Program Coordinator

Join the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre and be part of a passionate team dedicated to improving lives, while making a tangible impact on your community. WOCRC values the diversity of its employees and the knowledge, skills and contributions that each brings to the organization. Our work is meaningful, fulfilling, and can be demanding, so we are committed to offering our staff compensation that is fair and competitive for our industry along with a comprehensive suite of benefits to support staff health, wellness, and financial security. Subject to status of position, we offer generous paid time off policies, including 4-weeks annual vacation, 3-weeks annual sick leave, salary top-up plans, a superb Employee Assistance Program, Health, Dental and Disability Insurance, a world-class Pension Plan (HOOPP), discounted gym memberships and a flexible, supportive work environment. We believe in providing what staff need to thrive, grow, and feel connected and included in our mission.

JOB DESCRIPTION
PROGRAM COORDINATOR – ADULT DAY SERVICES
COMMUNITY SUPPORT PROGRAM-0.8 FTE-Permanent 

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Coordinator – Adult Day Services, Community Support is part of a multidisciplinary team addressing issues related to seniors and adults with physical disabilities. The incumbent is responsible for working with team members to coordinate and implement the delivery of services within the Adult Day Program. This program offers supervised group social activities for clients living with Alzheimer's disease and/or related dementias.

The Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre operates according to the following guiding principles:

• Empowerment
• Equity
• Partnership
• Innovation

KEY DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct Services

• Develop, coordinate, implement, maintain, and evaluate all aspects of service delivery for the Adult Day Program
• Organize activities such as socialization, physical exercise, mental aerobics, and meals for program participants
• Develop, implement, and evaluate safety and security protocols for clients and volunteers
• Conduct intake for new clients, establish rapport, assess needs, and inform them about available services
• Manage intake, admission, comprehensive client assessments, and service planning for both internal and external program referrals, including home visits and telephone communication
• Assess client eligibility and additional service needs
• Provide information about referral options to other programs or services
• Refer clients for counseling or support services and follow up as needed
• Provide counseling and support services to caregivers when necessary
• Assist clients in accessing services such as home and community care, long-term care placement, retirement homes, personal care, housing, health system navigation, etc.
• Assess risk and vulnerability; conduct necessary follow-up
• Facilitate training and support groups when required
• Organize emergency fund disbursement when clients are unable to pay for services
• Communicate and liaise with community partners to ensure effective service delivery
• Facilitate training and support groups as needed

Advocacy

• Support and promote the community's capacity to advocate and take on advocacy roles when required
• Act as a resource for groups identifying needs and connecting with resources and like-minded groups
• Advocate on behalf of clients and families to secure services from other health and social service providers
• Participate actively in committees addressing service availability, service gaps, and client/family-related issues

Community Education

• Raise awareness among colleagues and the public regarding issues affecting seniors and adults with physical disabilities
• Develop community strategies to increase awareness of issues affecting our service populations
• Represent the organization at internal and external meetings, public relations activities, fundraising events, and media communications as requested
• Respond to community inquiries
• Deliver presentations to community groups when needed

Policy and Service Coordination

• Participate as a member of the Community Support team in internal and external meetings
• Take a leadership role or participate in advocacy and service coordination committees, especially those related to seniors and adults with physical disabilities
• Develop, maintain, and implement effective service delivery policies and procedures
• Promote participatory planning and problem-solving
• Coordinate services with external organizations
• Advocate for coordinated service planning
• Build and maintain relationships with community groups and organizations to facilitate referrals and positive working relationships

Training and Development

• Participate in and contribute to the recruitment, selection, training, and evaluation of paid staff and volunteers involved in service delivery
• Supervise and recognize volunteers in community support services
• Provide staff development training to colleagues in areas of expertise
• Train community groups as needed
• Provide training opportunities for students and trainees to gain experience in community support service delivery

Administration and Evaluation

• Maintain client files and records
• Prepare and update required documentation and statistics monthly, quarterly, and annually
• Participate in the evaluation of the Centre
• Manage payments, invoices, petty cash, and financial records related to service delivery and client fees

Other Responsibilities

All employees of the Western Ottawa Community Resource Centre have fundamental responsibilities that extend beyond their specific job duties, including:

• Ensuring diversity is respected and understood (including culture, language, religion, gender identity, sexual orientation, socioeconomic status, and physical ability)
• Working with a health promotion and social determinants of health approach
• Keeping professional skills and knowledge up to date through formal and informal training
• Acting as an ambassador for the Centre internally and externally by promoting awareness of and access to its programs
• Complying with all legal and regulatory requirements (e.g., Employment Standards Act, health and safety regulations, professional conduct standards)
• Understanding and following WOCRC policies and procedures
• Complying with funder requirements, policies, and procedures
• Following confidentiality protocols and minimizing risks, especially around privacy and client protection
• Supporting student and volunteer placement programs
• Working flexible hours and at locations designated by the Centre
• Performing other related duties as required

QUALIFICATIONS

Education and Experience

• Bachelor's degree or SSW/Social Services Diploma with a major in gerontology, dementia studies, or recreation, or equivalent education/training
• Minimum two years' experience in health and social services, specifically working with cognitively impaired adults in an adult day program setting
• Experience working with seniors from diverse cultural backgrounds in a group setting
• Volunteer management certificate or equivalent education/training is an asset
• Valid Food Handling Certification required
• Proven skills in client assessment using validated tools (preferably InterRAI suite)
• Strong public speaking and facilitation skills
• Knowledge of the continuum of care, including community, social, health, and long-term care services
• Strong organizational and communication skills
• Experience in program development, delivery, and evaluation
• Knowledge of the local communities served
• Valid driver's license and access to a vehicle required

Language Skills

• Fluent oral and written English – required
• Fluent oral and written French – preferred 
• Knowledge of other languages spoken in our service communities is an asset

Computer Skills

• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Intermediate proficiency in CMS/CIMS (Client Management System)

WOCRC has an accommodation process in place that provides accommodations for employees with disabilities. If you require a specific accommodation because of a disability or a medical need, please do not hesitate to let us know how we can best accommodate you.

We are an equal opportunity employer. All employment decisions are based on business and job requirements. All qualified applicants will receive considerations for employment based on individual qualifications, without regard to age, ancestry, colour, race, citizenship, ethnic origin, place of origin, creed, disability, family status (including single status), gender identity, gender expression, record of offences (in employment only), sex (including pregnancy and breastfeeding), sexual orientation or any other status protected by the laws or regulations in Ontario.

Note: WOCRC may use AI-enabled tools to support the recruitment process including application tracking and/or resume screening, etc.

This role represents an existing vacancy.