Overview
The YMCA is a charity that has been helping Canadians improve their lives since the first Y opened in 1851. Y programs are offered at more than 1,700 locations across Canada and help more than 2.25 million people annually become healthier in spirit, mind, and body. The YMCA of the National Capital Region proudly serves people of all ages, backgrounds and abilities, and works to address critical social needs in our community. We are a leader and valued partner in creating a vibrant and healthy community where everyone belongs and can reach their full potential.
This position requires a commitment to the Y mission and core values of excellence, compassion, dignity, accountability and inclusion, which form the foundation of all Y programs and services.
Working for the Y
Are you looking to use your skills and unique gifts to make a real difference in your community? The YMCA of the National Capital Region is a great workplace committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion, where different backgrounds, experiences, and identities are appreciated and celebrated. The YMCA provides hundreds of employees with meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. We recognize the contributions of our staff through innovative practices, great benefits, and growth opportunities. Whether you are starting out in your career or a seasoned professional, you will find many exciting opportunities to achieve your personal and career goals.
Vacancy Status: This job posting is for an existing vacancy from June 2026.
What do we offer?
At the Y, you will be part of a vibrant and diverse network of people whose shared vision is to change lives and make our communities home to the healthiest children, teens, adults, and families.
Our competitive wage and benefit package include:
- Free YMCA gym membership;
- Discounted Y program fees (including health & fitness programs, child care, and camps).
What do you offer?
Reporting to the Camper Care Specialist – Y NDC, the Inclusion Camp Counsellor – Y NDC provides 1-on-1 support to children and youth aged 4 to 12 with physical and/or cognitive disabilities, and support to other counsellors with other groups of children and youth. The Inclusion Camp Counsellor – Y NDC ensures that children and teens have a positive experience leading to personal growth through fun and rewarding recreation and sport programs. This position fosters self-esteem; problem solving and conflict resolution skills in program participants while working to create an atmosphere of safety, belonging and positive development in accordance with Y policies and procedures.
Positions available at various locations across the city such as:
- Clarence-Rockland YMCA
- Downtown Ottawa & Taggart Family YMCA
- Neighbourhood of Barrhaven
- Neighbourhood of Stittsville
- Neighbourhood of Ottawa South or Orleans
Some of the tasks of this position include:
- Providing 1-on-1 support to children and youth with physical and/or cognitive disabilities.
- Incorporating inclusive programming, allowing for children and youth of all abilities to participate.
- Supervising program participants as they engage in recreational activities.
- Ensuring that children and youth have a positive experience through fun and rewarding recreation and sport programs.
- Ensuring the safety and wellbeing of program participants.
- Performing some housekeeping responsibilities, like santation of equipment, cleaning program areas, etc.
What qualifications and abilities are we looking for?
At the YMCA of the National Capital Region, we strive to ensure our employees are a fit based on their strengths, interests, and future goals.
The successful candidate will have the following:
Language
- Ability to work in English
- Bilingualism is an asset
Experience, Skills and Abilities
- General experience working in a day camp or overnight camp setting is an asset
- Ability to provide behaviour management support to campers
- Well-developed interpersonal, conflict resolution, and relationship building skills
- Ability to maintain calm demeanour in stressful situations
- Ability to act as a positive role model for campers, staff and volunteers
Additional Requirements
- Must be 16 years old by June 2026.
- Applicants must have a current Standard First Aid and CPR "C" certification.
- Applicants must already have a valid permit to work in Canada.
- A Police Record check, not more than 6 months old is required. Police Records checks are reviewed on an individual basis and the offense(s) - if any - is considered in the decision-making process in relation to the requirement of working with children, therefore not eliminating all candidates with a record from being offered a position.
- Semi-annually, staff must complete the mandatory training for the protection of Children & Youth and submit the certificate of completion.
Core Competencies:
- Excellence: Identifies and implements improvements that enhance work quality.
- Compassion: Involves warmth and supportive communication. Fosters understanding and collaboration, leading to a positive work environment.
- Dignity: Involves respecting every individual’s worth, promoting fairness and valuing perspectives. It encourages a culture of integrity, mutual respect, and empowerment.
- Accountability: Manages tasks, projects, and processes effectively.
- Inclusion: Demonstrates self-awareness and commitment to IDEA, ethics, and well-being.
About diversity and inclusiveness at the Y:
Inclusiveness is a part of our core values and we are committed to ensuring the diversity of the people and communities we serve and as well as our staff. We welcome candidates from racialized groups, invisible minorities, Indigenous People, women, persons with disabilities, persons who identify as 2SLGBTQ+.
YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to accessibility in employment and to ensuring equal access to employment opportunities for candidates, including persons with disabilities. In compliance with AODA, the YMCA will endeavour to provide accommodation to people with disabilities in the recruitment process upon request. If you are selected for an interview and require accommodation due to a disability during the recruitment process, please email [email protected] upon scheduling your interview.
Statement on Use of Artificial Intelligence in Employment Decisions:
At the YMCA, we are committed to maintaining a fair and equitable hiring process. We do not use artificial intelligence (AI) to screen, assess, or select applicants for any positions of employment. All employment decisions are made by our dedicated People and Culture team, ensuring that each candidate is evaluated on an individual basis with the utmost consideration for their unique qualifications and experiences.
How to apply?
All internal applicants must inform their supervisor of their intention to apply for the position.
Thank you for your interest in joining the YMCA of the National Capital Region. We appreciate all applications. Due to the volume of applicants, we are only able to contact those selected for further consideration in the hiring process.
The YMCA of the National Capital Region is committed to being an Equal Opportunity Employer.
