Coordinator, Inclusive Recreation Portfolio

JOB SUMMARY

The mandate of Complexes, Aqua & Specialized Service is to provide strategic vision and innovative leadership in managing customer centric sports, physical activity, aquatics and recreation venues, programs and services for all ages, including the management of facilities and/or land, and for the delivery of indoor and outdoor recreation programs and services. This Service provides city wide access to adapted, therapeutic and integrated recreation programs, giving children, youth and adults with special needs the opportunity to participate in community recreation

The Inclusive Recreation (IR) unit, as part of RCFS, is dedicated to fostering the integration of individuals with disabilities and/or exceptionalities into inclusive aquatic and land-based programming. Through consultations with families/caregivers and staff, training, intake assessments, leisure counseling, and resource sharing, the IR unit ensures participants can access meaningful recreational opportunities. Additionally, the unit delivers adaptive, goal-oriented therapeutic, respite, and social programming at local community centers, supporting the development of participants' cognitive, social, and physical skills while enhancing their overall quality of life.

You will oversee a district in the City of Ottawa, ensuring accessible and inclusive recreation programming for individuals with cognitive and developmental disabilities. This role involves managing specialized and integrated programs, developing individualized support plans, and providing expertise in accessibility legislation, therapeutic recreation, and inclusive programming. Additionally, you will collaborate with stakeholders, develop policies and training, facilitate partnerships, and lead quality assurance efforts to enhance service delivery and compliance.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

Completion of 4 year university degree in Social Work, Nursing, Therapeutic Recreation, Kinesiology, Psychology/Counselling or related field.

Minimum of 4 years of full-time related experience working with special populations in social service agency, rehabilitation, clinical or recreation environment or social services.

CERTIFICATIONS AND LICENCES

KNOWLEDGE

• Applicable federal, provincial and municipal legislation, policy, procedures and programs
• Performance measurement techniques, case management principles, community resources, and principles of community development
• Contextual knowledge of relevant funding programs, and community and social service agency network
• In-depth understanding of provincial and regional organizations/agencies such as Developmental Services Ontario, SCS and legislation such as Ontario Regulation 299/10, established under the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, 2008 and Quality Assurance Measures
• Proficiency in policy development and quality assurance practices.
• Knowledge of ethical dilemmas and considerations, specific needs of disabled persons, diseases and disability adaptation and management, safety and security needs, challenging behaviours, basic psychosocial needs, specific needs of the person with full understanding of disability/disease, knowledge of professional conduct, professional standards, code of ethics
• Knowledge of emerging trends like digital tools for accessibility (adaptive tech), evidence-based therapeutic recreation, and innovations in inclusive programming. Knowledge of alternate communication systems and adaptive devices
• Risk management principles and practices pertaining to special populations
• Program design, development and evaluation, special event management, facility management and financial management
• Human resource principles and practices, including collective agreements
• Knowledge of safe practices in prevention of transmission of communicable diseases
• Knowledge and application of various software packages (Word, Excel, Active Net, SAP)
• Experience in supervision of staff and volunteer management credentials an asset
• Must be familiar with all applicable health and safety legislation, have knowledge of any potential or actual danger to health or safety in the work place, and have knowledge of appropriate actions to be taken in order to ensure the health and safety of staff in accordance with applicable legislation and city policies and procedures

COMPETENCIES, SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Coach, support, motivate, lead and guide a team, and link with branch/departmental staff in facilitating integration and resolving conflict, 
• Proactive stakeholder engagement (seeking feedback from families/clients to align programming needs.)
• Commitment to Equity, Diversion and Inclusion principles and strategies to engage underrepresented populations.  
• Provide crisis intervention counselling  
• Work within a multi-disciplinary team setting
• Data-Driven decision-making
• Communicate effectively including writing reports
• Demonstrate leadership
• Assess client physical, mental, developmental, cognitive, and functional needs, recreation and leisure lifestyle
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with individual clients, families, colleagues and staff
• Effective conflict resolution skills
• Effective problem solving skills
• Strong community development skills in facilitation
• Flexible and adaptable to change
• Demonstrate tact, empathy, sensitivity and discretion
• Strong and dynamic leadership skills 
• Resourceful, analytical, innovative
• Demonstrates respect for client centered choice, privacy and confidentiality
• On-call weekends, evenings as required for emergency response

Core Behaviours
Core behaviours define the City's expectations of the behaviours employees should demonstrate in performing their work.  They are reflective of the City's culture and values and guide all our present and future activities.  Every employee is encouraged to learn, embody, and demonstrate these core behaviours.

Review the Core Behaviours.

Leadership Competencies
The City has defined key competencies that leaders are expected to embody and demonstrate to successfully move the organization towards achieving its strategic objectives and create an organizational culture that supports and empowers employees to excel, grow and reach their full potential. These leadership competencies and associated behaviours are expected to be demonstrated by leaders at all levels of the organization. 

Review the Leadership Competencies.