Program Facilitator

The Minds in Motion® program is a 2-hour program featuring exercise, socialization and mentally stimulating games for people living with early to moderate signs of dementia to enjoy with a family member or friend. The program runs for once a week for 8 weeks and repeats on a seasonal basis - fall, winter, and spring.

The Minds in Motion® Program Facilitator accepts the responsibility to oversee the program delivery, participant experience and volunteer management of the Minds in Motion® program team. This is a contract position that requires a 3-hour commitment, once per week for eight-weeks.

There are currently 6 Minds in Motion® locations in Winnipeg. The Alzheimer Society of Manitoba is looking for support at the following locations:

- West Portage YMCA - Tuesdays, 12:30 pm - 3:30 pm
- The Rady Jewish Community Centre - Wednesdays, 9:30 am - 12:30 pm

**Responsibilities**:

- Liaise between the Alzheimer Society of Manitoba, program participants, and program volunteers
- Provide a safe, stigma-free and fun-filled environment for program participants
- Provide emotional support and/or navigational assistance to participants, when needed
- Attend the annual Minds in Motion® development ½ day of training (October of each year)
- Maintain organization with program materials
- Execute program plans based on the participant group
- Communicate with the Dementia-Friendly Communities Coordinator and Senior Manager regarding questions or concerns with participant experience and/or expectations, volunteers, or community partners
- Consult with the Dementia-Friendly Communities Coordinator and Senior Manager when trends in participant experiences are noticed
- Confirm scheduling for volunteers
- Submit monthly invoices and receipts in a timely fashion

Functions
- Arrive 30 minutes prior to and remain 30 minutes following each program session
- Transport weekly programming resources, educational information and fitness equipment; when required
- Prepare program volunteers for weekly facilitation assignments; identify and address areas of concern
- Maintain accurate data for participants attendance, participant experience and referrals for service
- Debrief with the fitness leader and program volunteers on a weekly basis to determine participant experience and identify safety concerns
- Conduct and collect sessional data and assessment as requested by the Dementia-Friendly Communities Coordinator and Senior Manager

Qualifications & Experience
- Professional and/or personal experience with the dementia journey and caregiver stress
- Minimum two years’ experience working with volunteers, student practicums and community agencies (or a minimum of one year experience as a Minds in Motion® volunteer)
- Experience in program planning and facilitation
- Level C First Aid and CPR certification
- Adult education or training & development experience preferred
- Preference will be for individuals who also possess the following: completion of post-secondary schooling in community recreation studies, kinesiology, human kinetics or health sciences and/or certification in provincial or national accredited exercise council or curriculum
- Conflict resolution experience or nonviolent crisis intervention (NCI) preferred

Competencies
- Familiarity with dementia and warning signs
- Effective communication skills to accommodate varying levels of cognition
- Ability to observe and assess behaviour changes that signify trends
- Flexibility and adaptability in relation to program planning and delivery
- High energy level and ability to effectively engage individuals and groups experiencing varying degrees of motivation
- Ability to use discretion, judgment and tact in handling sensitive information or situations

Pay Rate: $25.00 per hour. Mileage compensation provided.

**Job Type**: Fixed term contract
Contract length: 3 months

Pay: $25.00 per hour

Work Location: In person

Expected start date: 2025-01-21