EmploymentOpportunities

We are looking for responsible, fun-loving and passionate staff for a variety of positions. Towhee is not just a beautiful place to spend your summer, but a truly incredible opportunity to help create amazing experiences for children and youth with learning disabilities.

Some reasons to work with us:

  • Staff get the opportunity to make a difference in the lives of Towhee participants and have lots of fun doing it.
  • Although our focus is always on the participants, working with a great team of committed, mature individuals really makes for a wonderful experience. Towhee staff are often in their early twenties and beyond and know how to have a great time, while still taking the responsibility seriously.
  • Child Development Institute (CDI) is a well-respected children’s mental health agency, and a reference from Towhee/CDI is looked upon highly for many jobs and post-graduate programs.
  • We offer training in a variety of areas such as non-violent crisis intervention, learning disabilities, child and adolescent mental health issues, counselling and behaviour management.

Positions Available

  • Counsellors
  • Waterfront & Tripping Program Leaders
  • Challenge Course (EXCEL) Program Leader  (Includes low and high ropes)
  • Healthcare Assistant
  • Maintenance Assistant
  • Office Administrator
  • Experiential Art Programmer
  • Support Counsellors
  • Music Programmer
Apply Now

Dates for 2024

Supervisor Training Week: June 10th – 14th

Challenge Course Staff Training: June 15th & 16th

All-Staff Training: June 17th – 28th 

Session One (10 to 14 year olds): June 30th – July 13th
Session Two (12 to 16 year olds): July 18th – July 31st
Session Three (14 to 18 year olds + LIT): August 5th – 18th

Contract ends: August 20th

Applying for a Staff Position at Towhee

If you are interested in one of our available positions, please complete and submit our Staff Application. Once the application is submitted, please send your resume, with indication of your submitted application, by mail, fax or email to:

Attention: Harry Wenban, Camp Director and Manager of Therapeutic Recreation Programs

46 St Clair Gardens

Toronto, ON M6E 3V4

Fax: (416) 486-1282

email: HWenban@childdevelop.ca

(416) 603-1827, ext 52301-800-839-3950 (toll free)

All applications received will be considered, based on staffing needs, and we will continue to receive and review applications until all positions have been filled. It is preferred that all candidates contacted for an interview meet with the interview panel in-person in Toronto.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What experience is required to work at Towhee?

The minimum requirement for consideration for any position is completion of two years of university or college in a related field of study, or equivalent work experience. All applicants must have experience working with children and a desire to learn how to support children/youth with special needs.

Q2. What certifications do I need?

All staff must have current First Aid certification; outtrippers must have a minimum of Bronze Cross (NLS is strongly preferable), dedicated waterfront staff must have current NLS certification.

Q3. What is the compensation?

Starting staff salaries for 2023 are $4550 (base salary of $2800 + a contract completion bonus of $1750).

Starting supervisor salaries for 2023 are $5650 (base salary of $3600 + a contract completion bonus of $2050).

Healthcare staff earn additional premiums, based on skills & qualifications.

Position descriptions can be found here: https://childdevelop.ca/about-us/employment-opportunities

Q4. What are the employment conditions at Towhee?

All staff receive training and room and board free of charge. Staff are entitled to one day off per week (from 6 p.m. to 6 p.m.), and several days off between each session.