Position: Manager, Thrive™
Location: 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, ON
Assignment: Full-time, Salaried
Pay Rate:$60,000 per annum. We also offer comprehensive, 100% employer paid benefits, flexible work environment, and access to our superb sport, fitness, and recreational facilities.
Start Date: August 2025
You Belong!
We exist to unlock potential through accessibility and to create a better, barrier-free life for all Canadians. We strive to achieve this by reimagining accessibility, redefining the way Canadians live, work and play, and by co-designing innovative solutions that address the needs of our community. To be successful, our organization values being person-centred, genuine, flexible, innovative, and collaborative.
As an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion, we welcome and encourage applications from all persons, including but not limited to persons with disabilities, racialized and Indigenous persons, persons of any gender identity and sexual orientation, and newcomers. We provide variations and accommodations at all stages of employment and are committed to improving our process to be more accessible and equitable.
We understand that no one will ever meet all the qualifications or feel completely confident in performing every duty listed, and that’s okay! We are committed to the ongoing learning and development of our employees and gladly provide on-the-job training and mentorship. Unless it says required (bolded for emphasis), please do not let any other qualification or duty discourage you from applying.
If you have any issues with the online application or have any questions about the job, please email careers@abilitiescentre.org. We look forward to learning more about you and how you may be the person we’re looking for through your application!
The Program:
Thrive™ is an adult day program for individuals over the age of 18 with developmental disabilities. Participants engage in activities that support their health and well-being through programming focused on social engagement, creative expression, life skills, and sports and movement. Thrive™ provides a strong foundation of support for individuals to gain skills and achieve the goals that are most important to them.
The Position:
Reporting to the Director, Grants and Skills Development, the Manager, Thrive™ is responsible for the development, implementation, management, supervision, and evaluation of Thrive™. As a team member working collaboratively with other departments and program leads, they will recognize the varying needs of participants and respond by developing appropriate programs and activities and fostering related partnerships.
What You’ll Do:
- Program Development, Delivery and Operations. You will develop and manage the existing Thrive™ program model related to enhancing life skill development and independence for all participants.
- You will oversee the program planning and development process, and work with the Thrive team to continuously improve existing program materials and develop new resources.
- You will collaborate with the Thrive Administrator to manage the program registration process including completing intake meetings, updating participant profile, and ensuring invoices are sent and paid.
- You will collaborate with the Thrive Administrator to ensure compliance of program requirements as set out in the service contract for all programs funded by the Province of Ontario including meeting all Quality Assurance Measures (QAM) as per compliance audits conducted by the Ministry of Children, Community and Social Services (MCCSS).
- You will collaborate with the Thrive Administrator to manage the caseload for all Thrive™ program participants, including upkeep of participant files, supporting Leads in the implementation and completion of Individual Support Plans (ISP), fostering relationships and communicating with participant caregivers, and ensuring all related documentation meets compliance requirements.
- You will support the identification and development of appropriate program policies and procedures, as per government contractual obligations and health and safety protocols.
- You will manage and grow relationships with partners and contract service providers that contribute to, and support, program initiatives.
- You will coordinate with the Research Department to identify and establish needs of communities and gaps in programs and services, and work with the Thrive team to design and implement programs based on identified gaps.
- In partnership with the Research Department and the Thrive team, you will implement the Program Impact Framework to measure and collect data related to outcomes, goals, and impact for participants.
- You will coordinate with the Marketing and Communications team to communicate and promote the Thrive™ program and events.
- Supervision and Personnel Development. You will manage the day-to-day supervision of Thrive, including planning, scheduling, and work distribution, and will complete bi-weekly payroll for front-line staff.
- You will provide direction and leadership to the Thrive team in the delivery of programs and services.
- You will identify and coordinate ongoing program specific training for staff, placement students and volunteers, including identifying and supporting individual professional development opportunities.
- You will collaborate with the Human Resources Department to recruit, train, and retain staff, volunteers, and placement students.
- You will be responsible for performance management including ongoing coaching for staff, volunteers, and placement students.
- Administration and Financial Management. You will work with the Finance department to ensure that Thrive™ has a strong revenue stream, by establishing revenue targets including fees and charges for programs. You will develop and manage the program budget.
- You will prepare reports (e.g., government reports – program and financial) as required and coordinate program evaluations, in collaboration with the Thrive Administrator
- You will ensure privacy of personal information pertaining to members and participants.
- You will work collaboratively with suppliers and service providers to ensure program components and resources are developed in a professional, timely, and cost-effective manner.
What You’ll Bring:
- Education and Experience. You have post-secondary education in Social Work, Disability Studies, Social Services, Developmental Services, Behavioural Sciences, Adult Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Recreation and Leisure Services, or related field.
- You have experience managing and delivering programs, services, and initiatives for people who experience a wide range of disabilities, through a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.
- You are familiar with case management, behaviour management strategies, curriculum development, and program design, development, and evaluation.
- You possess strong computer skills in Microsoft Office and Google Suite products.
- Empathy and Compassion. You exhibit a high level of emotional intelligence, cultural sensitivity, and an awareness of barriers to success, including learning limitations.
- You inspire confidence, resilience, and self-esteem in clients through respect, acceptance, and focus on strengths and achievements.
- You have exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with a proven ability to establish rapport with people of diverse backgrounds.
- Communication and Collaboration. You have outstanding verbal and written communication skills and are comfortable presenting to large groups.
- You can make connections with peers, leaders, and stakeholders, and can work collaboratively with multi-disciplinary teams.
- You can facilitate decision-making, collaborate across teams, and achieve results through teamwork, effective negotiation, and problem-solving.
- You are an effective team player and leader with a positive attitude whose interactions demonstrate accountability, authenticity, and collaboration.
- Organization.You have superior administrative skills demonstrating thoroughness and attention to detail.
- You can manage multiple demands and tight timelines through effective planning, organizing and time management skills, and can work independently without close supervision.
- You are self-motivated, and results-oriented; you demonstrate initiative and contribute to a work environment that values and encourages innovation.
- Administrative Requirements. It is required that you have a current and clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector to work at Abilities Centre.
- It is required that you have First AID and CPR C/AED.
- Having Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) - Safe Management Group Inc. OR Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) - Crisis Prevention Institute certifications is preferred.
Deadline to apply: Wednesday July 9, 2025
