Job Description

Program Instructor, Thrive™ Adult Day Programs

Location: 1 Jim Flaherty St., Whitby, ON

Assignment: Hourly, Part-Time.

Pay Rate: $21.83 per hour. We also offer access to our superb sport, fitness, and recreational facilities.

Start Date: November 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 Programs, the Program Instructor, Thrive™ Adult Day Program, plays an essential role in supporting the programming, implementation, and 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 Design and Curriculum Development.

• You will collaborate with participants, Thrive Leads, and other Thrive Program Instructors to develop and implement innovative workshop curriculum that aligns with Thrive’s four pillars: social engagement, sports and movement, life skills, and arts.
• You will facilitate workshops using a Universal Design for Learning (UDL) framework.

Documentation.

• You will support Thrive Leads in providing solution-focused counselling and person-centered support for participants experiencing disability and mental health issues.
• You will help conduct assessments to identify participants’ strengths, needs, abilities, and skills to develop individualized service plans.
• You will help implement, monitor, and update comprehensive Individual Support Plans (ISPs) to support participants in fully engaging in workshops.
• You will help implement, monitor, and update participant “Hoping to Achieve” outcomes to support participant progress.
• You will assist with completing daily documentation to maintain up-to-date participant records.

Research and Impact.

• You will support the Manager and Thrive Leads to collect data to track and evaluate program metrics, assess gaps, and measure impact of programming and service plans.
• You will support the Manager and Thrive Leads to identify objectives that will contribute to the creation of innovative program models.
• You will support the Manager and Thrive Leads to compile reports and documentation, as required by the research team, funders, QAM, etc.

Teamwork and Collaboration.

• You will participate in team meetings, debriefs, and participant profile reviews.
• You will develop and foster meaningful relationships with stakeholders, partners, collaborators, Thrive Leads, other Thrive Program Instructors, clients, families, and caregivers to achieve best-in-class service delivery.

What You Bring:

Education and Experience

• You have post-secondary education in Social Work/Services, Disability Studies, Developmental Services, Behavioural Sciences, Therapeutic Recreation, or related field.
• You have experience 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 facilitate decision-making, collaborate across teams, and achieve results through teamwork, effective negotiation, and problem-solving.
• You are an effective team player with a positive attitude whose interactions demonstrate accountability, authenticity, and collaboration.

Organization

• You are effective in planning, organizing and time management skills, and able to 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 vulnerable sector check (V.S.C)
• It is required that you have a current, valid First Aid and C.P.R C / A.E.D.
• It is required that you have a current and valid Food Handlers Certificate.
• Having Crisis Intervention Training (CIT) - Safe Management Group Inc. OR Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) - Crisis Prevention Institute certifications is preferred.

Availability

• It is required that you have availability during the day, Monday – Friday from 8:30 A.M. to 4:30 P.M.

How to Apply:

• Please visit our website at https://abilitiescentre.org/join-our-team/
• Deadline to apply is Tuesday, September 29, 2026