Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation Programs-PT

Who we are
Children are at the front and centre of what we do; they are the foundation of our purpose and the basis for our evidence-driven strategy. Our mission is to transform the lives of children, youth and their families by developing and delivering innovative, research-based mental health and early learning programs. At the Child Development Institute (CDI), we are passionate about helping our communities' most vulnerable members and their caregivers. It motivates each of us to face what can be difficult situations while continuously finding the purest joy in play, in silence, in advice, and in the unbelievable strength and resilience of our young clients. Joining us now is a rewarding opportunity to be part of an organization that is built on a legacy of more than 100 years of helping children and families.
Recognized as a leader and model for measurement-based impact, we are client-centred, family-centred, and data-informed. We are a place where professionals grounded in mental health, care, and well-being of infants, children and youth, come together in collaboration, learning and inclusion. As a multiservice organization delivering social, emotional, and behavioural counselling services, early childhood education, learning disabilities and mental health services, and family violence services, we address the whole person from when they begin their life. Every child and family that reaches out to us is unique, and we value and embrace their individuality. We deliver the tailored support and tools they need to build life-long skills, positive mental health, and resilience. With their trust in us, we guide children and families along a supportive journey. It is an often difficult path and simultaneously the most rewarding experience for providers, children and families.
Who we need
The CDI, Therapeutic Recreation Programs Program, is seeking a knowledgeable and competent Coordinator to join our Connecting Towhee Team for the Contract Part time Position from February 2, 2026 to January 5, 2027.
The incumbent will be responsible ensures that the conceptualization and delivery of CDI programs and services are consistent with the mission, values, policies, procedures, standards, and priorities of the organization and are provided within assigned resources. The Coordinator will provide vigorous leadership towards the achievement of service excellence and a quality professional environment and will is responsible for a range of duties including day-to-day operations of the Therapeutic Recreation Programs primarily focussed on the Connecting Towhee Program within the Clinical Services Department.
This is a 17.5-hour weekly (2 and a half day), on-site position with a flexible schedule. It might require working evening hours from 4:00 pm to 8:00 pm as per program needs.
As our new Coordinator, Therapeutic Recreation Programs you will:

1. Accepts and works within the framework of CDI's stated vision, mission, values and goals.
2. Responsible for ensuring the quality, effective risk management, and safe operations of CDI's Therapeutic Recreation Programs.
3. Under the guidance of the Supervisor, leads the planning and implementation of Connecting Towhee.
4. Work in person at our St. Clair Gardens location.
5. Recruits, orients, trains, supervises, schedules, and monitors casual and contract staff and volunteers.
6. Coordinates the Therapeutic Recreation programs by managing program waitlists, facilitating client intakes and assessments, managing group assignments, supporting registration, and arranging program coverage.
7. Facilitates Therapeutic Recreation Groups, as required.
8. Ensures ongoing knowledge development: conceptual understanding of child development, family functioning, theoretical and evidence supported foundations of interventions.
9. Maintains confidentiality in all aspects of job (written/verbal/implied).
10. Leads and models in establishing and maintaining positive relationships with families and their support network (community agencies, hospitals, etc.).
11. Liaises, consults and co-ordinates with required professionals (internal and external) and community services to ensure effective service coordination.
12. Liaise and consult with other CDI staff, to ensure appropriate communication and coordination for internal program referrals.
13. Works with the Supervisor, Therapeutic Recreation Programs to monitor equipment and inventory expenditures.
14. Participates in program development, quality assurance, evaluation, data collection and research activities.
15. Completes all client and program documentation in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
16. Works with the TRP Supervisor to ensure that the Therapeutic Recreation programs operate within budget, meets all legislative requirements, and maintains Ministry, accreditation, and Occupational Health and Safety standards.
17. Participates in relevant program, departmental and agency meetings/committees.
18. Performs other assigned duties in the interests of the agency.

• A Diploma or Degree in Child & Youth Care, Social Work, and/or Therapeutic Recreation from an accredited post-secondary institution.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with children, youth, families and groups in a therapeutic child & youth mental health setting. Experience with learning disabilities and mental health(LDMH) clients an asset.
• Experience delivering therapeutic recreation programs for children & youth in a variety of settings.
• Adherence to excellence in professional and ethical standards including ethical principles related to client interaction, scope of practice, documentation, and confidentiality.
• Demonstrated individual child, youth and family skill-building activities within designated scope of practice.
• Demonstrated ability to identify child & youth mental health needs, evaluate changing or emerging client needs and provide effective triage to meet client needs.
• Sound knowledge of human development and therapeutic intervention methodologies for children and youth.
• Maintains the confidentiality and security of client-related, HR and agency information.
• Demonstrated experience working from an anti-oppressive framework with youth and families.
• Possess strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong organizational, problem solving and decision-making skills within scope of the role.
• Ability to prioritize and meet deadlines in a dynamic environment.
• Be a dedicated and flexible team player able to interact with team members, and colleagues at all levels of the organization.
• Demonstrated ability to work in a respectful and aware manner with group/individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Commitment to continuous learning and remaining current re: children's mental health and parenting.
• High level of computer literacy.
• Knowledge of relevant legislation and compliance requirements.
• Mental Effort
• Listening and mental attentiveness in dealing with client, stakeholder or public queries, and manager's requirements.
• Mental effort required in handling interruptions that require constant refocusing.
• Visual concentration is required to focus on the physical surroundings and any potential risk to staff and clients, general supervision of children, monitoring changes in behaviour and surroundings and ensuring safety and security protocols are monitored.

• Work is often performed in a typical interior/office work environment, as well as in group or therapeutic milieu when the Coordinator is overseeing and/or delivering direct client service.
• Capacity to model and perform physical exercise in the context of a therapeutic recreation group (martial arts, yoga, meditation etc.) including but not limited to calisthenics, body weight exercises, outdoor recreation activities.
• As needed requirement to lift children (up to 45 lbs.), in addition to bending, stooping, stretching, squatting, pushing, pulling, sitting, walking, and climbing stairs.
• Performs computer work daily.

• Governed by concurrent and dynamic deadlines, despite conflicting priorities and interruptions.
• Flexible hours, including evenings, to accommodate organizational and program needs.
• Occasional travel to other CDI locations, and community-based activities.
• Frequent handling of queries and calls from employees, colleagues, families, and community partners.
• Available by phone during program delivery.
• During program delivery, fast-paced work environment.
• Noise level can be moderate to loud for periods of time.
• Frequent physical activity including sitting, standing, walking, running, lifting, and generally supporting clients and staff in therapeutic recreation activities.

Other requirements

• All applicants are advised that offers of employment are contingent upon the successful completion of a Vulnerable Sector Check.
• Credential verifications and references are required.

Compensation: $35,977 per annum. Prorated for the period of the contract.
Apply now