After School Program Counsellor
Canterbury Community Association
Start Date: August 24th 2026 to June 18th 2027
Working Hours: 2:20 pm to 5:20 pm Monday to Friday
Mandatory Training Date August 22nd 2026
Position Summary
The After School Program Counsellor plays a vital role in creating a safe, inclusive, engaging, and supportive environment for children attending the Canterbury Community Association After School Program. Counsellors are responsible for supervising children, facilitating recreational and educational activities, promoting positive social interactions, and ensuring the physical and emotional well-being of all participants.
Working as part of a team, counsellors help deliver a high-quality after-school experience that encourages creativity, physical activity, leadership development, friendship building, and personal growth. Counsellors serve as positive role models and are expected to demonstrate professionalism, enthusiasm, patience, and strong leadership skills while supporting children from diverse backgrounds and abilities.
Program Overview
The Canterbury Community Association After School Program serves children between the ages of 4 and 12 years old. The program operates Monday to Friday 2:20 pm to 5:20 pm (needs to be available to start at 2:20 pm) after school and offers a variety of activities including:
- Sports and active games
- Arts and crafts
- Outdoor recreation
- Leadership activities
- Team-building exercises
- STEM and educational activities
- Community-building initiatives
- Special events and celebrations
- Homework support when appropriate
The goal of the program is to provide a safe, fun, and enriching environment where children can learn, explore, develop new skills, and build meaningful relationships.
Primary Responsibilities
Child Supervision and Safety
Counsellors are responsible for maintaining the safety and well-being of all participants at all times.
Responsibilities include:
- Actively supervising children during all activities, transitions, and free-play periods.
- Conducting regular attendance checks and ensuring all children are accounted for.
- Following sign-in and sign-out procedures.
- Maintaining appropriate staff-to-child ratios.
- Monitoring children's physical and emotional well-being.
- Identifying and responding appropriately to safety concerns.
- Enforcing program rules and safety guidelines.
- Conducting head counts during indoor and outdoor activities.
- Reporting accidents, injuries, incidents, and concerns to supervisors immediately.
- Ensuring program spaces remain safe, organized, and hazard-free.
- Following emergency procedures including fire drills, lockdowns, severe weather protocols, and medical emergencies.
Program Planning and Activity Facilitation
Counsellors are expected to actively participate in delivering engaging programming that meets the developmental needs of children.
Responsibilities include:
- Leading structured activities and games.
- Assisting with weekly activity planning.
- Setting up materials and equipment before program activities begin.
- Facilitating sports, crafts, science activities, leadership projects, and special events.
- Modifying activities to accommodate different ages, abilities, and interests.
- Encouraging participation and inclusion.
- Supporting children in learning new skills.
- Creating positive and engaging experiences for participants.
- Assisting with program evaluations and providing feedback on activities.
Building Positive Relationships
Counsellors help foster a welcoming and supportive environment where children feel valued and respected.
Responsibilities include:
- Building trusting relationships with participants.
- Serving as a positive role model.
- Encouraging teamwork, kindness, and respect.
- Supporting children's emotional development.
- Promoting confidence and self-esteem.
- Helping children develop problem-solving skills.
- Recognizing and celebrating achievements and positive behaviour.
- Creating an atmosphere where all children feel included regardless of background, culture, ability, or experience.
Behaviour Guidance and Conflict Resolution
Counsellors are responsible for helping children learn appropriate social skills and resolve conflicts constructively.
Responsibilities include:
- Using positive behaviour management techniques.
- Redirecting inappropriate behaviour respectfully and consistently.
- Supporting children in understanding expectations.
- Helping children resolve disagreements peacefully.
- Encouraging accountability and responsibility.
- Documenting significant behavioural concerns.
- Working collaboratively with supervisors and families when additional support is required.
Communication with Families
Counsellors represent the Canterbury Community Association and are often one of the first points of contact for families.
Responsibilities include:
- Greeting parents and guardians professionally.
- Providing updates regarding children's participation and experiences.
- Reporting concerns to supervisors promptly.
- Maintaining confidentiality regarding children and families.
- Demonstrating professionalism in all interactions.
- Helping create a welcoming atmosphere for all families.
Teamwork and Professionalism
Successful counsellors work collaboratively and contribute positively to the program team.
Responsibilities include:
- Working effectively with fellow counsellors and supervisors.
- Participating in staff meetings and training sessions.
- Supporting coworkers during activities and transitions.
- Maintaining a positive attitude.
- Demonstrating flexibility and adaptability.
- Accepting feedback and implementing suggestions for improvement.
- Assisting with program set-up and clean-up.
- Representing the organization professionally at all times.
Daily Duties
A typical shift may include:
Before Program Begins
- Arrive on time and prepared.
- Review daily schedules and activity plans.
- Prepare activity materials and equipment.
- Set up activity spaces.
- Attend staff briefing.
Child Pick-Up
- Assist with safely picking up children from designated school locations.
- Conduct attendance checks.
- Ensure children transition safely into the program.
During Program Hours
- Lead and supervise activities.
- Support children during snacks.
- Facilitate sports and active games.
- Assist with crafts and educational projects.
- Monitor behaviour and social interactions.
- Ensure safety standards are maintained.
End of Program
- Support child pick-up procedures.
- Clean and organize program spaces.
- Store equipment properly.
- Complete incident reports if required.
- Participate in staff debriefs.
Desired Skills and Qualities
Successful counsellors should demonstrate:
- Strong leadership skills
- Excellent communication skills
- Reliability and punctuality
- Creativity and enthusiasm
- Patience and empathy
- Problem-solving abilities
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Professionalism
- Positive attitude
- Adaptability
- Initiative and self-motivation
- Strong organizational skills
Qualifications
Preferred qualifications include:
- Experience working with children ages 4–12.
- Experience in recreation, camps, child care, education, or youth programming.
- Current Standard First Aid and CPR-C certification.
- High Five Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (asset).
- Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Ability to work in both indoor and outdoor environments.
- Ability to participate in physical activities and games.
Our Commitment
The Canterbury Community Association is committed to creating a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment where children can learn, grow, and thrive. Counsellors play an essential role in helping children build confidence, develop friendships, explore new interests, and create positive memories that will last a lifetime.
As a member of our team, you will have the opportunity to make a meaningful impact in the lives of children while developing valuable leadership, recreation, and child development skills.
Pay: $17.60 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- On-site parking
Work Location: In person
