Program Instructor

Would you like to work for a not-for-profit organization that is dedicated to maximizing the independence and community participation of people with disabilities across Canada? Would you like to play a role in advocating for inclusion and equity for all people living with disabilities?

March of Dimes Canada (MODC) is a federally registered national charity that offers a wide variety of programs and services to Canadians living with disabilities. Since 1951, starting with the polio epidemic, March of Dimes Canada has been on the forefront of the disability movement. We are focused on a bold vision of enhancing services, financing the vision, building partnerships and creating an appropriate and sustainable infrastructure. Through our Culture Code we live the values of: We Are One Team, We Are Accountable to Ourselves and Each Other, and We Adapt and Grow Together.

MODC is looking for a **Program Instructor **based in the **Halifax Regional Municipality**. Please note, this is a **one year contract**.

**Profile**:
Reporting to the Regional Manager, Community Programs & After Stroke, the **Program Instructor **is responsible for planning and delivering program activities designed to maximize independence, build personal empowerment, and enhance community participation for adults, children and youth living with a disability. Working directly with participants, the Program Instructor will act as a positive role model, providing ongoing encouragement and support. The Program Instructor must have a genuine interest in the growth, development, and provision of a safe and nurturing environment for the clients they teach.

The Program Instructor will work collaboratively with other Program Instructors and the Coordinator, Volunteer Engagement within their respective region to ensure suitable clients and volunteers are integrated into program delivery.

The Program Instructor will work with the Regional Manager to ensure that program targets and deliverables are achieved on an annual basis and that the program operates within its assigned budget.

**Responsibilities**:

- Plan, build, facilitate and deliver programming which produces outcomes aligned with the intended purpose of the program
- Work in collaboration with other program instructors in the development of lesson plans as well as adapting and modifying training materials to meet the needs of individual participants
- Responsible for developing program schedules that best meet the needs of clients
- Review needs assessment results and build individualized participation goals
- Conduct intake interview meetings with clients to determine eligibility/suitability of client for participation in program
- Utilizes the Customer Relationship Management (CRM) system to capture and analyze client data, including client profile, needs assessment, goals, achievements and intervention involvement.
- Maintains accurate and timely reporting of program/class issues and related matters
- Contribute, monitor and report on annual objectives and strategic plans
- Support the regional team in building positive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders
- Provide practical support, and referrals to programs and services offered by MODC and other partner organizations, that will help the client achieve their goals.
- Support and engage in program promotion internally and externally to MODC
- Support and engage in MODC local fundraising and awareness activities and events
**Qualifications and Experience**:

- Post-secondary degree or diploma in kinesiology, recreation, occupational therapy, physiotherapy, or related area.
- 3-5 years of related health and/or education experience
- Experience working with the disability community, knowledge of disability issues
- Experience working with children and youth living with a disability
- Experience in providing person centred support to vulnerable people
- Experience in group facilitation (in person and virtual)
- Experience providing support with activities of daily living, such as toileting and feeding in accordance with program participant needs
- Ability to demonstrate empathy whilst remaining objective and professional
- Thorough understanding of common conditions and disabilities such as Cerebral Palsy, Multiple Sclerosis, Parkinson’s disease, Acquired Brain Injury and effects of Stroke
- Knowledge of safe ambulation, positioning and transferring procedures
- Knowledge of principles of child and adult education
- Ability to modify and adapt teaching style and materials for differentiated learning
- Demonstrates professional, customer-focused behaviour
- Ability to advocate for people living with a disability, their families and caregivers
- Ability to communicate effectively and build professional relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including health professionals and academic administration
- Works effectively with, and demonstrates respect for others
- Ability to communicate positively and effe