Position Title:             Youth Program Manager

Organization:            Opal III Fredericton Respite Services Inc.

Job Type:                    Permanent, 20-30 hours/week with the potential to become full time 37.5 hours/week

Reports to:                  Executive Director  

Pay: $21.50-25.08/hour

Position Summary

Opal Family Services is a not for profit, charitable organization that provides support and programs to families who have a child or adult dependent with an intellectual or physical disability.  Opal has been serving families in the greater Fredericton area since 1984 and has provides direct support and programs to 180 families (over 200 individuals). 

 The Youth Program Manager plays a key leadership role in the planning, delivery, and evaluation of programs and services for children and youth with disabilities. This position is responsible for managing youth-focused programs and supervising program staff to ensure high-quality, inclusive, and supportive experiences for participants. The Youth Program Manager works directly with families to assess their needs and develop individualized plans that support respite, social engagement, recreation, and emotional well-being. The Manager also provides guidance to families in navigating and accessing community and governmental resources for their child with a disability. In addition to direct family support, the Youth Program Manager oversees the recruitment, training, and supervision of youth program staff. The ideal candidate is a compassionate, organized professional who enjoys working with children/youth with disabilities and their families and has strong leadership skills to guide a dedicated team.

 We are looking for someone to join a small and ambitious team of dedicated staff who provide exceptional service to families with children with disabilities in the greater Fredericton area. We pride ourselves on our creative, inclusive and friendly working environment. This is a great opportunity to work in a supportive team, gain experience, and have the opportunity to assist in program development, group facilitation, and expansion.

Responsibilities

  • Providing support to parents/caregivers

  • Providing support to individuals with disabilities

  • Referring families to community and governmental resources as necessary

  • Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams to provide intensive support to children/youth with complex needs

  • Recruiting, screening, and training, and supervision of volunteers and paid staff for Camp Wonder and Kids Club

  • Designing and facilitating a variety of groups (including Opal’s Teen Group, Kids Club, Parent/Caregiver Support Group, Summer Respite Programs, and Camp Wonder)

  • Advocating for clients and families

  • Partnering with other agencies in the disability support sector to enhance our service to clients and families

  • Supervising students completing placements

  • Maintaining detailed records of interventions with families, group attendance, volunteer hours, and student placement hours

  • Organizing large events and small groups to foster peer to peer connections for families with a loved one with disabilities

  • Working independently as well as collaboratively with the Opal staff and other community agencies

  • Fundraising

  • Other duties as required

Skills and Qualities

Essential:

  • Minimum education: Bachelor’s degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, or a related field or relevant experience

  • Comfortable developing and facilitating groups

  • Well organized and able to independently manage tasks and work plan

  • Excellent communication skills including public speaking, workshop facilitation, written communication

  • Computer skills including Word, Excel

  • Valid driver’s licence, access to vehicle with $2 million liability insurance

  • Valid First Aid/CPR certification

  • Training in Non-Violent Crisis Intervention

Assets

  • Experience in the non-profit sector

  • Experience with children or adults with disabilities

  • Experience working with a vulnerable population

  • Experience teaching or facilitating workshops

  • Computer skills including web design and maintenance, Canva, and simply accounting

  • Bilingualism (English/French)

Opal Family Services is dedicated to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of the community in which we serve and are committed to providing an inclusive and accessible workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all races, ethnic origins, religions, abilities, gender identities and sexual orientations. If you require any accommodation for the recruitment process and/or the role, please let us know in your application.

To apply, please email your cover letter and resume to Laura George at laura@opalfamilyservices.ca.  Only applicants selected for an interview will be contacted.  For applicants selected for an interview, please bring the names and contact information for 3 references, (2 references must be current or past supervisors/managers). This role involves working with a vulnerable population so a vulnerable sector check and a social development check will be required.