Program Director Jobs

Halifax Association for Community Living (HACL) is a not-for-profit, charitable organization serving adults, youth, and children with special needs and their families in the Halifax Regional Municipality. HACL believes that all people should be accepted as responsible, contributing members of their family and society and offers people-centered and holistic services. HACL works and advocates to ensure that persons with special needs are included in our community.

The Inclusion Services Program (ISP) is HACL’s key community outreach program. The program helps people understand all the elements they need to consider in order to make life transitions as smooth as possible. People with special needs and their families are supported through casework, education, connections with community resources, and through HACL resources and workshops.

Position Summary

The Program Director is responsible for the implementation, management, supervision and evaluation of the Inclusion Services Program in accordance with the standards set out by HACL and its funders. As the senior staff person, the Director participates in strategic planning and budgeting initiatives in addition to problem solving. S/he works within the guidelines, policies and mission of HACL and will be accountable and responsible for specific projects as assigned. The Program Director works on the ground in the community and also with a volunteer Board of Directors.

• Provide transition planning for families throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality who have a family member with special needs, using creative, person-directed plans;

• Provide supportive counseling to clients and their families;

• Build family capacity to become effective advocates for their family member;

• Develop funding proposals for the program to ensure the continuous delivery of services;

• Develop a program evaluation framework;

• Supervise staff and/or volunteers;

• Manage and evaluate the ISP online/social media presence (Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, website);

• Host awareness sessions and workshops; and

• Liaise with service providers, funders, and community resources.

Qualifications and Requirements

Our ideal candidate will have a background in social work, human services, case management, life skills training, disability services, employment programs, or the equivalent. Administrative skills and financial management skills are essential to this position. The ideal candidate will also have a good level of computer literacy. The ideal candidate will have experience creating work plans and budgets, effectively meeting deadlines and building relationships with stakeholders and funders. Effective communication, both orally and in writing, is necessary. The candidate will be responsible for reporting to a volunteer Board of Directors. Finally, experience in group facilitation and conflict resolution is essential.

Child Abuse Records, Criminal Records and Vulnerable Sector Checks are required.

It will be considered an asset if:

• You are self-motivated, resourceful, creative, and flexible;

• You are able to work independently and as part of a team;

• You are able to work flexible hours;

• You have access to a vehicle; and

• You have knowledge of QuickBooks.

HACL is committed to diversity, and we welcome all suitably qualified applicants from all backgrounds to apply. Applications will be accepted on an ongoing basis until suitable candidates are found. No phone calls please.