Program Facilitator - Full Time, 12 Month Contract

Description

The Program Facilitator is responsible for creating and implementing recreational, educational and therapeutic programs for individuals supported by Reena to enhance life and social skills, community inclusion, foster independence, creativity, and maximize the individuals’ potential.

This role provides services that reflect Reena’s mandate and mission, and will ensure a well standing relationship with all individuals and staff programs. The Program Facilitator will also ensure Reena’sJewish philosophies are well represented within its programming. This role aligns with Reena’s philosophy of community integration and living within a Judaic framework, and will always adhere to Reena’s policies and procedures.

This is a 12-month contract position supporting the FFRR Hub Pilot Project, with an anticipated start date of September 22, 2026. The ideal candidate will be comfortable working on-site and demonstrate flexibility and availability to work weekdays and evening shifts, as required. The schedule may be subject to change based on operational needs.

Shift Schedule:

• Days: Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday, Friday, and Saturday (subject to change based on operational requirements)
• Hours: Candidates must be available to work either 10:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m. or 1:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.
• The specific schedule will be determined based on operational needs.

This position will be located at Frankfort Family Reena Residence (FFRR), 165 Elm Ridge Drive, Toronto, ON M6B 1B5.

Reena is committed to promoting diversity, equity, and inclusion in all aspects of our work. We believe that diverse perspectives are essential for addressing complex social challenges effectively. We actively engage with individuals and communities from different backgrounds and experiences to ensure our programs and initiatives are inclusive and accessible to all. By embracing diversity, we strengthen our mission and create a lasting impact on the lives of those we serve.

Additional Information
We use AI-supported technology to help sort applications according to role-specific criteria, but all decisions throughout the hiring process are made by human reviewers.

Key Responsibilities:

Program Responsibilities/ Life Skills:

• Develops and implements programs designed to meet each individual's unique social, physical and emotional needs in conjunction with Reena’s team members, families, external agencies and service providers.
• Provides input into the Individual Community Participation Support Plan (ISP) for individuals regarding programming as needed.
• Facilitates programs in consultation with consultants and therapists (Speech Language Pathologist, Occupational Therapist, Behavioural Therapist, etc.) and keeps individuals and staff (Direct Support Professionals) motivated.
• Helps plan and implement agency-wide events.
• Provides help and support to location staff to implement programming.
• Actively participating in departmental and team meetings.
• Participates in agency trainings.
• Evaluates the effectiveness of planned programs and implements adjustments to suit learning and communication styles of the individuals, in consultation with supervisors, consultants and therapists, family and external service provides.
• Works in collaboration with the individuals and staff to plan appropriate programs based on the interests and needs of the individuals. Promotes and advocates for community inclusion and participation.
• Works flexible hours including weekend and evenings as needed.
• Responsible for the overall health and safety of the programs they are facilitating. Ensures staff develop and demonstrate an awareness of Judaic culture while respecting individual choices.

Administrative Responsibilities:

• Recording and reporting transactions for any purchases.
• Maintain a log consisting of written documentation and statements regarding daily activities, including any concerns or incidents that may have occurred
• Assists to ensure that all documentation is filed correctly.
• Keeps inventory list of supplies and materials used
• Maintains organization of all supplies
• Completes reports/forms in a concise and coherent manner
• Ensures all relevant information/issues/serious occurrences are communicated to the Program Manager; follows appropriate channels of communication
• Helps develop and maintain program schedules for locations and drop-in programs.

Special Requirement:

1) Program Creation & Leadership
• Curriculum Design: Develop engaging, scalable, and outcome-driven recreational or community programs.
• Team Leadership: Recruit, train, and mentor program staff and volunteers to deliver high-quality experiences.
• Building Management Collaboration: Coordinate room schedules, asset use, and safety protocols with facilities teams.
• Strategic Planning: Establish clear program goals, performance metrics, and long-term growth plans.

2) Execution & Management
• Resource Optimization: Manage program budgets, materials, and space allocation efficiently.
• Staff Empowerment: Delegate responsibilities clearly while supporting professional growth.
• Stakeholder Alignment: Bridge communication between building management, program leaders, and participants.

Professional Responsibilities:

• Demonstrates professional conduct and accountability at all times which reflects positively on the agency
• Maintains confidentiality of individual, staff and agency information at all times
• Organizes and plans own areas of responsibilities; independently setting work and task
  priorities
• Conducts oneself in accordance with all of Reena’s policies and procedures
• Works with Reena Judaic frame work
• Reports directly to the Resource Supervisors and works in conjunction with coordinators

Qualifications:

Experience and Formal Education:

• College Diploma in Social Services or related discipline
• Minimum Two (2) years of experience working in the recreation field with individuals with developmental disabilities or mental health conditions.
• Knowledge of camp or recreational programs
• A valid Standard First Aid CPR/AED Level C certificate is required
• Strong Leadership skills/experience
• Technological proficiency – Office Suite, data recording systems, internet research

Interpersonal Skills, Respect and Conflict Resolution:

• Excellent organizational skills and keen attention to detail
• Demonstrated leadership skills inclusive of supervision the team of staff
• Thinks “outside the box” to identify new solutions and flexible to change priorities.
• Thinks ahead and plans for contingencies and effectively prepares and organizes resources and activities.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities successfully.
• Takes personal responsibility for resolving service issue in a timely manner.
• Produces good results when working with others by displaying tact, cooperation, sensitivity and respect for the opinions and situations of others and their culture.

Presentation and Communication Skills:

• Excellent presentation skills
• Persuasive and cohesive written and verbal communication skills
• Create and implement the curriculum for job coach training, employer awareness and training
• Good knowledge and understanding of the employment climate and how to present information to the employer, staff and consumers in a professional and courteous manner
• Represents Reena in the best light at all times

Reena is committed to providing accessible employment practices that are in compliance with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (‘AODA’). If you require accommodation for disability during any stage of the recruitment process, please notify Human Resources.

Reena is a non-profit organization that promotes dignity, individuality, independence, personal growth and community inclusion for people with diverse abilities within a framework of Jewish culture and values.

Reena was established in 1973 by parents of children with developmental disabilities as a practical alternative to institutions. In 1977, Reena began receiving funding from the Ontario Ministry of Community and Social Services and since that time has grown to provide support for hundreds of individuals with developmental disabilities and their families. Reena offers a variety of services including: residential support, respite programs, counselling, therapy and advocacy.