Inclusion Specialist (Recreation Services)

City of Guelph; Guelph; On-site; CAD 86,000 - 108,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid vacation days

Personal days

OMERS pension with employer matching

Extended health and dental benefits

Employee assistance program

Parental leave top up

Tuition assistance

Flexible hybrid work arrangement

Job summary

The City of Guelph is seeking an Inclusion Specialist – Recreation Services to develop, implement, and evaluate municipal inclusion programs that enable participation for people with barriers. Reporting to the Manager of Recreation, Community Partnerships and Strategic Projects, you will lead training and support staff, partners, and volunteers to deliver accessible programs.

Hybrid work arrangement, 35 hours weekly, with duties across recreation facilities city-wide, and a focus on inclusion

Qualifications

• University degree in Social Services, Health Sciences, Developmental Services, Recreation/OT, Social Work, or related field.
• 2-3 years coordinating Inclusion Programming in municipal/educational setting.
• 3-5 years working with individuals with disabilities in recreation/support services.
• 1-2 years mentoring staff and volunteers in a service environment.
• Valid Class G driver’s license with good driving record.

Responsibilities

• Develop, implement, and evaluate inclusive recreation programs and supports.
• Recruit, train, schedule, mentor and evaluate staff and volunteers.
• Coordinate inclusion placements across City recreation programs and camps.
• Collaborate with staff to review and improve year-round programs for participants with disabilities.
• Lead inclusion trainings and workshops for staff and volunteers.
• Develop participation plans with families to ensure safe, meaningful experiences.
• Build partnerships with community agencies and funders.

Skills

Inclusion programming

Staff mentorship

Community engagement

Program development

Communication skills

Interpersonal skills

Customer service

Digital literacy

Education

University degree in Social Services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Perfect Mind

Job description

Job Summary

Service Area: Public Services Department: Culture and Recreation Work Location: Various Recreation Facilities across the City Work Mode: Hybrid Job Type and Duration: Permanent, Full Time Vacancy Position Availability: 1 existing vacant position(s) Salary Range: $86,457.28-$108,071.60 per year Affiliation: Non-Union Posting Period: August 7, 2026 to August 31, 2026 11:59 p.m.

When you join the City of Guelph, you join a team of over 2000 employees who deliver services the community relies on every day. Together, we are bringing to life Guelph’s vision of an inclusive, connected, and prosperous city where we look after each other and our environment. As a single tier municipality, we offer a variety of occupations and career specialities within our organization. Guided by the goals and objectives of the Future Guelph: Strategic Plan and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

What we offer

We offer competitive wages and comprehensive benefits to meet the needs of our diverse employees. Many of our positions offer:

• Paid vacation days, increasing with years of service


• Paid personal days;


• Defined benefit pension plan with OMERS, including 100-per-cent employer matching;


• Extended health and dental benefits, including Health Care Spending Account;


• Employee and Family Assistance Program;


• Parental leave top up program;


• Learning and development opportunities including tuition assistance


• Employee recognition programs.

Position Overview

Resumes are being accepted for the position of Inclusion Specialist – Recreation Services. Reporting to the Manager of Recreation, Community Partnerships and Strategic Projects, the successful candidate will develop, implement, and evaluate municipal Inclusion programs and services that meet the needs of community members living with barriers to participating in recreation programming. Guided by the goals and objectives of the City of Guelph’s Corporate Strategic Plan and Parks and Recreation Masterplan, and committed to the Corporate Values of integrity, service, inclusion, wellness and learning, the candidate will aid in the achievement of the Community Vision for an inclusive, connected, prosperous city.

Key duties and responsibilities

• Develop and implement inclusive practices in recreation program planning, development, and delivery to ensure community members living with barriers to access are supported and successfully integrated into programs.


• Develop, design, implement, and continuously improve inclusive and accessible Recreation programs.


• Support the recruitment, training, scheduling, mentorship and evaluation of staff and volunteers.


• Coordinate inclusion placements and supports for all City of Guelph recreation programs and camps.


• Work cooperatively with other recreation staff to review, develop, implement and evaluate year-round recreational programs and camps – to ensure opportunities for, and the integration of, participants living with a disability.


• Lead City of Guelph Summer Camp Inclusion adaptations including program planning, inclusion camp offerings, implements camp adaptations.


