Employment & Career Opportunities

Salary: $49,214 – $54,682 per year (commensurate with experience)

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph.

We change lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, and the Crown, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

Camp Acorn is Niagara’s first and only trauma-informed day camp, designed specifically for children and youth who have experienced trauma. The program integrates therapeutic principles, emotional regulation strategies, and resilience-building activities into a traditional camp experience, creating a safe and empowering environment where children can heal, grow, and build confidence.

Currently operating at 7 sites across Niagara, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Camp Director to lead the program’s growth, operational excellence, and therapeutic integrity.

About the Role

The Camp Director is responsible for the strategic leadership, program development, operational management, and overall success of Camp Acorn. Reporting to the Director of Programs & Services, the Camp Director will oversee all aspects of camp operations including staffing, program design, risk management, community partnerships, budgeting, and expansion planning.

This role requires a strong understanding of trauma-informed care, child development, program management, and team leadership. The successful candidate will ensure Camp Acorn remains a safe, inclusive, high-quality therapeutic camp experience while supporting planned regional expansion.

---

Some of the responsibilities of this position include:

Program Leadership & Development

• Lead the planning, implementation, and evaluation of Camp Acorn programming.
• Ensure all activities align with trauma-informed, child-centered best practices.
• Develop age-appropriate program streams that promote emotional regulation, resilience, and social connection.
• Maintain program quality standards and continuous improvement processes.
• Collaborate with therapy staff to integrate therapeutic principles into camp programming.

Staff Recruitment, Training & Supervision

• Recruit, hire, train, and supervise seasonal and full-time camp staff.
• Develop comprehensive staff training with emphasis on trauma-informed practice, safety, behaviour management, and inclusion.
• Foster a positive, supportive team culture rooted in psychological safety and professionalism.
• Conduct performance evaluations and provide coaching and mentorship.

Operations & Risk Management

• Oversee daily camp operations including scheduling, logistics, supplies, transportation (if applicable), and site coordination.
• Ensure compliance with all health, safety, licensing, and regulatory requirements.
• Develop and maintain risk management protocols and incident reporting systems.
• Lead emergency preparedness and crisis response planning.
• Ensure strong safeguarding practices and child protection policies are upheld at all times.

Financial Oversight & Resource Management

• Develop and manage the Camp Acorn annual budget in collaboration with the Director of Programs & Services.
• Monitor expenses and ensure responsible stewardship of grant and donor funds.
• Support grant reporting requirements related to camp programming.
• Assist with equipment procurement and inventory management across multiple locations.

Community & Partnership Development

• Build and maintain relationships with community partners, referral agencies, schools, and funders.
• Represent Camp Acorn at community events and stakeholder meetings.
• Support fundraising initiatives and donor engagement related to camp expansion.
• Contribute to marketing and communications efforts in collaboration with the Centre’s team.

Strategic Growth & Expansion

• Support phased regional expansion of Camp Acorn across Niagara.
• Assist with site assessments, community needs analysis, and implementation planning.
• Develop scalable systems to support multi-site operations.
• Provide regular program metrics and outcome data for leadership and Board reporting.

This is not an exhaustive list of job duties, as other related duties may be assigned.

---

Core Competencies:

Strategic Thinking & Planning: Translates vision into actionable, scalable plans that align camp programming with organizational priorities and future growth.

Operational Excellence: Ensures camp operations run safely, efficiently, and to consistently high standards through strong systems and oversight.

Risk Management & Safeguarding: Proactively protects the physical and emotional safety of children and staff through rigorous child protection and risk management practices.

Team Development & Coaching: Builds and leads high-performing teams through clear direction, mentorship, accountability, and a culture of psychological safety.

Strong Communication & Relationship Building: Fosters trust and collaboration through clear, professional communication with families, staff, partners, and stakeholders.

Financial Stewardship: Manages budgets and resources responsibly to ensure accountability, sustainability, and maximum program impact.

---

Qualifications:

Required:

• Post-secondary education in Recreation, Child & Youth Care, Social Work, Education, Psychology, or a related field.
• Minimum 3–5 years of progressive leadership experience in camp management, youth programming, or child-focused environments.
• Demonstrated experience supervising and developing teams.
• Strong understanding of trauma-informed care and child development principles.
• Experience managing budgets and program operations.

Preferred:

• Experience working with children who have experienced trauma, abuse, or complex needs.
• Training in behaviour management, emotional regulation strategies, or therapeutic recreation.
• Experience with grant-funded programs.
• Multi-site or expansion experience.

