Special Needs Program Director

Important: Do not apply to this job opportunity if you are a returning City of Toronto employee, instead please complete an online scheduling form.

The Community Recreation Branch is responsible for the delivery of high-quality, community-based recreation programs and services to the diverse neighbourhoods of Toronto. We provide a variety of programs that promote the social and physical development for people of all ages, with an emphasis on children and youth. The Community Recreation Branch strives to ensure Toronto residents have positive recreational experiences that enhance quality of life and contribute to lifelong active living.

Req ID:

Job Category:
 Adapted & Inclusion

Job Type:
 Temporary, Part-time

Hourly Rate:
$23.48 

Number of Positions:
 TBD

Start Date:
 TBD  

Work Location:
 Various

District:
 Etobicoke, North York, Scarborough, Toronto East York

Season:
 Spring  

Duration:
 TBD

Shift Information:
 TBD

Division:
 Parks, Forestry & Recreation

Section:
 PFR CR Community Recreation

Posting End Date:
 12/02/2025 

Responsibilities: 

• Supports overall camp/program operation, planning, organization, direction and administration of Adapted (Specialized) camps/program.
• Provides, facilitates and implements internal and specialized external training for staff and volunteers.
• Supports the recruitment and hiring of staff and volunteers.
• Evaluates camp/program in order to support and assist staff with professional and skill development.
• Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program.
• Advocates on behalf of camp participants.
• Ensures that behaviour management techniques are implemented.
• Ensures health and safety procedures are adhered to when assisting participants with personal hygiene (i.e. diaper change, feeding etc.), lifts, transfers and life skills.
• Reviews participant files and communicates information with appropriate staff.
• Oversees administration of medication.
• Maintains an inventory of all program equipment and ensures that it is kept in a state of good repair.
• Reports any damage to equipment and orders supplies.
• Interacts with staff, participants, spectators and other community members to provide program information.
• Facilitates delivery of special events.
• Attends and participates in meetings and training sessions.
• Takes action to deal with incidents, problems and emergencies and comply with Divisional/City policies and procedures.
• Provides support to ensuring the programs are modified, if necessary to promote an inclusive environment.
• Ensures staff follow the principles of Healthy Child Development (HIGH FIVE) in the planning and delivery of programs.

Qualifications:

• Must be minimum 16 years of age.
• Extensive experience working with individuals with special needs/disabilities in the context of the program/camp.
• Experience directing, planning and administering recreational programs/camps and staff.
• Experience with health and safety and public health issues specific to the disability field.
• Relevant education is an asset.
• Must produce original current Standard First Aid and Cardio-Pulmonary Resuscitation certifications as recognized by the WSIB.
• You possess certification in Parks and Recreation Ontario's Principles of Healthy Child Development (PHCD).  This is a mandatory course that will be provided to you at no cost upon obtaining a conditional offer of employment. You will be provided with course dates and details at that time.

We thank all applicants for their submission. Only candidates who are selected for next steps will be contacted. Be sure to check your email regularly, including junk/spam mail folders, and log in to your profile to see the status of your application under Jobs Applied.

Accommodation:  If you are an individual who requires accommodation, due to disability under the Ontario Human Rights Code, to apply for this position, please email us at , quoting the Requisition ID and the job title.  The City is committed to providing Code-protected accommodation throughout its hiring process. Please visit Hiring Policies and Statements ) for further details.

Vulnerable Sector Check: One of the requirements for working with children and vulnerable adults is applicants providing the results of a Vulnerable Sector Check (VSC). Once a candidate completes online onboarding documentation, candidates that reside in the City of Toronto (postal code starts with "M") will be sent an email with a voucher code to complete an online VSC application with Toronto Police at no cost. Applicants who reside outside of the City of Toronto will need to obtain a Vulnerable Sector Check from their local Police Service at their own cost. For further information on the vulnerable sector screening, please contact your local Police Service. 

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