Recreation & Programming Specialist

Sensity is a not‑for‑profit organization providing services and programs to members of the deafblind community. We are recognized in Canada and around the world as a leader in the provision of Intervenor Services.

Recreation & Programming Specialist provides specialized support through the design, adaptation, and evaluation of inclusive recreation and sensory programming, ensuring accessible, person‑directed engagement through the intentional use of sensory channels and specialized environments.

Sensity Offers:

• Benefit plan including a health spending account.
• Paid Wellness days.
• An RRSP program where we match your contributions up to 3% of your earnings.
• Up to 50% reimbursement for the successful completion of relevant classes at other learning institutions after one year of service.
• Opportunities to participate in conferences and workshops in the community and abroad.

Key Activities:

This position is responsible for the research, development and implementation of recreation, sensory and community‑based programming for individuals who are deafblind. The role provides stewardship of Sensity’s Snoezelen and music rooms as specialized program assets. Through regional leadership, consultation, training, and community partnership development, the Specialist expands inclusive opportunities and reduces barriers to participation.

• Develop, adapt, and modify programming to support individuals with diverse deafblind profiles, ensuring meaningful, person‑directed engagement.
• Integrate preferred sensory channels (tactile, auditory, visual, vestibular, proprioceptive) into program planning and facilitation to promote regulation, choice, participation, and well‑being.
• Apply person‑directed planning and universal design principles to ensure equitable access across individual and group programming.
• Schedule, coordinate, and provide day‑to‑day oversight of the Snoezelen and music rooms, supporting internal use and approved external partnerships: ensure sensory and music room environments are intentionally adapted to individual sensory profiles through appropriate adjustments to lighting, sound, vibration, tactile materials, pacing, and environmental structure.
• Oversee booking and use of sensory and music rooms, including set‑up, tear‑down, monitoring room condition, and ensuring spaces remain safe, accessible, and fully operational.
• Coordinate maintenance, servicing, repair, replacement, and enhancement of specialized sensory and music equipment, including completion of purchase requisitions and liaison with internal departments and external vendors.
• Maintain awareness of emerging sensory technologies and evidence‑informed practices, recommending innovations that enhance accessibility and program quality.
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver training on the safe, ethical, and effective use of sensory and music rooms for staff and approved community partners.
• Co‑ordinate and maintain a train‑the‑trainer model in collaboration with Service Support Specialists to support sustainable, region‑wide training delivery.
• Provide coaching to intervenors to strengthen programming capacity and quality of practice in the use of specialized equipment.
• Administer specialized travel funding and related financial supports to reduce transportation barriers and increase participation in programming and community‑based activities.
• Review, assess, approve, and track travel funding requests ensuring allocations are equitable, person‑directed, and aligned with program goals and budgets.
• Monitor utilization and evaluate the impact of travel supports to inform planning and continuous improvement.
• Develop and maintain community partnerships to expand inclusive opportunities and access to specialized rooms.
• Monitor and evaluate program quality, participation, and outcomes, incorporating feedback from individuals who are deafblind, families, and Service teams.
• Document best practices and contribute to organizational resources, tools, and standards related to inclusive recreation and sensory‑focused programming.
• Collaborate with regional Service teams to build local programming capacity and support consistency across regions.
• Manage purchasing, expenditures, and budgets related to programming, specialized equipment, travel supports, registration fees, and activity‑related costs.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation, records, and reports in accordance with organizational policies, procedures, and compliance standards.
• Perform additional program coordination and organizational support duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Completion of a college diploma in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, or a related field. A diploma or certificate in Intervenor Services is considered a strong asset.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible experience in recreation, sensory‑informed, or inclusive programming, including program development, adaptation, and facilitation for individuals with diverse access and communication needs.
• Demonstrated knowledge of deafblindness, intervenor services, and sensory‑informed practice.
• Proven experience in training delivery or capacity‑building through coaching, consultation, or train‑the‑trainer approaches.
• Experience with purchasing and administration of program‑related funds, including the coordination of specialized equipment and access supports; experience managing high‑value or specialized program assets is an asset.
• Strong oral and written communication skills, with the ability to clearly convey information, collaborate effectively with interdisciplinary teams, and build positive relationships with individuals who are deafblind, families, staff, and community partners.
• Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively within a team environment, while also exercising sound independent judgment and initiative.
• Excellent organizational, planning, and time‑management skills, with strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple priorities.
• High degree of flexibility and adaptability, with the ability to respond effectively to changing needs and service demands.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office applications (Word, Excel, Outlook); knowledge of ShareVision and Canva is considered an asset.
• Ability and willingness to work outside regular business hours, including evenings and weekends, as a regular and necessary part of the role.
• This position requires occasional travel. A valid driver's license Class G, access to a reliable vehicle, a clean current driver's abstract is required.

Other:

• Employment is conditional upon receipt of a successful Vulnerable Sector Police Check.
• This position requires repetitive hand motion and good manual dexterity and moderate stooping, bending and lifting. The incumbent must be able to lift 35 lbs to 50 lbs on an occasional basis. The position will be required to work indoors and outdoors.
• French may be considered an asset.
• Excellent communication skills for both verbally and written of the English language.

This position reflects an existing vacancy within our organization.

We thank all applicants, however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted. Sensity is an equal opportunity employer and we value the importance of diversity and dignity in the workplace. We are committed to developing inclusive, barrier‑free recruitment and selection processes and work environments. If you are contacted by Sensity regarding a job opportunity, please advise prior to the interview if you require accommodation and we will work with you to make appropriate arrangements.

The pay range for this role is: 47,000 - 53,000 CAD per year (Ontario)

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