Location: John W. Lindsay YMCA
Position Status: Part-Time Contract (with possibility of renewal) or
Volunteer
Compensation: Commensurate with experience for contract positions;
volunteer opportunities are also available.
There is potential inside all of us – we all have it in us to shine.
Every charity exists to help solve a problem – our charity exists to
help solve many problems, from childcare shortages and social isolation to
mental health challenges, access to wellness, and more.
Today, our network spans more than 100 program locations across Halifax
Regional Municipality and throughout Nova Scotia, meeting the most urgent needs
of our communities through mental health supports, accessible childcare,
services for an increasing immigrant population, safe spaces for youth to grow
and lead, employment support in a changing labour market, wellness programming
for all, and opportunities for isolated older adults to build meaningful
connections.
We give people the tools, encouragement, and safe space to discover
their inner strength. When people know someone is in their corner, offering
unconditional support, they realize they can do more than they thought
possible. It is your support, expertise, and guidance that helps individuals
ignite their full potential and shape our neighbourhoods into vibrant, healthy
communities.
With us at their side, they can Shine On.
As Part of Your Total Compensation
- Staff
discounts on select YMCA certifications
- Opportunity
to participate in the YMCA referral incentive program
- Access to
YMCA Canada’s Learning Management System, featuring training on a wide
range of topics related to health and wellbeing, program delivery, and
child safeguarding
About the Role
We are growing, and so is the demand for our registered six-week
specialty programs. To better serve our members, we are expanding our team of
Specialty Program Instructors to support individuals seeking focused
instruction and coaching in areas such as art, sports, recreation, martial
arts, music, and other specialty interests.
Reporting to either the Adult Recreation Coordinator or the Child &
Youth Program Coordinator, this role focuses on delivering engaging programs
that ignite potential in youth, nurture wellness, and strengthen our community.
As a Specialty Program Instructor, you play a vital role in supporting
YMCA members and non-members who are looking to learn a new skill, deepen their
knowledge of a specific topic, and connect with others. Specialty Program
Instructors serve as YMCA ambassadors by providing exceptional customer
service, maintaining safe and welcoming program spaces, and creating positive
experiences that help participants achieve their goals.
In This Role, You Will
- Propose a
six-week specialty program, including its primary goals, lesson plans,
participant progression, and adaptations for varying abilities and
learning needs.
- Demonstrate
how you would lead your proposed program as part of the interview process.
- Deliver a
six-week specialty program for a target participant group identified
during the planning process.
- Maintain
seven weeks of availability in case program launch is postponed by one
week due to minimum registration requirements not being met.
- Supervise
participants and provide coaching, support, feedback, and encouragement as
needed.
- Promote
YMCA programs and services that support participant wellbeing and enhance
the overall YMCA experience.
- Build
strong and supportive relationships with participants, members, visitors,
staff, and volunteers.
- Ensure
participants follow YMCA etiquette and age-related policies for program
spaces.
- Maintain
clean, organized, and safe program and facility spaces.
- Ensure
equipment and facilities are in good working condition and report concerns
promptly.
- Follow all
YMCA policies, procedures, safe work practices, and reporting
requirements.
- Demonstrate
excellent customer service by greeting members within five feet and
acknowledging members within ten feet.
- Proactively
assist members and visitors who require support.
- Identify
opportunities to enhance participant engagement and satisfaction.
- Ensure
effective internal and external communication, including timely responses
to program inquiries.
Education and Skills Qualifications
- Current
Intermediate Workplace First Aid and CPR Level C certification if
proposing a program involving physical activity, recreation, sport, or
fitness.
- Strong
interest in health, fitness, recreation, and overall wellbeing, with a
passion for teaching others.
- Ability to
develop a detailed program plan and participant progression framework.
- Strong
customer service skills with the ability to build positive relationships
and establish rapport.
- Excellent
organizational, time management, problem-solving, and initiative-taking
skills.
- Willingness
to learn and obtain YMCA-specific certifications, where required.
- Bilingual
or multilingual abilities are considered an asset.
- Excellent
verbal and written communication skills.
- Self-motivated
with strong attention to detail.
- Ability to
commit to contracted program hours, plus one additional week if required
due to delayed program start.
- One to two
years of experience as a certified coach, instructor, or professional in
your field is preferred but not required.
To Apply
Please apply online at ymcahfx.ca/workwithus/ at least 12
weeks prior to your planned program start date.
All program details must be finalized at least six weeks prior to
launch and/or one month before the start of the season. If you
already have a completed six-week program plan, we encourage you to upload it
along with your resume and cover letter to help expedite the review process.
Successful Candidates Must Provide
- Criminal
Record Check, Vulnerable Sector Check, and Child Abuse Register Check
(issued within the last six months) if 18 years of age or older
- Valid
Intermediate First Aid and CPR-C certification
Please note that background checks are reviewed on an individual basis.
Any offenses will be considered in relation to the requirements of the role and
YMCA Child Safeguarding standards and may not automatically eliminate
candidates from consideration.
Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Belonging
At the YMCA, we are committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and
equitable workplace where every team member feels valued, respected, and
empowered to bring their full, authentic selves to work. We believe that a
variety of perspectives, backgrounds, and experiences strengthen our
organization, enabling us to better serve our communities and fulfill our
mission.
As an equal opportunity employer, we welcome applications from
individuals of all backgrounds, including Black, Indigenous, and People of
Colour; racially diverse individuals; members of the 2SLGBTQIA+ community;
gender-diverse individuals; people with disabilities; members of ethnic
minority and faith communities; foreign-born residents; and veterans.
If you require accommodation during the hiring process, please let us
know in advance so that reasonable and appropriate accommodations can be
arranged.
