Program Leader

Across Canada and around the world, L’Arche creates communities of friendship and belonging. In L’Arche, people with and without intellectual disabilities live, work, learn, and grow together. Founded in 1964, L'Arche strives to shape a more human and just society where each person’s gifts and contributions are recognized and celebrated.

**Position Summary**:
This role is a 18-Month Fixed Term Agreement where the Program Leader is responsible for overseeing all aspects of one of our busy and varied day programs. Main responsibilities include program planning and delivery, scheduling, supervision, and coaching of program assistants, administration and budget management, facilitation and participation in meetings, and collaboration with house teams to ensure continuity of support. Our day programs are designed to provide a wide variety of interesting activities, outings, and work opportunities for our core members.

We are looking for someone who values relationships, is creative and innovative, and is a confident, enthusiastic, and energetic leader.

**Location**:
L’Arche Homefires is a large, dynamic, diverse, and energetic community. We have five homes and an Independent Living Support program spread throughout the Wolfville area. Our day programs and offices are located at the L’Arche building at 341 Main Street in Wolfville.

The Program Leader will be based at the office on Main Street, and will also spend time in our homes.

**Major Duties and Responsibilities**:

- Learn and understand the Identity and Mission of L’Arche, and adhere to the core documents of L’Arche Homefires, including our core values, key traditions, policies, procedures, etc. Maintain confidentiality as required.
- Work with program assistants and core members to develop the daily activity schedule, ensuring all preferences are considered, and a wide variety of activities and opportunities are identified and included. Reference core member My Plan goals as part of schedule planning. Ensure the plan has a balanced rhythm that meets the needs of individual core members and the wider goals of the program.
- Prepare and oversee the program budget, including active monitoring. Ensure all income and expenditure is tracked and reported to the Finance Coordinator and Programs Coordinator. Contribute to the annual financial audit as required.
- Lead regular team meetings, individual Roles and Goals (monthly individual meetings), and annual reviews. Provide individual and team coaching, identify and respond to development opportunities, and provide support to the Assistants Coordinator with informing Assistant Formation topics.
- Welcome, orientate, and support new program assistants and casual assistants into the day program. Support new team members to actively participate in the program, and to form mutual relationships with core members and other program assistants. Ensure new team members are familiar with the access to and layout of the building and relevant houses, including all relevant health and safety information.
- Ensure all day program spaces are safe, clean, well maintained, and prepared in advance of planned activities. Communicate any maintenance requirements or health and safety concerns in a timely manner to relevant person.
- Ensure high quality support of all core members in the program, including ILS and external core members. Support the medical care of core members, as required, by providing assistance with attendance at medical appointments and accessing other necessary supports.
- Ensure all required documentation is maintained and submitted to the Program Coordinator, or others, as relevant. Take personal responsibility for maintaining awareness of all deadlines, meetings, tasks, etc.
- Actively participate in and contribute to regular Program Leader meetings, Team Leader Meetings, Assistant Formations, Community Gatherings, and other meetings and committees as required and relevant.
- Seek opportunities to participate in and contribute to wider community life, including membership on relevant committees, and support with community events and activities.

**Qualifications, Skills Needed and Position Requirements**:

- Previous L’Arche experience desirable but not essential (assistant, board member, volunteer, etc).
- Post-secondary education in a related field is desirable.
- Fluent in spoken and written English.
- Clear police check including vulnerable sector screening.
- Excellent administration, workload management, and time management skills.
- Advanced computer skills, preferably including Office 365, and particularly Word, Excel, and Publisher.
- Shows initiative, has excellent attention to detail.
- Is highly organized, able to set priorities and follow-through on commitments in a timely fashion.
- Ability to admit mistakes and learn; asks for and accept help when needed.
- Ability to be flexible and adaptable, and to manage competing work priorities.
- Can remain calm and focused in times o