Program Instructor

Variety Village; Toronto; On-site; CAD 23,419 - 26,174; Part time

Job summary

Variety Village is seeking a Program Instructor to support planning and delivery of inclusive recreational programs for diverse abilities at 3701 Danforth Ave, Scarborough, ON. The role is on-site, on-call/part-time, with responsibilities for safe, engaging experiences and accommodation of individual needs.

The successful candidate will adapt activities, supervise participants, and maintain records, reporting to Program Coordinators.

Qualifications

• Minimum age 15 years old and legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Valid National Lifeguard – Pool certification is required.
• Standard First Aid/Intermediate First Aid certification is required.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities is an asset.
• Ability to plan, adapt, and deliver inclusive activities for diverse groups.

Responsibilities

• Plan, organize, and deliver programs per Variety Village standards.
• Ensure safety and well-being of participants during activities.
• Lead groups in structured, inclusive, engaging activities.
• Adapt instructions to meet individual needs of participants with disabilities.
• Maintain attendance and required documentation; respond to incidents as needed.
• Communicate program updates to Program Coordinators in a timely manner.

Skills

Leadership

Communication

Teamwork

Organizational skills

Adaptability

Education

National Lifeguard – Pool certification

Standard First Aid / Intermediate First Aid

Job description

Key Details:

Job Title: Program Instructor

Type: On-Call/Part-Time Contract.

Location: 3701 Danforth Avenue, Scarborough, ON M1N 2G2. This is a fully on-site position.

Rate: $18.25 per hour

Deadline: Submission of Online Application Form and a scheduled group interview time must be completed no later than August 14th, 2026.

Reports to: Program Coordinators

Vacancy: This is a position to be filled.

AI Disclosure: Variety does not use artificial intelligence or automated tools to screen, assess, or make hiring decisions. All applications are reviewed by our hiring team.

Variety is committed to building an inclusive workplace that embraces diversity, values differences, and supports the full participation of all employees. We welcome applications from those who are passionate about contributing to a workplace culture where everyone feels valued and included. We welcome applications from racialized persons/persons of colour, Indigenous persons, persons with disabilities, 2S & LGBTQIA+ persons, and anyone who can add to the diversity of our team.

About Us:

VARIETY GROUP OF COMPANIES OVERVIEW

There are three companies that make up the Variety Group of Companies (Variety):

• Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario)
• Variety Village
• Variety Club of Ontario – Tent 28

Variety - the Children’s Charity (Ontario) supports programming for children with a disability at Variety Village and throughout the province. Variety programming is inclusive and powered by sport, transforming the lives of individuals and families, while creating more inclusive communities across Ontario.

Variety -the Children’s Charity (Ontario) is funded through individual donors, corporate sponsorship, fundraising activities, federal and provincial governments, and foundations.

Variety - the Children's Charity (Ontario) is part of an international charity that has been in operation since 1928. The charity began in Pittsburgh and spread throughout the United States. The chapter in Ontario was the first chapter outside the United States and is now one of the 5 Variety Chapters in Canada. It was founded in 1945, and the original mission of the charity was to build a school for boys with a disability who could not receive an education in the mainstream school system. The school was called Variety Village.

Variety Village operated as a school until it became a centre of para-sport excellence.

Since the 1970s, Variety athletes and coaches have represented Canada at every summer Paralympic games. Currently, Variety Village is a 170,000 square foot facility and operates as a fitness centre for the general community as well as offering programs, training and camps for children of all ages and abilities.

Vision Statement:

“A Welcoming Community and World-Renowned Facility that Empowers All.”

Mission Statement:

“As a Charity, we embrace a people first philosophy, prioritizing inclusivity and support for all. Our Mission is to empower individuals to connect, thrive, and achieve their personal bests.”

Values:

Inclusivity: We host events, deliver programs, and create programs for all.

Respect: We foster a culture of mutual and equal respect.

Trust: We create a safe and trustworthy environment for active participation and are a trusted source of expertise.

Empowerment: We facilitate personal growth and development.

The Opportunity:

Program Instructors are responsible for supporting the planning and delivery of inclusive recreational programs for individuals of diverse abilities. The successful candidate will create safe, engaging, and positive learning experiences that support participants’ unique needs while promoting physical activity, skill development, confidence, and social connection.

Program Instructors will provide leadership, adapt activities to support accessibility, and foster an environment where all participants feel welcomed, included, and successful.

Key Areas of Responsibility:

• Plan, organize, and deliver assigned programs in alignment with Variety Village program standards and objectives.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of all participants throughout program activities.
• Lead groups through structured activities in a safe, organized, inclusive, and engaging manner.
• Create positive participant experiences by encouraging participation, teamwork, confidence, and relationship-building among peers.
• Adapt activities, instruction, and program delivery to meet the individual needs and abilities of participants with disabilities.
• Promote an inclusive environment that supports participation and belonging for all individuals.
• Enforce program guidelines, facility policies, and safety procedures to ensure a safe program environment.
• Maintain accurate attendance records and complete required documentation, including incident and accident reports, as required.
• Respond appropriately to medical, behavioural, and customer service situations within programs, including acting as a first responder when necessary.
• Manage participant needs and address situations independently when full-time staff are not immediately available.
• Communicate program concerns, incidents, and participant updates to Program Coordinators in a timely manner.
• Participate in seasonal in-service training sessions and ongoing staff development.
• Participate in Plan to Protect training and adhere to Variety Village policies, procedures, and safeguarding practices.
• Perform other related duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Key Competencies:

• Minimum age of 15 years old and legally eligible to work in Canada.
• Valid National Lifeguard – Pool certification and Standard First Aid/Intermediate First Aid certification required.
• Additional first aid certifications such as Airway Management or Basic Life Support are considered an asset.
• HIGH FIVE® Principles of Healthy Child Development and/or Crisis Prevention Intervention (CPI) certification is considered an asset.
• Previous experience and/or education in recreation, sports, physical education, child and youth programming, education, or a related field is considered an asset.
• Experience working with individuals with disabilities and/or behavioural support needs in a variety of settings.
• Strong understanding of program adaptations, inclusive practices, and behaviour management strategies.
• Strong leadership, communication, teamwork, and organizational skills.
• Ability to plan, coordinate, and deliver engaging activities for diverse groups.
• Knowledge and understanding of Variety Village programs, services, and facility operations is considered an asset.
• Previous experience working with customers, members, participants, or the public.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to respond calmly and effectively in changing situations.
• Ability to work independently while contributing positively as part of a team.
• Ability to work flexible hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays as required.

We thank all applicants for their interest. Please note that only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.

For more information, please visit: www.varietyvillage.ca