Program Leader Calgary

Join Our Team as a Program Leader – W.E.S.O.A.R! & Adventurers at Between Friends!

Do you love creating memorable experiences, building meaningful connections, and helping people discover new adventures? Are you someone who enjoys being active in the community, leading exciting activities, and making a difference in people's lives?

If so, we have the perfect opportunity for you.

Between Friends is looking for enthusiastic, compassionate, and energetic Program Leaders to support our W.E.S.O.A.R! and Adventurers programs. Whether you're facilitating a community outing, cheering someone on at a bowling lane, exploring Banff for the weekend, or helping participants build confidence and independence, you'll play an important role in creating experiences that foster connection, belonging, and fun.

Who We Are

At Between Friends, we're all about creating connections, embracing diversity, and celebrating every individual. We create opportunities for our members to connect, grow, and belong through inclusive social, recreational, and developmental experiences.

From community outings and overnight adventures to karaoke nights and weekend getaways, our programs help people build friendships, gain confidence, and experience the joy of belonging. We believe everyone deserves opportunities to participate, explore, and thrive, and we're passionate about breaking down barriers so that everyone feels welcomed, valued, and included.

If you're looking for meaningful work where every day brings new experiences and opportunities to make an impact, you'll fit right in with us.

The Role

As a Program Leader, you'll help bring our programs to life by creating safe, engaging, and inclusive experiences for participants. You'll work directly with our members, supporting them as they participate in community activities, social events, recreational programs, and travel experiences throughout Alberta.

This role combines recreation, community engagement, mentorship, and support. One day you may be leading a group at a festival, and the next you could be helping participants navigate a weekend trip to Edmonton or exploring the mountains in Kananaskis.

Working alongside fellow Program Leaders and volunteers, you'll help create meaningful experiences that promote independence, build confidence, and strengthen friendships.

Training is provided for all aspects of the role, including personal care, mobility assistance, and medication administration.

Our Programs

W.E.S.O.A.R! (Weekend, Evening, Social Opportunities, Activities & Recreation)

W.E.S.O.A.R! programs take place throughout Calgary and offer participants opportunities to connect, socialize, and enjoy a variety of community-based activities. Programs may include:

• Movies and entertainment
• Swimming and recreation
• Bowling and games
• Music and arts
• Community events and attractions
• Seasonal activities and special events

As a Program Leader, you'll help facilitate inclusive and engaging experiences while ensuring participants feel safe, supported, and empowered.

Adventurers

Adventurers provides exciting day trips and overnight travel experiences across Alberta. Destinations may include:

• Banff and Kananaskis
• Drumheller
• Edmonton
• Red Deer
• Sylvan Lake
• Festivals, sporting events, concerts, and attractions

These trips provide participants with opportunities to explore new places, build independence, and create lasting memories.

As a Program Leader, you'll support all aspects of the travel experience, including transportation, accommodations, meals, activities, participant support, and trip coordination.

What You'll Do

• Create Meaningful Experiences: Facilitate engaging programs that encourage friendship, participation, personal growth, and fun. You'll help participants build confidence while creating memories they'll talk about for years.
• Support Participant Success: Provide individualized support based on participant needs, including communication support, personal care, medication administration, mobility assistance, and encouragement throughout activities.
• Promote Inclusion and Belonging: Help create welcoming environments where everyone feels valued, respected, and included regardless of ability.
• Lead with Confidence : Work collaboratively with Program Leaders and volunteers to ensure programs run smoothly while maintaining participant safety and well-being.
• Be Part of the Adventure : Support local outings, day trips, and overnight travel experiences by coordinating activities, managing schedules, and helping participants fully enjoy every opportunity.
• Keep Safety: First Monitor participant well-being, respond appropriately to challenges, and follow all organizational policies, procedures, and safety practices.

You're Our Ideal Candidate If You.. .

• Love Working with People 
• Bring Energy and Enthusiasm 
• Stay Calm and Adaptable
• Believe Everyone Belong
• Enjoy Working as Part of a Team 
• Take Initiative and Lead by Example

Schedule & Commitment

Program Commitment

• Commitment to at least one program session (Winter, Spring, Summer, or Fall)
• Opportunities to work multiple sessions and programs for additional hours
• Mandatory training before each session
• Program Leader meetings once per session
• Additional paid administrative or planning hours may be required

W.E.S.O.A.R! Programs

• Approximately 3–5 hours per week
• Scheduled Tuesday through Sunday
• Evening and afternoon programming

Adventurers Trips

• Day trips: 4–8 hours
• Two-day overnight trips: 25–35 hours
• Three-day overnight trips: 35–45 hours
• Scheduled weekdays and weekends depending on the season and trip schedule

What You'll Need

Required Qualifications

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Current Standard First Aid and CPR Level C certification
• Personal cell phone available during program hours
• Ability to support participants with: Personal care, Medication administration, Lifts and transfers ,Mobility support
• Successful candidates must provide two professional references and successfully complete an Enhanced Canadian Criminal Record Check.

Assets

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities
• Experience leading recreational, community, or youth programs
• Experience supporting individuals in community settings
• Experience managing challenging situations within a team environment
• One year of disability support experience is considered an asset

Why You'll Love Working with Us

• Meaningful Work : Every shift provides an opportunity to make a genuine difference in someone's life.
• Fun and Adventure : From local community outings to overnight travel experiences, no two days are the same.
• Incredible Team: Work alongside passionate, supportive colleagues who care deeply about inclusion and community.
• Training and Growth: Develop valuable leadership, recreation, support, communication, and community engagement skills while receiving ongoing training and support.

 If you're ready to create unforgettable experiences, build meaningful relationships, and help make inclusion a reality every day, we'd love to hear from you.

Apply today and start your next adventure with Between Friends

Posting Close Date

This position will remain open until a suitable candidate is selected. We thank all applicants for their interest in Between Friends; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted

Privacy and Hiring Process:

We may use artificial intelligence (AI)–based tools to assist with parts of the hiring process, such as reviewing applications or resumes. These tools support, but do not replace human judgment, and all final hiring decisions are made by people. Personal information is collected, used, and disclosed in accordance with Alberta’s Personal Information Protection Act (PIPA). For more information, please contact us.