The City of Markham is proud to be recognized for the 5 th consecutive year as one of Canada’s Best Employers by Forbes and Statista Inc. In 2025, the City of Markham is ranked 2nd among municipalities in Canada and 12th overall for Government Services. The recipient of multiple environmental awards, we are recognized for our innovative sustainability and urban planning initiatives as well as our fiscal accountability. More than 366,000 residents call Markham home and benefit from our rich heritage, culturally diverse environment, vibrant local economy and focus on quality of life.

Applications are now being accepted for this temporary position in the Recreation Services Department, Community Services Commission. To apply for this position, please submit your resume and cover letter online by January 31, 2026 . Join us and make a lasting difference! Various Locations:

• North Area (Angus Glen C.C., Crosby C.C. and surrounding areas)
• East Area (Cornell C.C., Centennial C.C. and surrounding areas)
• South East Area (Aaniin & Rouge River C.C.)
• South West Area (Milliken Mills & Armadale C.C.)
• West Area (Thornhill C.C., Thornlea C.C. and surrounding areas)
• Chimo (Outdoor camp)

Work period:

• Casual work from February to mid-June 2026 – Schedule to be determined
• Full time (min. 35 hours per week from mid-June to September 4, 2026 - 100% in-person.

JOB SUMMARY: The Behaviour Specialist travels between site to site and provides behaviour support for participants in Recreation, Culture and Library camp programs. They respond to emergency or challenging behavioural situations and works collaboratively with all stakeholders to deescalate situations, provide direct support to the camper and develop behaviour management strategies. They are a resource for the camp services team by providing guidance, plans and tools to support campers who do not require one-to-one support. They coach and mentor staff and volunteers in the areas of behaviour management.

Key duties and responsibilities:

• Supports camp staff with challenging behaviours observed at camp including:

• Respond to crisis situations calmly and assist with deescalating the situation.

• Provide direct support to camper exhibiting challenging behaviours and use positive behaviour support strategies to promote positive behaviour and minimize escalating behaviours.

• Communicate with parents, guardian and camp staff regarding camper behaviour and progress.

• Document situation and provide reports to assist in the development of individual plans.

• Works collaboratively with on-site camp staff to support positive integration of campers who do not require one-to-one support including:

• Pre-camp communication with parents/guardian or external stakeholders to identity challenging behaviours and understand specific needs.

• Develop plans that are tailored to individual campers’ needs.

• Train camp staff to effectively execute plans, and general behaviour management techniques.

• Monitors execution of plans including site visits, facilitating staff meetings, coaching staff and communicating with parent and guardians and other City staff.

• Assists with monitoring staff and volunteer performance in implementing plans, and behaviour management techniques.

• Assists with training sessions on behaviour management.

• Role models positive behaviour management strategies.

• Assists in planning and implementation camp inclusion services such as:

• Preparing camp plans and forms.

• Purchase and delivery of equipment and/or supplies.

• Create aids and tools such as sensory bins, token boards, communication tools etc.

• May support inclusion camp services team by covering breaks and assist feeding and changing campers with disabilities or medical needs.

• Other duties as assigned.

Minimum Education And Experience Required

• Post-secondary education, in relevant field such as Recreation with an emphasis in Therapeutic Recreation, Education, Social Work, Early Childhood Education etc.
• Supervisory experience in managing staff and/or volunteers. Camp experience is an asset.
• Strong knowledge and experience working with children, and youth including persons with disabilities, and challenging behaviours.
• Current Standard First Aid with CPR ‘C’ required.
• Driver’s license is required.
• HIGH FIVE Healthy Child Development is required.
• Behaviour Management System Training (BMST) certification is required and can be provided upon hiring.
• Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) and/or Safe Management is an asset.
• Computer skills (Microsoft 365, Adobe Acrobat); Registration system applications are an asset.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

• Variety of work environments i.e. indoors (with or without air conditioning) and outdoors.
• Work in close proximity to campers and other staff especially in a crisis situations where they may be required to hold and protect children from danger.

CORE BEHAVIOURS:

• Service Excellence: Leads and supports staff in meeting or exceeding service standards when interacting with customers.
• Change & Innovation: Effectively implements change and supports and involves staff through change transitions.
• Teamwork & Relationship Building: Leads and supports staff in working together collaboratively, fosters teamwork and inclusion, and cultivates relationships.
• Communication: Models active listening and clear communication and supports staff members in communicating effectively.
• Accountable Results Oriented: Role models ethical behaviour and accountability; clarifies expectations, policies and legislation and supports staff in meeting them.
• Management & Leadership: Supports a positive work environment, develops and enables staff, sets clear expectations, provides regular feedback, and addresses performance.

The City of Markham is committed to inclusive, accessible and barrier free employment practices and to creating a workplace that reflects and supports the diversity of the community we serve. Please let us know if you require an accommodation and we will work with you to ensure a barrier free hiring process.

Please respect our scent free area by not wearing scented products when visiting the office.

AI Disclosure At the City of Markham, we value transparency and fairness in recruitment. While our system (ADP Workforce Now) includes AI-powered features, we do not use AI to screen, assess, or select applicants. All evaluations are conducted by people.

Vacancy: Temporary Seasonal Vacancy