Specialty Program Instructor

Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA
Position Status: Part-Time Contract (with possibility of renewal) or Volunteer
Compensation: Commensurate with experience for contract positions; volunteer opportunities are also available.

There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.

Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to help solve many problems, from childcare shortages and social isolation to mental health challenges, access to wellness, and more.

Today, our network spans more than 100 program locations across Halifax Regional Municipality and throughout Nova Scotia, meeting the most urgent needs of our communities through mental health supports, accessible childcare, services for an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow and lead, employment support in a changing labour market, wellness programming for all, and opportunities for isolated older adults to build meaningful connections.

We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover their inner strength. When people know someone is in their corner, offering unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought possible. It is your support, expertise, and guidance that helps individuals ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant, healthy communities.

With us at their side, they can Shine On.

As Part of Your Total Compensation

• Staff discounts on select YMCA certifications
• Opportunity to participate in the YMCA referral incentive program
• Access to YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System, featuring training on a wide range of topics related to health and wellbeing, program delivery, and child safeguarding

About the Role

We are growing, and so is the demand for our registered six-week specialty programs. To better serve our members, we are expanding our team of Specialty Program Instructors to support individuals seeking focused instruction and coaching in areas such as art, sports, recreation, martial arts, music, and other specialty interests.

Reporting to either the Adult Recreation Coordinator or the Child & Youth Program Coordinator, this role focuses on delivering engaging programs that ignite potential in youth, nurture wellness, and strengthen our community.

As a Specialty Program Instructor, you play a vital role in supporting YMCA members and non-members who are looking to learn a new skill, deepen their knowledge of a specific topic, and connect with others. Specialty Program Instructors serve as YMCA ambassadors by providing exceptional customer service, maintaining safe and welcoming program spaces, and creating positive experiences that help participants achieve their goals.

In This Role, You Will

• Propose a six-week specialty program, including its primary goals, lesson plans, participant progression, and adaptations for varying abilities and learning needs.
• Demonstrate how you would lead your proposed program as part of the interview process.
• Deliver a six-week specialty program for a target participant group identified during the planning process.
• Maintain seven weeks of availability in case program launch is postponed by one week due to minimum registration requirements not being met.
• Supervise participants and provide coaching, support, feedback, and encouragement as needed.
• Promote YMCA programs and services that support participant wellbeing and enhance the overall YMCA experience.
• Build strong and supportive relationships with participants, members, visitors, staff, and volunteers.
• Ensure participants follow YMCA etiquette and age-related policies for program spaces.
• Maintain clean, organized, and safe program and facility spaces.
• Ensure equipment and facilities are in good working condition and report concerns promptly.
• Follow all YMCA policies, procedures, safe work practices, and reporting requirements.
• Demonstrate excellent customer service by greeting members within five feet and acknowledging members within ten feet.
• Proactively assist members and visitors who require support.
• Identify opportunities to enhance participant engagement and satisfaction.
• Ensure effective internal and external communication, including timely responses to program inquiries.

Education and Skills Qualifications

• Current Intermediate Workplace First Aid and CPR Level C certification if proposing a program involving physical activity, recreation, sport, or fitness.
• Strong interest in health, fitness, recreation, and overall wellbeing, with a passion for teaching others.
• Ability to develop a detailed program plan and participant progression framework.
• Strong customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships and establish rapport.
• Excellent organizational, time management, problem-solving, and initiative-taking skills.
• Willingness to learn and obtain YMCA-specific certifications, where required.
• Bilingual or multilingual abilities are considered an asset.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Self-motivated with strong attention to detail.
• Ability to commit to contracted program hours, plus one additional week if required due to delayed program start.
• One to two years of experience as a certified coach, instructor, or professional in your field is preferred but not required.

To Apply

Please apply online at ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ at least 12 weeks prior to your planned program start date.

All program details must be finalized at least six weeks prior to launch and/or one month before the start of the season. If you already have a completed six-week program plan, we encourage you to upload it along with your resume and cover letter to help expedite the review process.

Successful Candidates Must Provide

• Criminal Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check (issued within the last six months) if 18 years of age or older
• Valid Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C certification

Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis. Any offenses will be considered in relation to the requirements of the role and YMCA Child Safeguarding standards and may not automatically eliminate candidates from consideration.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging

At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our organization, enabling us to better serve our communities and fulfill our mission.

As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour; racially diverse individuals; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community; gender-diverse individuals; people with disabilities; members of ethnic minority and faith communities; foreign-born residents; and veterans.

If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us know in advance so that reasonable and appropriate accommodations can be arranged.