2027 Program Director, Inclusion for Summer

Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 38,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health & Wellness Program

Fitness Centre Combo Membership

OMERS pension plan

Job summary

The Town of Ajax is seeking a Program Director for Inclusion to supervise Summer Inclusion Services and ensure safe, inclusive playground and camp programs. You will lead a team of 18 Inclusion Support Staff, 2 Program Supervisors – Inclusion, and volunteers, guiding staff through incidents, emergencies, and behavior plans.

You will collaborate with other program leaders, review goals with supervisors, and help develop staff through specialized Inclusion Services training.

Qualifications

• Must have Grade 12 high school diploma or equivalent.
• Minimum 3 years' experience in inclusive recreation/camps.
• Experience leading or supervising staff/volunteers.
• Valid Ontario G2 license with clean abstract and daily vehicle access.
• Clear Criminal Reference Check with Vulnerable Sector screening.

Responsibilities

• Oversees safe, enjoyable and inclusive playground/camp programs.
• Provides leadership to 18 Inclusion Support Staff, 2 Supervisors–Inclusion, volunteers.
• Address incidents, emergencies, and behaviour concerns per department policies.
• Support program directors in camps and playgrounds and provide staff training.

Skills

Communication skills

Leadership

Behaviour management

Time management

Education

Grade 12 high school diploma

Post‑secondary recreation education

Tools

First Aid CPR C

HIGH FIVE

Behaviour Management Systems

Criminal Reference Check

Job description

Department Recreation & Culture

Job Type: Temporary. Number of Positions: 1. Affiliation: Non-Union.

Job Summary

Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, the Program Director - Inclusion is accountable for the overall supervision and administration of Summer Inclusion Services operations. Job Duties Include Oversees and ensures the implementation of safe, enjoyable and inclusive playground and camp programs, for participants supported by Inclusion Support Services and unsupported participants with special needs. Provides leadership to a team of 18 Inclusion Support Staff, 2 Program Supervisors – Inclusion, and volunteers and ensures that programs run smoothly during their shift. Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents, problems, emergencies experienced by the Inclusion Services Team, as outlined in the Departmental Policies and Procedures. Lends assistance and guidance to the Program Director – Camps and Playgrounds and the Program Supervisor – Camp, and Program Supervisor – Playgrounds in regard to behaviour management and unsupported participants. Reviews daily, weekly, and monthly participant and staff goals with the Program Supervisors – Inclusion. Provides guidance and an action plan for the Program Supervisors – Inclusion to implement on-site to help develop a unified and knowledgeable staff team. Ensures the inclusion of campers with special needs by supporting Inclusion Support Staff and the wider camp team (Program Director – Camp and Playground, Supervisor – Camps and Playgrounds, Camp Counsellors, and Playground Leaders) Participates in confidential meetings with families/caregivers to complete confidential participant needs assessment profiles, gathers information, creates and approves behaviour support plans. Assists in the selection, supervision, and evaluation of all camp staff, Inclusion Support Staff, and Supervisor – Inclusion. Actively involved in the creation, planning, organization, and implementation of staff specialized Inclusion Services training.

Qualifications / Skills

Completion of Grade 12 High School Diploma or equivalent is required. Minimum 3 years of knowledge and experience related to the delivery of inclusive and adaptive recreational programs and camps. Minimum 3 years’ experience leading or supervising or a combination of training, education and experience deemed equivalent. Experience working with children, youth, and young adults with special needs. Special needs resource knowledge and programming skills is required. Ability to design, develop, and lead specialized trainings to a staff team. Strong behaviour management skills. Ability to develop, design, and approve participant behaviour support plans. Valid Class ‘G2’ Ontario driver's license with a clear driver's abstract and access to daily use of a personal vehicle is required. Valid Class ‘G’ Ontario driver’s license is preferred. Excellent organization, time management and planning skills. Self-motivated, positive, confident and approachable. Ability to work with minimal supervision. Strong oral and written communication skills. Current Standard: First Aid with CPR C certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027). HIGH FIVE - Principles of Healthy Child Development certification (If hired, must be obtained by June 8, 2027). Willingness to obtain Behaviour Management Systems certification. Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference Check (with Vulnerable Sector screening) that is current (completed in the last 6 months), upon being hired. Must be available to work the full 8 weeks of Summer (June 30 - August 27, 2027) including mandatory training dates (Orientation, BMST, Staff Training). Nice to Have: Post‑secondary education in Recreation, Therapeutic Recreation, PSW/DSW, Social Work, or Education program is preferred. HIGH FIVE Quest 2 certification is preferred.

What is Offered to Staff

Rate of Pay: $25.05 - $27.24 per hour*. *Please note: advertised pay rates are effective January 1, 2027.

Hours of Work: Monday to Friday – 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Staff may be asked to work additional hours at before and after care: 7:15 a.m. to 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. 5:45 p.m.

Town Perks: The Town offers temporary staff access to a Health & Wellness Program, Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership and a defined pension plan (OMERS pension - https://www.omers.com/).

Key Dates for Summer Camps/Playgrounds

Promotional Interviews – Week of February 15 or 23, 2027. Behaviour Management Systems Training – Recertification – April 8, 2027, May 12, 2027, May 20, 2027, or June 3, 2027. Behaviour Management Systems Training – Full Certification – May 27, 2027, June 9, 2027, or June 17, 2027. Corporate Training – June 8, 2027. Summer Staff Training – June 22, 2027, June 24, 2027, June 25, 2027, June 28, 2027, June 29, 2027 and June 30, 2027. Camps begin – June 30, 2027. Playgrounds begin – July 5, 2027. Camps/Playgrounds end – August 27, 2027*. *. Contracts may be extended to end on September 3, 2027 for Camp Finale. Please note: This posting is for the purpose of returning camp staff to express their interest in transferring into the Program Director, Inclusion position during Summer 2027. However, exact staffing needs for Summer 2027 are still being assessed at this time. Position changes and promotional interviews will only take place for vacant positions.

Vacancy Statement

All job postings issued by the Town of Ajax are intended to fill existing vacant positions unless otherwise stated.

Equal Opportunity Employer

The Town of Ajax is committed to employment equity and building a workplace where all employees feel valued, respected and supported. We welcome applications from candidates of all backgrounds, especially those who have been historically excluded, including Black and Indigenous people, racialized communities, disabled persons, 2SLGBTQIA+ individuals, and others facing systemic inequities. If selected for an interview, you will be provided with an opportunity to indicate your access needs. We are committed to ensuring an accessible and respectful hiring process. If you would like to request content in an alternate format, please contact Human Resources by emailing [e-mail]. Personal information collected through the recruitment process will be used solely to determine eligibility for employment. We thank all candidates in advance; however, only those being considered for an interview will be contacted.