Recreation Programmer Inclusion

Recreation Programmer, Inclusion (Excel) Programs and System Services

Overall Purpose

The Recreation Programmer – Inclusion is responsible to oversee the development and delivery of inclusive programming in the Before and After School EXCEL Programs which provide services across multiple sites. The Recreation Programmer – Inclusion will guide the development of engaging programming to meet the needs and interests of participants requiring supports ensuring recreation programs are inclusive and accessible for all participants. The Recreation Programmer will monitor staff performance; assist on-site staff with programming, information and resources; develop and implement staff orientation, training and policy; address parent inquiries and concerns; and oversee the supply and equipment budget. Working collaboratively within a team environment, the Recreation Programmer - Inclusion reports directly to Coordinator, EXCEL Program.

Key Responsibilities

The Recreation Programmer – Inclusion shall perform tasks as assigned by the EXCEL Coordinator. These tasks may vary, from time to time, with the evolution of the organization and may include but not be limited by the following:

• Manage all inclusion referrals, including evaluating requests for inclusion support and conducting assessments and intake meetings with parents and participants with special needs;
• Create appropriate programming which is inclusive and accessible and provide necessary resources for before and after school programs;
• Design, implement and evaluate programming and behavioural programs that enhance the participants experience in the program;
• Determine and ensure appropriate support ratios are in place;
• Liaise with Transition Teams, School Teams, Early Intensive Behavioural Intervention Programs and other child care providers to ensure consistency in supports being provided to the participant;
• Conduct routine visits to all programs to observe and evaluate program delivery and structure including the completion of site/QUEST evaluations;
• Develop behaviour support programs for identified participants, monitoring effectiveness and modifying as required;
• Assist in the recruitment of staff including shortlisting, participating in interviews and coordinating and delivering training/orientation programs;
• Observe and assess staff performance and ensure procedures and standards are adhered to in all programs;
• Provide site direction for staff development and input for evaluation of staff performance;
• Work collaboratively with Administrators and Recreation Programmers regarding parent concerns/complaints;
• Discuss and/or meet with parents regarding child behavior issues, progressive discipline, progress reviews, etc. as reported from on-site staff;
• Review incident reports of participants requiring support;
• Assist and coach staff with development of individual programming for participants requiring support;
• Collaborate and build positive relationships with School and Learning Centre staff and community organizations with similar mandates;
• Coordinate, develop and deliver necessary training to all EXCEL staff in areas such as classroom management, Non Violent Crisis Intervention, inclusion and accessibility, behaviour supports, managing conflict (staff/parents), Fundamental Movement Skills, High Five;
• Provide documentation and reporting based on regular site visits, performance monitoring and incident/accident reports;
• Contribute as a member of the team with all EXCEL Administrative Staff;
• Review and provide feedback on weekly program plans and monthly planners;
• Manage materials and equipment budgets as well the provision of specialized equipment and ensure appropriate inventory is maintained;
• Work collaboratively with Recreation Programmers to support the delivery of programming to all EXCEL sites and students;
• Other duties as required.

Qualifications

Education: Undergraduate Degree

Education Program Area(s)

Relevant Degree in Recreation Therapy, Child & Youth Studies, Early Childhood Educator (ECE) Level 3 Classification or equivalent degree

Experience Area(s)

• Minimum five (5) years experience in recreational programming including developing specialized programming initiatives;
• Minimum three (3) years experience working with individuals with special needs;
• Experience in supervision of staff and/or volunteer management;

Required Certifications, Licenses, and/or Memberships:

• Valid First Aid / CPR certification;
• Experience delivering training programs such as Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, High Five, etc.

This Job Reports to

The Recreation Programmer - Inclusion reports directly to Coordinator, EXCEL Program.

Decision Making

• The authority/freedom to act for this position is: Moderate
• The amount of direction/guidance received from the manager/supervisor is: Moderate
• The position provides advice and support on important matters impacting the organization and exercises a Moderate degree of judgment.
• The position works collaboratively with their supervisor and escalates a moderate degree of matters to their supervisor.

Additional Information

The Recreation Programmer - Inclusion in the EXCEL Program shall have the following competencies:

• Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to provide direction, support, coaching and training to staff;
• Strong prioritization skills and the ability to effectively manage and organize daily, weekly and monthly tasks;
• The ability to assess students with special needs and develop and implement supports;
• Strong knowledge of recreational programming and best practices and the ability to develop and implement programs at multiple sites;
• The ability to evaluate staff and programs to provide suggestions for improvement;
• The ability to effectively manage an assigned budget;
• A demonstrated commitment to client service and the ability to promote and foster quality front-line customer service;
• A demonstrated understanding and commitment to inclusion;
• The ability to analyze procedural and/or system problems, develop, recommend and implement solutions as appropriate;
• The ability to demonstrate fair and sound judgment when coping with chaotic or conflict situations;
• The ability to problem solve and render quick, precise decisions and mediate conflict;
• The ability to analyze problems and formulate recommendations to develop policies, processes, and practices which result in the implementation of effective programming;
• The ability to apply strong interpersonal, oral and written communication skills in performing routine inspections of sites and reporting, directing and following up with noted deficiencies;
• The ability to utilize current technologies with an emphasis on computer programs including Microsoft Word, Excel and Outlook;
• The ability to apply knowledge, experience and commitment in the areas of race relations, cross cultural understanding, human rights and diversity;
• The ability to work and communicate effectively within the Halifax Regional Centre for Education including parents, staff, students, community members and external groups such as government agencies;
• The ability to work effectively as part of a team;
• The ability to promote and maintain confidentiality;
• The desire and ability to engage in continuing education and professional development.

Nova Scotia’s Regional Centres for Education and the Conseil scolaire acadien provincial (CSAP) are committed to an inclusive education system that supports the well-being and achievement of every student and is high-quality, culturally and linguistically responsive.

The Halifax Regional Centre for Education (HRCE) is actively working to hire individuals from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry, to work toward equitable representation within all employee groups. Equitable hiring strengthens the knowledge and expertise in our schools, and supports our public education system in establishing schools as safe, caring, and accessible learning spaces that support all students. This will provide opportunities for students to see themselves reflected throughout their schools, learning resources, and within their learning experiences.

HRCE has a Recruitment, Selection and Hiring of Staff Policy and we actively encourage applications from under-represented groups, particularly people of African Nova Scotian, African Canadian and African ancestry and Mi’kmaw/Indigenous ancestry, in compliance with the applicable collective agreements or terms and conditions of employment. Applicants are encouraged to complete the Diversity Management Questions in the online resume.

Applicants invited to participate in the hiring process (such as an interview or testing) and who require accommodation, should discuss their request for accommodation when invited to the assessment process.

Thank you for your interest. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Employment with the Halifax Regional Centre for Education is contingent upon providing a satisfactory Criminal Records Check with a Vulnerable Sector Search and Child Abuse Registry Search.