Position: Lead, Thrive™ Adult Day Program
Location: 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, ON
Assignment: Full-time, Salaried
Pay Rate:$45,000 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: March 2026
Openings: 1
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 Position:
Reporting to the Manager, Thrive™ Adult Day Program, the Lead, Thrive™ Adult Day Program will be responsible for programming and implementation of the day-to-day operations of Thrive.
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.
What You’ll Do:
Program Development and Delivery
- You will oversee the day-to-day operations of Thrive, addressing any issues that may arise with participants, or students.
- You will build program curriculum with a focus on life skills, creative expression, sports and movement and social engagement.
- You will organize, plan, and facilitate Thrive activities as scheduled.
- You will work with the Manager to develop and implement program activities for Thrive (day program and summer camps) based on four pillars of sports & fitness, arts, life skills and social recreation
- You will work with the Manager to train and manage placement students.
- You will assist the Manager and other department Leads in the supervision and evaluation of independent contractors, placements students, and volunteers.
- You will assist the Manager and other department Leads in ensuring that each participant has gone through an orientation that includes rights and abuse training, and a review of their “hope to achieve” outcomes.
Documentation and Assessment
- You will manage a caseload which will include working with participants to create, implement, and assess Individual Support Plans/SMART goals, and maintaining and updating their files.
- You will assess and document progress of all participants of the Thrive program daily.
- You will work with the Manager to monitor and evaluate the progress of clients’ physical, cognitive and emotional well-being.
- You will collaborate with Abilities Centre’s Research Department on appropriate impact assessment and evaluation matrices for continued program improvement.
- You will assist in the collection of program feedback and evaluation measures from participants, parents, and external contractors.
Support and Culture
- You will attend staff meetings as required; facilitate the daily debriefs with other staff and students.
- You will foster relationships with partners and contract service providers that contribute and support program initiatives.
- You will attend, promote, and present at community outreach events the value of AC’s existing and new programs and services, as required.
- You will always follow and support the value and mission of the Abilities Centre.
- You will maintain a safe, healthy, inclusive and positive environment for participants and staff.
- You will foster a work environment that values and encourages teamwork and empowerment.
What You’ll Bring:
Education and Experience.
- You have post-secondary education in Social Work, Disability Studies, Social Services, Developmental Services, or related field.
- You have experience working with persons with disabilities and/or initiatives/programs that focus on inclusion.
- You are familiar with case management, behaviour management strategies, curriculum development, and program planning, delivery, 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 collaborate across teams and achieve results through teamwork and problem-solving.
- You are an effective team player 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, clear criminal record check for the vulnerable sector.
- It is required that you have current and valid First AID and CPR C/AED.
- It is required that you have current and valid Food Handlers CertificationHaving Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) - Safe Management Group Inc. OR Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) - Crisis Prevention Institute certifications is preferred.
How to Apply:
