consistent with its values and vision  
• Update job knowledge by participating in educational opportunities, engaging in professional networks, and participating in professional organizations  
• Respond to the needs of others with effective communication, mutual respect, and consistent follow through to build trust and workplace relationships  
• Promote the mission and values of New Dawn both internally and externally  
• Other duties as assigned  

Core Competencies

• Ethics and integrity  
• Client and community-focused 
• Initiative and problem solving     
• Accountability and dependability  
• Strong oral and written communication 
• Teamwork and collaboration      
• Detail orientation   
• Adaptability 

Qualifications

• Experience working with children or youth in a structured setting such as babysitting, camps, or coaching. 
• Former childcare setting experience and asset but not required. 
• Current First Aid and CPR (or willingness to obtain) 
• Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening (required) 
• Strong communication and teamwork skills. 
• Energetic, patient, and dependable. 
• Demonstrated compassion, empathy, diplomacy, and sound problem-solving skills 
• Experience working with and advocating for individuals and communities facing vulnerability and systemic barriers 
• Ability to work independently, collaboratively as part of a team, and under direction when required 
• Strong attention to detail, with exceptional verbal and written communication skills 
• Proven ability to build positive relationships and work effectively with others toward shared goals 
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage competing priorities and perform effectively in a fast-paced environment 
• Demonstrated integrity, professionalism, accountability, and commitment to confidentiality 
• Understanding of and commitment to servant leadership, community-centered practice, and New Dawn’s values 

Working Conditions

• Regular interaction with employees, volunteers, management, participants, children, families, and members of the public
• Travel between worksites and within the community may be required
• Work may be performed indoors and outdoors, depending on operational requirements
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, reaching, and lifting throughout the workday
• Physical ability to safely lift and carry up to 50 lbs.
• Exposure to cleaning chemicals and industrial products, dust, noise, varying temperatures, and other environmental conditions associated with the work

Total Compensation Package

At New Dawn Enterprises, we recognize that employee well-being is fundamental to individual success, organizational excellence, and thriving communities. In addition to competitive wages, hourly employees may be eligible for the following benefits and supports. Eligibility for specific benefits may vary based on employment status, position, and length of service. Employees covered by a collective agreement may be subject to different terms and conditions as outlined in their applicable collective bargaining agreement.

Extended Health & Well-Being  

GroupHEALTH offers integrated wellness services through Sparrow Health, including enhanced mental health support, seamless access to virtual healthcare, and an Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP). Services include critical incident support, 24/7 crisis assistance, substance-use management, and other wellness resources.

Flexible Work Arrangements

In recognition of the benefits of greater work-life balance and the value of flexibility and autonomy for human well-being, New Dawn makes every effort to offer flexible work schedules. Divisions across New Dawn are structured differently and may offer varying levels of flexibility while continuing to meet operational requirements. Depending on the role, flexible arrangements may include self-scheduling (regular schedule and/or time off coverage), flexible start and end times, remote work, and other accommodations. 

Paid Vacation 

Hourly employees receive vacation pay at a rate of 4% of gross earnings, increasing to 6% after eight years of service. Employees are entitled to two weeks of vacation annually, increasing to three weeks at that time. As vacation pay is paid on each pay cheque, vacation time taken is unpaid.

Paid Holidays 

New Dawn observes the following six (6) public holidays recognized under the Labour Standards Code: New Year’s Day, Nova Scotia Heritage Day, Good Friday, Canada Day, Labour Day, and Christmas Day. Employees required to work on a general holiday will receive either their regular pay plus time and a half, or their regular pay plus a paid day off in lieu, in accordance with the Nova Scotia Labour Standards Code.

In addition, New Dawn observes Remembrance Day (November 11) in accordance with the Nova Scotia Remembrance Day Act. Eligible employees are entitled to a paid day off, and the workplace will be closed except where an exemption applies.

Rewards & Recognition 

New Dawn celebrates employee contributions through service awards, milestone recognition, and ongoing appreciation programs that acknowledge achievements and significant personal and professional milestones.

Paid Required Education Renewals

When certifications, training, licenses, or credentials are required for a position, New Dawn covers renewal costs. Support for professional designations and licensing fees may also be provided based on role requirements and divisional budgets.

Professional Development 

New Dawn is committed to supporting employees in developing their skills, expanding their knowledge, and pursuing lifelong learning opportunities. Development of new position-relevant skills and perspectives creates a stronger, more informed, and modern organization. Employees are encouraged to explore professional development opportunities in collaboration with their manager.

Café Marie Discount 

Employees are entitled to a staff discount at Café Marie, located in the Eltuek Arts Centre.

Corporate YMCA Membership Program

To support employee health and wellness, New Dawn offers a corporate membership in partnership with the Cape Breton YMCA. The corporate membership provides staff with a 12% discount on the cost of individual membership, and New Dawn covers 50% of the discounted individual membership cost.