Program Assistant (Talent Pool)

This is a general job posting to build a talent pipeline for upcoming vacancies. While we may not have an active opening today, we are seeking Program Assistants for our talent pool to consider for future opportunities.

Classification: Casual

Weekly Hours: Up to 24 hours per week

Position Summary:

Reporting to the Recreation Programmer or designate, the Program Assistant is responsible for assisting Program Staff with the execution and delivery of high quality programming that is stimulating and enjoyable for all participants while maintaining a safe, clean and welcoming environment.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

1. Assists program staff in delivering a high level of care and supervision to participants in a program and providing age appropriate activities.
2. Monitors and maintains a high level of cleanliness within the work area and the facility.
3. Maintains high safety standards at all times, including performing safety checks of equipment, providing orientation and safety instructions to participants and supervising the use of equipment as required.
4. Ensures the well-being, physical and emotional safety of participants is met by providing a safe, fun and rewarding environment.
5. Assists with administrative tasks as necessary to support the program as required (i.e., attendance, daily logs).
6. Responds to questions/complaints from patrons, incidents, accidents, and emergency situations, including assisting with directing patrons to safety.
7. Ensures that the facility is accessible and clear of obstacles to allow for use of mobility devices and patron safety.
8. Communicates safety protocols, guidelines, and rules to patrons and ensures that they are enforced, including correcting inappropriate or unsafe behaviours with patrons where required.
9. Champions the HIGH FIVE Principles of Healthy Child Development and Principles of Healthy Aging whenever possible, understanding their theoretical and practical significance as it relates to delivering high quality and transformative programming to individuals and the community.
10. Serves as a positive role model and leader. Models appropriate problem-solving techniques, providing opportunities for patrons to problem solve.
11. Provides an environment and activities that foster healthy relationships, celebrates individuals’ successes, and remains engaged and attentive to participant’s needs and requests during all programs engaging them to create a sense of community. Provides an opportunity for participants to be creative, competent, and confident.
12. Follows all Town policies and procedures and ensures all health and safety regulations are upheld.
13. Provides backup assistance to other staff in the Recreation Department, as required.
14. Works in a respectful, friendly and courteous manner and communicates effectively with coworkers, supervisors, elected officials, and the general public.
15. Maintains files in accordance with the Town’s Records Management By-law, Policies and Procedures and the Electronic Document and Records Management System (EDRMS).
16. Demonstrates a commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion through continuous learning, modeling inclusive behaviours, and proactively managing bias.

Qualifications Required:

1. Ontario Secondary School Diploma or equivalent, or in the process of obtaining.
2. Standard First Aid and CPR Level C or willingness to obtain an asset.
3. Relevant experience related to area of responsibility (working with children and youth, climbing, use of fitness equipment, skating, etc.) is considered an asset.
4. HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development and HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Aging certification or willingness to obtain, an asset.
5. Good working knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act, and WHMIS 2015.
6. Excellent interpersonal skills including the ability to work effectively in a team environment and to exhibit courtesy, tact, and diplomacy in dealing with patrons, the public, and other members of staff.
7. Ability to adhere to confidentiality requirements at all times. Good written and verbal communication, customer service, organizational, problem-solving, and time management skills. Ability to provide a current and acceptable vulnerable sector or police record check based on age.
8. Possess the physical ability to perform the essential duties of the job.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions:

1. Extended periods of standing, sitting, walking, climbing, including rough terrain, bending and lifting up to 40 lbs.
2. Conditions vary from an indoor cold or humid environment to exposure to inclement weather conditions, both hot and cold, rain, wind, dust, near open bodies of water, bodily fluids, verbal and physical behaviour from patrons and public criticism.
3. Ability to work schedule and shifts as stated. Work outside normal working hours may be required occasionally.