Special Programs Instructor for Persons with - Whitby, Canada - Art with a Heart Inc.

Description

The
Special Programs Instructor for Persons with Disabilities, under supervision, leads planning and delivery of summer programs, ensuring safety and individual needs are met.

They facilitate workshops, support mental wellness, and maintain participant records, promoting person-centered thinking and safety.

Under direct supervision of the Camp Coordinator and general supervision of the Recreation Programs Manager, they will take a key role in leading the planning and delivery of camp programs for adults with disabilities.

Key Responsibilities:

• Writing curriculum along with counsellors to ensure organizational and safety priorities are met for the participants and necessary adaptations are made.
• Create an environment where families/caregivers are supported through the program and the facilitation team is aware of specific needs of individuals.
• Help write curriculum, instructions and scripts (if needed) for programs.
• Assist in reviewing the scripts to ensure they meet all AODA standards.
• Help participants to achieve their goals from the program, prioritizing mental wellness, while respecting and encouraging person centered thinking for 8weeks (July and August 2024).
• Due to varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Programs Instructor for Persons with Disabilities may provide a variety of adaptive support and assistance and should be flexible in adjusting to meet participants needs.
• Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours.
• Assist other teams in consulting about special needs of participants in other camp programs at AWAH and potentially offer adaptive and inclusion support.
• Respect and encourage person centered thinking.
• Give personal assistance to participants as needed.
• Each participant's needs will be received during intake.
• Prepare facilities, set up furniture and/or equipment for scheduled activities/events and clean up after program finishes.
• Assist in the implementation of programs and special events.
• Maintain good public relations.
• Participate in training sessions and regular staff meetings.
• Provide input regarding program planning.
• At all times, demonstrate cooperative behaviour with colleagues, supervisors and the public. Perform other duties as assigned.

Leadership Responsibilities:

• Leadership role in creating and facilitating artsbased educational and recreational workshops for persons with developmental, cognitive, physical and/or intellectual disabilities.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Prepare lesson plans in accordance with the program goals and requirements, and adjust plans to meet individual needs and abilities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records of participants attendance and progress.
• Perform administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and setup of supplies.

AWAH is an arts-based organization that frequently engages with vulnerable communities, including seniors, individuals with special needs, those focused on mental health and wellness, and residents of at-risk and low-income areas.

We collaborate with local community organizations that support these groups, aiming to develop a deeper understanding of working within the social services sector and enhancing our communication to create a "safe space" for these communities.

Access to Registered Psychotherapists, Expressive Arts Therapists, and other team members with backgrounds in social services will facilitate the adoption and learning of the language used by these groups throughout this placement.

Skills:

• Proven creative problemsolving skills.
• Strong ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and communications skills.
• Strong attention to detail, highly organized, effective leadership.
• Excellent Customer Service delivery.
• Expressive Arts and general arts experience, camp experience or program facilitation is an asset.
• Exceptional ability to adapt and assist individuals with varying needs and special accommodation.
• Skills in group dynamics and online group facilitation are an asset.

Qualifications:

• Minimum 1year(s) experience working with persons with disabilities.
• Minimum 1year(s) experience in leading expressive arts programming or related experience
• Post-Secondary education in Social Science, Education, Art or related programs.
• Experience with Expressive art therapy programs
• Commitment to working in a socially inclusive environment, responding with sensitivity and personal awareness to the diverse needs of members including visible and nonvisible dimensions of diversity.
• Experience working and leading teams.
• Valid Standard First Aid and CPR-C
• Valid G-Class driver's license and reliable access to a vehicle helpful.

**This is a Government of Canada funded job through the Canada Summer Jobs program. The Applicant must be between 15 and 30 years of age (inclusive) at the start of employment; is a Canadian Citizen, permanent resident, o