Other Requirements:

• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Current Standard First Aid & CPR-C certification.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• This is an in-office position based in St. Catharines. Reliable transportation is required.

---

Application Process:

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to ghayes@kristenfrenchcacn.org.

Short-listed candidates will be required to complete reference checks as part of the pre-employment process and a criminal reference check for the vulnerable sector. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre Niagara is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing accommodations throughout the recruitment process in accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) and the Ontario Human Rights Code.   Applicants who require accommodation are encouraged to let us know, and will be considered in a respectful, non-discriminatory manner.

This posting is for a current vacancy.

Only qualified applicants will be contacted for an interview.

 

 

Wage: $26 – $36 / Hr.

At the Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre, we transform trauma into triumph.

We transform lives by providing a safe and supportive environment where children and youth can speak about their experiences to professionals, heal from adverse childhood experiences and build resilience so they can overcome the debilitating effects of childhood trauma and realize their potential.

Working collaboratively with the Niagara Regional Police Service, and Family and Children’s Services Niagara, the Centre is a charitable, community supported organization that serves Niagara’s 12 municipalities helping children, youth and families cope with the life altering impact of physical or sexual abuse, neglect, or of being an unwilling witness to violence.

About the Role

This client-centered, part-time position plays a vital role in delivering trauma-informed therapy and counselling to children and youth who have experienced abuse, neglect, or violence. Working within a collaborative team and supported environment, the Child Therapist / Registered Counsellor will provide direct therapeutic services, helping clients heal and build resilience through individualized support.

This position is ideal for a compassionate, experienced clinician looking to contribute meaningfully to the well-being of children and youth in Niagara in a flexible part-time capacity. The expected hours are approximately 15–20 hours per week, with potential to increase based on client needs and funding.

---

Key Responsibilities

Direct Client Service (Majority of Time)

• Provide therapy to children and youth using trauma-informed, evidence-based approaches.
• Support caregivers with education and strategies to promote healing and stability at home.
• Conduct clinical assessments and develop individualized treatment plans.
• Maintain timely, accurate, and confidential case documentation.

Collaboration and Coordination

• Participate in intake and case review processes.
• Work closely with other therapists and Centre staff to ensure seamless client service.
• Make referrals and liaise with partner agencies as needed.

Program and Centre Support

• Contribute to quality improvement and client outcome tracking.
• Attend team meetings and share insights that contribute to service excellence.
• Assist with public education or outreach events as appropriate to your role.

Health and Safety

• Work in accordance with the Occupational Health and Safety Act and all Centre safety procedures.
• Identify and respond to any safety or wellness concerns for clients or self.

---

Qualifications

• Education:
  • A Master’s Degree in Social Work, Psychology, Counselling, or a related discipline (preferred).
  • Current registration and good standing with OCSWSSW or another applicable regulatory body.

• Experience:
  • Minimum 2 years of clinical experience providing trauma-informed therapy to children and youth.
  • Experience working with families affected by violence, abuse, or neglect.

• Skills:
  • Specialized knowledge in child development, play therapy, CBT, and trauma-focused therapeutic models.
  • Demonstrated ability to maintain confidential records and utilize electronic case management systems.

---

Core Competencies

• Trauma-Informed Practice – Applies trauma knowledge to foster safety, trust, and empowerment.

• Empathy and Compassion – Creates a safe therapeutic space through attunement and non-judgment.

• Child and Family-Centered Care – Tailors therapeutic approaches to developmental and family needs.

• Collaboration – Works respectfully with Centre staff and external partners to support holistic care.

• Adaptability – Responds effectively to the diverse and evolving needs of clients.

• Ethical Practice – Upholds the highest standards of confidentiality and professional conduct.

---

Other Requirements

• Criminal Reference Check for the vulnerable sector.
• Valid Driver’s License and access to reliable transportation.
• Flexibility to work afternoon, evening, or weekend hours as required to meet client needs.
• Must reside in Niagara

What We Offer

• Competitive salary.
• Flexible work environment with opportunities for professional development.
• The chance to make a tangible difference in the lives of children and families in Niagara.

Application Process

Interested and qualified applicants are invited to submit a resume and cover letter to Brian Bratt, Executive Director at bbratt@kristenfrenchcacn.org.

Potential employees will be required to provide references as part of the pre-employment process. No telephone or agency enquiries.

The Kristen French Child Advocacy Centre is an equal-opportunity employer and is committed to fostering an inclusive, barrier-free workplace. If you require accommodations during the application or interview process, please let us know.

---

We thank all candidates for their interest, however only those candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.