Reports to: Wilderness Program Manager/ Wilderness Therapist
Location: Sundridge, ON
Pine River Institute is a live-in treatment center for youth 13 to 19 years of age struggling with substance abuse and addictive behaviours. Our program includes; a therapeutic wilderness program phase near Algonquin Park, followed by a live-in phase at our campus located on a 200-acre site 100 kms northwest of Toronto. Our program uses a progressive discharge approach that is complemented by an aftercare program. Our family-centered program is innovative and highly structured, and creates opportunities for adolescents to engage in a focused transformation process through a fusion of education, therapy, recreation, and life skills. The majority of our students are from Ontario.
We are looking for individuals with the qualifications and related experience in Wilderness field-work. This individual will demonstrate patience, integrity, commitment, an ability to maintain clear boundaries, and a sense of humour.
This role is all about flexibility as it supports our teams at base camp and in the field.
Required Qualifications:
- Wilderness First Responder (WFR) with experience managing backcountry medical issues
- Minimum Bronze Cross Certification with NLS preferred
- B.A., B.Sc., or college diploma in related field
- Experience working with at-risk youth and young adults in a wilderness setting
- Clear certification of Vulnerable Sector Criminal Check
- Willingness to secure Canadian work permit, if required
- Ability to drive snowmobile, argo
Primary Responsibilities at Base Camp (5 days/week):
- Food, equipment, and vehicle preparation for trips
- Supporting Wilderness Management Team with integrating into new base camp location and winter programming location
- Ongoing maintenance around base camp including, laundry, cleaning, light repairs
- Ongoing support to the woods team
- On-call duties as assigned
Primary Responsibilities in the Field (as needed):
- Monitoring general safety of entire group and specific well-being of up to 8 students (ie: awareness of physical safety of the group, daily checks of extremities in extreme weather, demonstrated understanding of perceived vs. real risk)
- Ensuring therapeutic goals of the program in general and the individual therapeutic plan for the students are realized
- Planning, preparing and understanding logistics and equipment needs while in the woods
- Teaching basic wilderness/survival skills
- Leading and coordinating daily travel and outdoor activities/initiatives, canoeing, hiking etc.
- Ensuring student safety and well-being, management and de-escalation of crisis situations, as necessary
- Organizing, leading and participating in student’s daily activities
- Participation in and facilitation of group meetings and discussions
The role is challenging and rewarding for the right candidate. If you are passionate about the outdoors, and want to make a difference, we want to hear from you!
We offer a competitive compensation and benefits package and the opportunity to be part of an exciting and innovative program.
Interested candidates should send resume and cover letter to Jess Bondy, Human Resources Manager or fax to 519-925-9220, mail to 606060 River Road, Mulmur ON L9V 0S9.
We thank all candidates who apply. Please note that only those selected for an interview will be contacted.
In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Pine River Institute strives to ensure that all In accordance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA), Pine River Institute strives to ensure that all recruiting processes are non-discriminatory and barrier-free. If you require an accommodation, please advise in advance of attending an interview.