Support Worker - Nanaimo

Wage: $21/hour + 10% in lieu of benefits ($23.10/hr)
Hours: Evenings & weekends; several hours per week for 6-8 weeks 
Locations: Please note that this position is located at various facilities in Nanaimo

The Canucks Autism Network is looking to welcome some new Support Workers for our upcoming Winter 2025 Season!

Available Winter 2025 Programs:

• Climbing @ Romper Room: Mondays, January 13 to February 24, 2025, from 6:15-8:30 pm.  Orientation held via Zoom on January 13, 6:00-6:15 pm.
• Multisport @ Randerson Ridge Elementary School: Tuesdays, January 21 to February 25, 2025, from 4:30-6:30 pm. Orientation held via Zoom on January 8, 6:00-6:45 pm.
• Skate @ Cliff McNabb Arena:  Fridays, January 17 to February 28, 2025, from 4:00-6:00 pm. Orientation held via Zoom on January 8, 6:00-6:45 pm
• Swim @ Beban Park Pool: Sundays, January 12 to March 9, 2025, from 4:15-7:00 pm. Orientation held via Zoom on January 8, 6:00-6:45 pm.

Position Description

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) programs give children on the autism spectrum a place to learn sports skills, engage in new activities, and socialize with their peers without the fear of acceptance or the worry of competition. It is a chance for them to build new friendships, confidence, and their skillset. CAN provides a fun and engaging environment where the pace of instruction can be modified to meet our participant’s individual needs. A high instructor-to-participant ratio allows for individualized support and instruction for each participant, and a variety of strategies are used to help participants to be successful, including visual supports. Training is provided to all CAN Support Workers, both in a virtual classroom and on the job.

CAN offers sports & rec programs for children on the autism spectrum which include Multisport (intro to gym-based physical activities and sports), Swim, and Skate programs. Gymnastics, Hockey, & Music are also offered in a few of our program regions. Support Workers may sign up for one or for multiple programs during the season, we just ask that commit to all sessions within a season.

Under the direction of the Coach and Onsite Supervisor, you will provide lessons and skill development in a program that has been specifically designed to promote physical and social development of children on the autism spectrum.

Key Functions

• Provide individualized support to program participants and promote active engagement and learning (this may include behaviour, communication, and social support)
• Follow lesson plans delivered by the Skills Coach and adapt to participant(s) needs as required
• Facilitate peer to peer interaction and socialization amongst program participants
• Encourage participants to independently partake in activities
• Collaborate with Onsite Supervisor, Coaches, other Support Workers and Volunteers to help the group be as successful as possible
• Help engage and mentor Volunteers in participant support as required
• Have fun!

Job Requirements

• Must be 16 years of age or older
• Previous experience supporting Autistic individuals and other diverse abilities a strong asset but not required
• Relevant post-secondary education and first aid certification an asset
• Fun, enthusiastic, motivated and a positive team player
• Passion to get involved and an eagerness to learn
• Patient, collaborative, adaptable, and respect for children and families
• Willingness to learn and open to receiving feedback
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Punctual and reliable: committed to 100% program attendance
• Excellent people skills and able to build positive relationships with participants

Additional Requirements (skate and swim programs)

• If you are applying for a skate program, you must be able to skate forwards, backwards and stop with ease, and able to physically support a beginner participant on the ice
• If you are applying for swim, you must feel comfortable in all depths of the pool

We thank all of those who apply but only those selected will be contacted for an interview.

Please note that all chosen candidates will need to successfully complete our online criminal record check to move forward in the hiring process. Additionally, successful candidates/new employees must complete all training and necessary paperwork prior to starting the program.

Please visit our careers page to see more job opportunities.