• Develops and leads all Inclusion trainings and workshops.


• Develop program participation plans with patrons and families to ensure successful participation, reduce barriers to participation and work with patron’s expanded support network to ensure a safe, meaningful and relevant program experience.


• Liaise with Community agencies and stakeholders to foster a collective approach for support and service delivery.


• Provide consultation, education, intervention strategies, problem solving and mediation to individuals living with disabilities, families, municipal staff, affiliates and social service. agencies to ensure meaningful participation and equitable access to municipal recreation programs and services.


• Review legislation, standards and trends in accessibility and determine their applicability to the City’s recreation operations.


• Build strong, trusting relationships with participants and families to support individualized success and retention


• Develop partnerships with community agencies, schools, and organizations to expand reach and impact


• Work closely with and support program participants and families to ensure safe, equitable and accessible access to City of Guelph Recreation Programs.


• Prepare weekly payroll of all program staff and submit same for approval.


• Develop and maintain the City of Guelph’s Inclusion Manuals, SOP and Training Resources.


• Research and provide guidance on funding/grant proposals and partnership agreements that support the development of Inclusion programs and initiatives


• Prepare seasonal program brochure data and other marketing initiatives to promote Inclusion Services and Programs


• Perform other related duties as assigned

Qualifications and requirements

• Experience related to the duties listed above, normally acquired through a University Degree in Social Services, Health Sciences, Developmental Services, Recreation/Occupational Therapy, Social Work, or a related discipline. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education and experience will be considered.


• 2-3 years’ experience coordinating Inclusion Programming and Supports in a municipal or educational environment.


• 3-5 years’ experience working directly with children, youth and adults living with disabilities in a Recreation and/or Support Services setting.


• 1-2 years’ experience motivating, training and mentoring part-time and seasonal staff and volunteers in a service-oriented environment.


• A valid Class G drivers licence with a good driving record. Successful candidates will be required to provide a current driver’s abstract prior to their start date to confirm their licence is held in good standing and that it has not been suspended or revoked under the Highway Traffic Act (HTA) or Criminal Code of Canada in the last 5 years. The City of Guelph will take into consideration the number of demerit points and/or nature of the infractions to determine if it meets our requirements.


• Theoretical and practical knowledge of various disabilities, behaviour management strategies, crisis interventions, person directed planning, intake processes, and family development/dynamics.


• Working knowledge of applicable legislation, including the Accessibility for Ontarians with a Disability Act, the Ontario Human Rights Code, and the Child and Family Services Act.


• Experience building relationships with community service providers and funders, including developing and reporting on grant applications to government, charitable and private-sector funding sources.


• Excellent interpersonal, communication and customer service skills, with the ability to work effectively with staff, stakeholders, and the public, and resolve inquiries and concerns in a professional manner.


• Demonstrated organizational, analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to manage confidential and sensitive information with discretion.


• Knowledge of the Occupational Health and Safety Act.


• Intermediate skills in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook).


• Must obtain and maintain a valid First Aid/CPR Certificate.


• A satisfactory Police Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check will be required at time of offer.


• High Five PHCD and Quest 2 Certification considered an asset.


• Experience with Perfect Mind is considered an asset.


• Current BMST, PMAB, NVCI or equivalent certification considered an asset.


• Flexibility to work at different facility locations.

Hours of work

35 hours per week, Monday to Friday, between the hours of 8:30 a.m and 4:30 p.m. This position is eligible for hybrid and flexible work arrangement options (as per current corporate policy).

Hiring Process Transparency

The City of Guelph is committed to fair and transparent recruitment practices. Candidates who participate in an interview for this position will be notified of the hiring decision within 45 days of their interview. Notifications will be provided in writing, or through technology.

Commitment to Diversity & Accessibility

The City of Guelph is an equal opportunity employer. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive workplace where employees feel welcome, valued and engaged. Our employment policies strictly prohibit all forms of discrimination on any of the grounds in relevant laws. All employment practices are solely based on individual merit, qualifications, and organization's needs at the time. In keeping with the Ontario Human Rights Code and the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, we are committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodation for qualified individuals in our job application procedures. If you need an accommodation in order to participate in the hiring process, you may contact us to make your needs known in advance.

Privacy Notice

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.