Art With A Heart Inc Looking for Special Programs Instructor for Persons with Disabilities at Whitby, ON Full Time

Special Programs Instructor for Persons with Disabilities

Under direct supervision of the Community Arts Co-ordinator and general supervision of the Recreation Programs Manager you will take a key role in leading the planning and delivery of our exciting and inclusive Virtual Summer “Camp” program for adults with disabilities.

• This will include writing curriculum along with the Community Recreational and Leisure programs counsellors to ensuring organizational and safety priorities are met for the participants, necessary adaptations are made, families/caregivers are supported through program, and facilitation team is aware of specific protocols during COVID-19 in our space.
• Help write/create curriculum, instructions and scripts for online pre-recorded and online live sessions and oversee writing which counsellors create for pre-recorded and online live sessions. Assist in reviewing all the scripts to ensure they meet all AODA standards.
• Take a leadership role in creating & facilitating arts-based educational, and recreational workshops for persons with physical or intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their goals from the program, encouraging mental wellness, while respecting and encouraging Person Centered Thinking for 6- 8 weeks (July and August 2022 including assistance with advance on-site video recording at AWAH studio space and ensuring the team follows proper AODA and COVID-19 protocols.
• Due to the varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Needs Program Instructor may provide a variety of adaptive supports and assistance and should be flexible in adjusting to participant needs.
• This role is primarily responsible for curriculum creation, sourcing acquisition of participant’s materials for sessions, packing kits if necessary, and online instruction duties in the adults with disabilities Summer camp program.
• AWAH may add in very limited “live in-person” sessions as protocols from government allow. All of these responsibilities will happen with all COVID guidelines in place (flexibility will be essential as guidelines may change while program underway) but the majority of program will be delivered online.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Prepare lesson plans in accordance with the program goals and requirements and personal needs and abilities.
• Prepare and maintain accurate records of participants attendance and progress.
• Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours.
• Respect and encourage person centered thinking.
• If in-person (in-person will be limited) give personal assistance to participants as needed, may include, dress, cleaning, self-care and toileting – each person’s needs will be received during intake.
• Prepare facilities, setting up furniture and/or equipment for scheduled activities/events.
• Perform administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and set up of supplies.
• 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, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public. Performs other duties as assigned.

Skills:

• Monitor compliance with local regulations and AWAH policies and procedures including COVID protocols, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations.
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies. For any in-person activity, have ability to administer First Aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people. Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.

Minimum of two years previous experience with special needs programs and working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable.

Enrolled in or graduated from Recreational Therapy Program, or PSW program

Must possess standard First Aid/CPR and must maintain certifications as a condition of employment

Proven experience in MS Office programs

Google Suites

Zoom Online Meeting Platform

Valid G-Driver’s License helpful

This position has been made available through the Federal Government Canada Summer Jobs Program 2022 – providing quality summer jobs for youth between the ages of 15 and 30 years.

Job Types: Full-time, Fixed term contract
Contract length: 8 weeks

Salary: $17.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Casual dress
• Company events
• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

COVID-19 considerations:
We follow the regulations set out by the Regional Health Department especially with regards to COVID-19 which is at this time fluid. Masks are not required in our office space but we are very comfortable if you choose to wear on.

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Whitby, ON L1N7H8: reliably commute or plan to relocate before starting work (required)

Education:

• Secondary School (preferred)

Experience:

• inclusion: 2 years (required)

Language:

Application deadline: 2022-06-10
Expected start date: 2022-06-27