Job Description
Are you a high school student who enjoys working with children? Empowering Special Minds Foundation is seeking responsible, enthusiastic Junior Respite Support Workers, ages 15 and older, for our Saturday Clubhouse and Fall Break Respite Programs. This supervised role is an prospect to gain experience in inclusive recreation and child support. You’ll work alongside experienced staff to help children and youth with diverse support needs enjoy a welcoming, engaging program. You should have experience working with children and some exposure to children with diverse needs. This could come from babysitting, volunteering, camps, school programs, community activities, or helping in an inclusive setting. What you’ll do
- Help staff prepare and lead games, crafts, recreation, and other program activities.
- Encourage children to participate, make connections, and enjoy activities at their own pace.
- Support everyday program routines under the direction of experienced staff.
- Help set up, organize, and clean up activity spaces and supplies.
- Learn and follow participants’ support strategies as directed by the program lead.
- Notice when a child needs help and promptly involve the supervising staff member.
- Follow safety procedures and maintain respectful boundaries and confidentiality. Junior staff work under supervision. Responsibilities are assigned according to age, training, experience, and program requirements. Complex support, personal care, and emergency responses remain the responsibility of designated trained staff. What you bring




- You are 15 years of age or older; high school students are encouraged to apply.
- Experience caring for or working with children.
- Some exposure to children with disabilities, neurodivergence, or other diverse support needs.
- Patience, kindness, reliability, and a willingness to learn.
- Comfort joining in activities and helping children feel welcome.
- Ability to follow instructions, accept feedback, and ask for help.
- Availability for [Saturday hours] and [fall break dates and hours]. An asset, but not required: Babysitting training, First Aid/CPR certification, or experience volunteering in an inclusive program. What you’ll gain
- Paid experience working with children in an inclusive setting.
- Guidance and mentorship from experienced program staff.
- Opportunities to develop teamwork, communication, and leadership skills.
- Experience relevant to future studies or careers in education, recreation, health, and community services.

How to apply
Apply through Indeed with a résumé or a short summary of your experience. Tell us:
- Why you would like to join the program.
- Your experience working with children and any exposure to children with diverse needs.
- Your availability for Saturdays and fall break. Experience gained through school, volunteering, babysitting, and family responsibilities is welcome. Empowering Special Minds Foundation welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds. If you need an accommodation during the hiring process, please contact [email protected]. Pay: $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 5.0 – 7.0 per week

Benefits:
- Flexible schedule Work

Location:
In person

📌 Jr. Respite Support Worker (Calgary)
🏢 Empowering Special Minds
📍 Calgary