New Job Program Specialist - Adaptive Services In Saskatchewan

All Regina residents should have access to recreation and leisure, as well as agency in choosing programs or services that best support their physical, mental, and emotional health. This position supports the implementation of the City’s Adapted Recreation Plan, helping to remove barriers to recreation and leisure for people with disabilities. The Program Specialist – Adaptive Services leads the development and provision of a variety of recreation and leisure programs and services designed to meet the needs of people with disabilities. The position will be a primary support in the implementation of the City’s new Inclusion Support Service, assisting the Inclusive Recreation Advisor to provide one-on-one, person-centered support to minimize barriers to recreation and leisure for Regina residents. This position reports to the Inclusive Recreation Advisor.

Typical duties include:

• Develops and implements strategies to ensure that accessible and inclusive program opportunities and services are provided to people with disabilities.
• Facilitates the development and delivery of community-based sport, culture, and recreation programs for people with disabilities by working with community organizations and special interest groups.
• Liaises with organizations, other City departments and private sector interests in relation to recreation and leisure services.
• Develops and maintains recreation and leisure programs using a program planning cycle.
• Assists and advises on the development of long- and short-range plans for inclusive and adapted recreation and leisure opportunities across the Parks, Recreation and Cultural Services Department
• Assists in the coordination and facilitation of special events and projects.
• Represents the Department, and/or facilitates representation by other departments, at public and community meetings.
• Interprets the Department’s regulations, policies, and objectives in assisting with program planning and delivery of programs.
• Prepares and delivers related staff and volunteer training and development opportunities.
• Directs, recruits, supervises, coordinates, and evaluates program instructors and contracted support workers.
• Directs casual staff as required; provides field supervision of staff and programs as required.
• Provides training and guidance on accessibility and inclusion to staff and volunteers.
• Conducts program research, surveys, evaluation, and analysis relative to the area.
• Prepares correspondence and written reports as required.
• Prepares statistical reports regarding adapted recreation and leisure programs and services.
• Assists in the preparation of the annual operating budget as related to this service area.
• Approves requisitions, expenditures, and other transactions within the limits of authority and takes necessary action to protect civic monies and assets against loss and waste.
• Safeguards Civic proprietary information and assets so as to protect the interests of the corporation.
• Writes and interprets established policies and procedures for staff and the public as necessary.
• Advises in the planning and development of facilities to ensure they are accessible to people with disabilities.
• Performs related work as required.

Candidates will be screened on the following criteria:

*** To be considered for this position you must clearly identify your qualifications, experience, knowledge, skills and abilities and where you obtained them in your application/resume. ***

The knowledge, skills and abilities required for this position are obtained through a completion of a two (2) year diploma in Therapeutic Recreation or related field, or two (2) years of post-secondary education in a degree program in Kinesiology, specializing in Adapted Physical Activity (APA) and/or Therapeutic Recreation or related field. Three (3) to five (5) years’ experience in working in therapeutic recreation or related field.

• Must have lived experience of disability.
• Considerable knowledge of disability culture and the benefits, theory, processes, and best practices related to adapted recreation and leisure.
• Knowledge of current standards, trends, needs and evaluation principles and methods related to program planning.
• Demonstrated understanding of anti-oppression and community development principles.
• Strong leader with experience supervising staff and volunteers.
• Demonstrated ability to organize and develop a variety of recreational activities for people with disabilities.
• Considerable knowledge of teaching and facilitation methods and supervision of recreation activities.
• Ability to train and guide staff and volunteers as relates to the vast variety of cross-cultural community issues that may arise and to facilitate dialogue and communication between those groups and City departments.
• Ability to express ideas and concepts effectively both orally and in writing, demonstrating skill in adapting communication techniques to various situations and audiences.
• Ability to promote and adhere to the principles of teamwork including participation, shared responsibility, open communication, trust and mutual support.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relations as necessitated by work assignments.

Working/other conditions:

• Must have the means and ability to travel within the City of Regina and work flexible hours.

• Note: Testing may be done to evaluate knowledge, skills and abilities.

*Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide proof of acquired education.*

**In accordance with the City of Regina’s Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires that the successful candidate provide a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Criminal Record Check as a condition of employment.**