Healthcare Assistant, Camp Towhee

Who we are

As the need for mental health services grows, Child Development Institute (CDI) continues to be the steadfast support and leading provider of specialized mental health services for children and youth aged 0-18 and their families. All of our services are guided by a strength-based approach that incorporates the family and the community into the journey of supporting children and youth.

Trusted with the mental well-being of our community's most sensitive members, infants and children, all of our programming is backed by rigorous research. Science is the backbone which informs our work as we evolve alongside the needs of our community.

We are committed to providing services that are respectful of racial, cultural, religious, ethnic and linguistic diversity, as well as sexual orientation, age, gender and family differences. All our services are delivered by a deeply caring and compassionate team that guides children, youth and families along a mental health journey in a safe, respectful and welcoming space.

About Towhee

Camp Towhee/Towhee Summer Therapeutic Program supports youth with mental health challenges complicated by learning disabilities. Located in Haliburton, Ontario, Towhee creates lasting, positive change for campers and staff. Working at Towhee is a uniquely rewarding and transformative experience. We provide 10 days of comprehensive training covering behaviour management, counselling skills, Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI), mental health, and learning disabilities.

If you are pursuing a career in healthcare, working with children, or want to play a pivotal role in supporting children and youth in feeling safe enough to be their genuine amazing selves—Towhee offers hands-on experience, skill development, and the opportunity to make a real impact.

Who we need

We are seeking a Healthcare Assistant to join our Camp Towhee team. Reporting to the Healthcare Supervisor, this contract position runs from June 23 to August 21, 2025.

As a Healthcare Assistant, you will play a vital role in supporting the health and wellness of campers and staff. You will provide direct medical care, administer medications, and respond to health concerns with compassion and professionalism. Additionally, you will help educate campers and staff on wellness practices, ensuring a safe and supportive environment for all.

As our new Camp Healthcare Assistant, you will:

• Provide medical and emotional care to campers and staff, acting as a primary first responder in medical emergencies.
• Assess and respond to both physical and psychosomatic distress, implementing appropriate interventions.
• Educate campers and staff on health and wellness practices to promote overall well-being.
• Organize and maintain the Health Centre in collaboration with the Healthcare Supervisor, following Ontario Camps Association (OCA) and Towhee policies and procedures.
• Administer medications to campers as required.
• Support camp-wide programs and activities by providing direct supervision and assistance during meal times, evening programs, bedtime routines, and night supervision when able.
• Work collaboratively with the overall staff team to ensure a safe, inclusive, and structured environment for all campers.
• Uphold and communicate Camp Towhee’s policies, practices, and safety procedures.

You bring

• One or more years of post-secondary education in a healthcare-related field or equivalent professional experience (nursing, paramedic, etc.).
• Practical experience providing healthcare/first aid in roles such as lifeguarding, ski patrol, first responder, hospital placement, etc.
• Experience working with children and youth.
• Standard First Aid with CPR-C certification (or greater).
• A current and valid police records check with vulnerable sector screening.
• Strong judgment and problem-solving skills, with the ability to adapt to changing medical situations.
• Ability to work respectfully with diverse backgrounds and experiences.

Working Conditions

• Fast-paced camp environment with frequent interaction with campers, staff, supervisors, families, and visitors.
• May require lifting children (up to 45 lbs.) and assisting in moving children (up to 200 lbs.) in a medical emergency, as well as bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Moderate to loud noise levels.
• Intermittent physical activity, including standing, walking, running, lifting, and actively engaging with campers and staff in various camp activities and games.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check OR Board Record Check.

Contract Period

• Start date: June 23, 2025
• Contract end date: August 21, 2025
• Compensation: $5,000 for the term of employment, including a base salary of $3,250 and a completion bonus of $1,750 at the end of the contract. Room and board are also provided.

Apply now

If you're excited about this role but your experience aligns differently with any of the requirements, we still encourage you to apply. While specific qualifications are strictly required, others can be based on various experiences, backgrounds, and knowledge. We can't promise an interview, but we will consider your whole application.

What you can expect from our interview process:

• A virtual interview with a Talent Advisor will discuss your interest in the role and background.
• A virtual interview with the hiring manager and a team member will allow you to expand on your knowledge and experience further and ask follow-up questions about the role and Camp.

CDI is firmly committed to diversity within its community and welcomes applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous People of North America and the world, persons with disabilities, 2SLGBTQIA+ persons, and those who may contribute to the further diversification of ideas. We are committed to providing equitable opportunities in employment and to providing a workplace which is free from discrimination and harassment. We are equally committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. If you require accommodations, please reach out to us at careers@childdevelop.ca.