Part Time Program Instructor - Adapted Arts

Town of Ajax; Ajax; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 37,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Access to an Employee & Family Service

Health & Wellness Program

Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo

Defined pension plan (OMERS pension)

Job summary

Town of Ajax is seeking a Program Instructor for Adapted Arts to develop and implement a 6-9 week program for children and young adults with special needs, covering performance and visual arts.

The role requires teaching beginners, ensuring safety, coordinating with the Community Recreation Coordinator and support staff, and maintaining strong communication with participants and families.

Qualifications

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older.
• Minimum 1 year of teaching/coaching performance and/or visual arts and/or leadership skills and a combination of training, education, and experience deemed equivalent.
• Minimum 2-3 years of advanced skills/experience relevant to the activity being taught, acquired through multiple years of participation and lessons.
• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreation programs and services.
• Experience working with children/youth in a recreational setting.
• Current Standard First Aid certification with CPR C certification.
• HIGH FIVE ® – Principles of Healthy Child Development.
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search) that is current (completed within the last six months), upon being hired.

Responsibilities

• Develops and implements a safe and enjoyable 6-9 week program for children/adults ages 5 to 21, under the supervision of the Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in performance arts such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary etc., as well as dramatic arts including drama, improv, musical theatre etc.
• Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in visual arts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, colour theory etc.
• Assists in the development and implementation of special needs programming in conjunction with supervisor.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Creates an environment where participants strive to participate fully, perform to the best of their ability, and learn new skills.

Skills

Teaching experience

Leadership skills

First Aid CPR

High Five program

Criminal background check

Job description

Program Instructor, Adapted Arts

Reporting to the Community Recreation Coordinator, the Program Instructor is accountable for planning and implementation of a safe and enjoyable beginner to intermediate program, teaching the fundamentals of the specified sport, art, dance, general interest, Leadership, etc. The Program Instructor, Adapted Arts is accountable for teaching participants with special needs a variety of performance and visual arts, focusing on beginners, and implementing a safe, enjoyable and diverse program for participants. The Program Instructor, Adapted Arts is responsible for the general supervision of participants and direct program instruction.

Job Summary

Develops and implements a safe and enjoyable 6-9 week program for children/adults ages 5 to 21, under the supervision of the Community Recreation Coordinator. Current program requirements are: Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in performance arts such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary etc., as well as dramatic arts including drama, improv, musical theatre etc. Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in visual arts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, colour theory etc. Assists in the development and implementation of special needs programming in conjunction with supervisor. Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience. Creates an environment where participants strive to participate fully, perform to the best of their ability, and learn new skills. Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, parents, colleagues, and supervisors. Working in a collaborative context with support staff. Leads groups of program participants and ensures the safety and well-being of your assigned class. Provides an individualized approach that assists with the mastery of skills and development within the program. Ensures that the necessary equipment and supplies are available, and that such equipment and supplies are maintained in a safe condition. Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents, problems and emergencies, as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures. Ensures that the attendance sheets are completed accurately every week and submitted to the appropriate supervisor at the end of each session. Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, and the Community Recreation Coordinator. Ensures the class is prepared before the participants arrive and that it is clean after the students leave. Ensures the safety and well-being of your assigned class. Abides by the Town of Ajax policies and acts in a professional manner at all times. Ensures effective public relations, and problem solves as necessary. Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program.

Job Duties

• Develops and implements a safe and enjoyable 6-9 week program for children/adults ages 5 to 21, under the supervision of the Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in performance arts such as ballet, hip hop, jazz, contemporary etc., as well as dramatic arts including drama, improv, musical theatre etc.
• Instruct beginners on fundamental skills in visual arts such as drawing, painting, sculpting, mixed media, colour theory etc.
• Assists in the development and implementation of special needs programming in conjunction with supervisor.
• Creates an environment that fosters a positive and inclusive program experience.
• Creates an environment where participants strive to participate fully, perform to the best of their ability, and learn new skills.
• Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, parents, colleagues, and supervisors.
• Working in a collaborative context with support staff.
• Leads groups of program participants and ensures the safety and well-being of your assigned class.
• Provides an individualized approach that assists with the mastery of skills and development within the program.
• Ensures that the necessary equipment and supplies are available, and that such equipment and supplies are maintained in a safe condition.
• Takes appropriate action to deal with incidents, problems and emergencies, as outlined in the departmental policies and procedures.
• Ensures that the attendance sheets are completed accurately every week and submitted to the appropriate supervisor at the end of each session.
• Works cooperatively and maintains ongoing and effective communication with participants, and the Community Recreation Coordinator.
• Ensures the class is prepared before the participants arrive and that it is clean after the students leave.
• Ensures the safety and well-being of your assigned class.
• Abides by the Town of Ajax policies and acts in a professional manner at all times.
• Ensures effective public relations, and problem solves as necessary.
• Performs administrative tasks necessary to support the program.

Qualifications / Skills

• Must be a minimum of 16 years of age or older.
• Minimum 1 year of teaching/coaching performance and/or visual arts and/or leadership skills and a combination of training, education, and experience deemed equivalent.
• Minimum 2-3 years of advanced skills/experience relevant to the activity being taught, acquired through multiple years of participation and lessons.
• Knowledge and experience related to the delivery of recreation programs and services.
• Experience working with children/youth in a recreational setting.
• Current Standard First Aid certification with CPR C certification.
• HIGH FIVE ® – Principles of Healthy Child Development.
• Able to provide a clear Criminal Reference Check (including Vulnerable Sector Search) that is current (completed within the last six months), upon being hired.

Compensation

We offer competitive pay that reflects the responsibilities of the position. Salary range: $24.62 - $26.77.

Hours of Work

This is a non-union position that works up to 24 hours per week on weekday evenings.

Location

Shifts will be worked offsite at Grandview Kids – Jerry Coughlan Building, located at 1461 Harwood Ave., N, Ajax, L1T 4T9.

Town Perks

• Access to an Employee & Family Service Program
• Health & Wellness Program
• Town of Ajax Fitness Centre Combo Membership
• Defined pension plan (OMERS pension)

Key Dates for Seasonal Programs

• Interview: November 10/11, 2026
• Staff Training: January 6, 2027
• Programs begin: January 13, 2027

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, racialised 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.

Personal Information

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.

Artificial Intelligence (AI)

We utilize AI solely for the purpose of anonymizing the application process to help ensure fairness and equity.

Please note that AI is not used to screen candidates or make decisions regarding their suitability for any role.

Town Background

The success of the Town depends largely on the employees. Staff are relied upon day in and day out – whether it is for issuing a marriage license, maintaining a local park, fighting a fire, processing a tax bill, planning a new subdivision, instructing a fitness class, or plowing snow. The employees are the Town's Ambassadors.

Take a moment to explore our current job openings and apply for those that align with your interests and qualifications. If nothing piques your interest at this time, consider signing up for a Job Alert or visiting us again soon to explore new opportunities. For information about the application process, please visit www.ajax.ca/careers.

Thanks for your interest in the Town of Ajax! The Town of Ajax, situated on the northern shore of Lake Ontario, is an innovative municipal sector leader that provides a variety of services to one of the fastest growing communities in Ontario. With over 130,000 residents, Ajax's rich heritage and culturally diverse community make it a great place to work and live.