Mental Health Specialist

Be the Spark! Join our dynamic team at YMCA Camp Pine Crest, where every day is different, and you will always be engaged with meaningful work!

YMCA Camping and Outdoor Education offers outdoor experiences that foster personal growth and build community. After taking part in our programs, children and youth return home more confident, independent, and with new friendships. YMCA Camp Pine Crest is an overnight camp serving children, families, and organizations through naturally focused programs that embody the mission, vision, and outcomes of the YMCA. Camp Pine Crest is made up of 650 acres of Muskoka wilderness surrounded by 3 interconnected lakes with 8km of shoreline; has over 26km of hiking trails and 7,500 sq. ft. of dock and has 60 buildings.

The Mental Health Specialist supports the overall health and well-being of the camp community, with particular attention to the mental health of staff, participants, and volunteers. The position provides guidance and wellness resources, responds to health concerns, and works with camp leadership and Out-Tripping Directors to support appropriate care and medical preparedness. The role contributes to a safe and positive camp experience through health monitoring, first aid support, medication administration, documentation, and compliance with health and safety requirements.

In this role, you will:

• Provide guidance to the camp team and support the Camp Director and Coordinator in delivering training on physical and mental health, wellness, and safety.
• Support the health and wellness of the camp community by providing resources, reviewing camper and staff health forms, monitoring health information requiring special attention, and conducting regular check-ins with campers and staff.
• Conduct regular check-ins with campers, camper groups, and counsellors to support a positive camp experience.
• Respond promptly to first aid situations and communicate with the Camp Director, external healthcare professionals, and parents as necessary.
• Dispense camper medication according to the instructions provided on camper health forms.
• Support the out-tripping program by conducting pre- and post-trip health checks, assisting counsellors with packing and inventorying first aid kits, and supporting medical preparedness for trips.
• Ensure compliance with health and safety procedures and maintain a clean, organized, and safe environment for campers, staff, and volunteers.
• Maintain complete, accurate, and timely accident, incident, and camp wellness program records and documentation.
• Attend staff training and meetings, participate actively, and contribute to staff development and learning.
• Build and maintain positive relationships with members, staff, volunteers, and community partners.
• Act as a positive role model for participants and staff by following Pine Crest guiding principles, YMCA policies and procedures, and Ontario Camps Association guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

You bring:

• First Aid and CPR certification that meets the requirements of the Child Care and Early Years Act and YMCA policies.
• Mental Health First Aid certification.
• Valid driver’s licence.
• Current enrolment in post-secondary education, such as Nursing, Child and Youth Studies, or Social Work, is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working with children, preferably in a health and wellness setting.
• Ability to work effectively both independently and with others to achieve collective results.
• Well-developed interpersonal, communication, and relationship-building skills, with the ability to establish rapport with members, staff, and volunteers.
• Ability to provide mentorship and guidance to both inexperienced and seasoned staff.
• Ability to provide timely, professional, and constructive feedback.
• Flexibility to work assigned hours, including days, evenings, overnights, weekends, and holidays, is required.
• Commitment to diversity, equity, inclusion and building a sense of belonging.

If you are interested in this position and do not possess the necessary certifications and require assistance in attaining them, please indicate in your cover letter. Certain certifications may be eligible for Financial Assistance through the YMCA of Greater Toronto, or through referral to additional programs outside the YMCA that offer similar support. Eligibility is to be determined on an individual basis.

What you need to succeed:

• Commitment to the YMCA's Mission, Vision and Values.
• A commitment to uphold strong, safeguarding practices that protect the safety, well-being, inclusion of children, and youth.
• YMCA Competencies: Accountable, Relationship-Builder, Improvement-Oriented, Team Player & Leader, Equity and Wellbeing Promoter.

Why work for the YMCA?

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is a charity that ignites the potential in people, helping them grow, lead, and give back to their communities. We are committed to helping our employees reach their full potential and are recognized as a great place to work. We offer meaningful jobs and the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of individuals and the health of our communities. See what you can expect from the YMCA here.

Joining the Y means contributing to over 170 years of providing opportunities for people to shine through programs and services, such as health and fitness, licensed child care, camps, employment and immigrant services, education and training, and services for youth, families, and seniors. Learn more in our 2025–2030 strategic plan, Greater Together, which outlines how we are focused on building communities where people feel healthier and more connected to their neighbours.

The YMCA of Greater Toronto is committed to Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging. We strive to remove barriers to employment and recognize that diverse staff who reflect the communities we work in enrich the experiences of our participants and our team. As an equal opportunity employer, we invite applications from all qualified candidates including racialized people/people of colour, Indigenous Peoples, disabled people/people with disabilities and members of 2SLGBTQIA+ communities.

If we can make the recruitment process more accessible for you, please let us know when we reach out about a job opportunity so we can work with you to accommodate your needs.

In keeping with our commitment to safety and child protection, job offers are contingent on the successful completion of a Police Records Check. Within the first four months and every three years thereafter, a Vulnerable Police Records Check is required. Learn more about these checks here.

The YMCA only considers applicants who are legally entitled to work in Canada. We thank all applicants for their interest, however, due to the volume of applications we receive, we can only contact candidates who are selected for an interview.

Check out the next steps in our recruitment process and see what others are saying about working at the YMCA.