Seniors Wellness Coordinator

at  Niagara Region

ABOUT US

Serving a diverse urban and rural population of more than 475,000, Niagara Region is focused on building a strong and prosperous Niagara. Working collaboratively with 12 local area municipalities and numerous community partners, the Region delivers a range of high-quality programs and services to support and advance the well-being of individuals, families and communities within its boundaries. Nestled between the great lakes of Erie and Ontario, the Niagara peninsula features some of Canada’s most fertile agricultural land, the majesty of Niagara Falls and communities that are rich in both history and recreational and cultural opportunities. Niagara boasts dynamic modern cities, Canada’s most developed wine industry, a temperate climate, extraordinary theatre, and some of Ontario’s most breathtaking countryside. An international destination with easy access to its binational U.S. neighbour New York State, Niagara attracts over 14 million visitors annually, as well as a steady stream of new residents and businesses.
At Niagara Region, we value diversity - in background and experience. We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer. We aspire to hire and grow a workforce reflective of the diverse community we serve. By doing so, we can deliver better programs and services across Niagara.
We welcome all applicants! For more information about diversity, equity, and inclusion at Niagara Region, Diversity, Equity and Inclusion - Niagara Region, Ontario or email related questions to diversity@niagararegion.ca. To send input on reducing barriers in the current hiring process, please email myhr@niagararegion.ca
For the Region’s full employee equity statement, Working at Niagara Region - Niagara Region, Ontario.
Please note that effective February 12, 2023 mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations are no longer required as per the Niagara Region’s amended COVID-19 Vaccination Policy. As a result, you will not be required to submit verification of your vaccination status before starting employment with the Niagara Region. However, the Niagara Region continues to reserve the right to reintroduce vaccination requirements in the future if necessary to respond to changing public health advice and\or government direction. The Niagara Region continues to strongly encourage everyone to remain up-to-date with vaccinations.

JOB SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Wellness Services Program Manager and as part of a multi-agency collaborative, the Seniors Wellness Coordinator is responsible for the various aspects of day-to-day operations for the program including; client referral, admission, on-going service delivery, planning, implementation, as well as evaluation of a health prevention, health promotion model of service within designated programs (e.g. education sessions, falls prevention, wellness clinics such as foot care and community clinic coordination).
The Wellness Coordinator leads the development of program content and coordination of resources to ensure approved information/education/workshops for the identified older adult audience. The Wellness Coordinator facilitates exercise routines and consults with the exercise lead as required.
The Coordinator works collaboratively with Seniors Community Program staff and other community agencies and partner groups to enable access and support client independence to both in person and virtual programs to support seniors living in the community to stay connected, to be active, and to keep learning.

EDUCATION

• Diploma or degree in Recreation, Human Kinetics, Kinesiology, Physical Education, Fitness & Health Promotion, Adult Education, Psychology, Gerontology, or Exercise Science or equivalent from an accredited post-secondary institution
• Certifiicate (or diploma/degree) in adult education through a recognized college or institution is required
• Current certification (preferred) or certification within 6 months of hire is required as either:
• Certified Personal Trainer with the Canadian Society for Exercise Physiology (CSEP-CPT), or
• Fitness Instructor Specialist with Active Ageing through Canfitpro
• A valid First Aid/CPR Certificate
• Additional relevant courses related to education, healthy aging and wellness are preferred (ex. Have That Talk, 5 Ways to Wellbeing, etc.)
• Additional relevant courses related to physical activity, health, and fitness are assets (ex. Bone Fit, SAM Steps Model, etc.)

KNOWLEDGE/EXPERIENCE

• A minimum of 2 years of experience in community-based wellness programs, with involvement in development, planning, implementation, and program evaluation with an emphasis on community mobilization.
• 1 - 2 years demonstrated experience leading community-based wellness programs with experience in offering exercises to seniors with a focus on suitability and supporting transitions to alternate services as appropriate.
• 1 - 2 years experience working in senior settings with a focus on health and wellness initiatives and the ability to adapt programming and services to community and client need.
• Sound knowledge of community support services for seniors within Niagara.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of virtual technology and varied computer applications (e.g. Zoom, Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint and internet applications).
• Demonstrated knowledge in developing education/information sessions for seniors with successful outcomes aligned to program and client goals.
• Experience in leveraging existing community resources in support of program goals as well as supporting multiple community partners.
• Demonstrated knowledge and use of standardized tools for assessment of needs and translation of need into applicable program activity.
• Knowledge of client/participant safety issues and demonstrated capacity to apply client/participant safety practices.

SKILLS

• Excellent communication skills and ability to develop excellent rapport with clients to increase motivation for participation.
• Demonstrated ability working with Seniors.
• Demonstrated leadership, organization, coordination, and community engagement skills.
• Demonstrated ability to perform community needs assessment; program planning, design, implementation & evaluation; public speaking, adult education, advocacy.
• Strong initiative and proven ability to work independently as well as cooperatively within a team and multi-agency team and framework to achieve identified target outcomes.
• Enthusiasm, flexibility, and ability to cope with change.
• Demonstrated ability to network and understand the needs of a group of individuals.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS

• In accordance with the Corporate Criminal Record Check Policy, the position requires the incumbent to undergo a Criminal Records Check, including a vulnerable sector search, and submit a Canadian Police Clearance Certificate.
• Good attendance record.
• Valid drivers licence, reliable transportation, and ability to travel throughout Niagara to various locations.
• Must be able to work at various locations based on program/client need/management discretion.
• If not already certified, must obtain certification as outlined in the Education section of the Job Description within 6 months of hire.

Please refer the Job description for details