Community Inclusion & Recreation Coordinator

Atlantic Community Supported Living (ACSL)
Formerly Quest Society for Adult Support & Rehabilitation

www.atlanticcommunitysupportedliving.ca

Location: Halifax Regional Municipality, Nova Scotia
Employment Type: Full-Time, Temporary
Hours: 37.5 hours per week, with occasional evenings and weekends
Salary: $55,000–$60,000 annually, commensurate with qualifications and experience
Reports To: Chief Operating Officer (COO)

About Atlantic Community Supported Living

Atlantic Community Supported Living (ACSL) is a nonprofit organization dedicated to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities to live meaningful, independent, and fulfilling lives.

Formerly known as Quest Society for Adult Support & Rehabilitation, ACSL is undergoing an exciting transformation as we expand our community-based services and support individuals transitioning from institutional settings into homes of their own.

Our approach is rooted in dignity, choice, independence, inclusion, and the belief that everyone deserves the opportunity to belong, build relationships, and participate meaningfully in their community.

As we continue to grow, we are seeking a creative, compassionate, and motivated individual to help shape the future of recreation and community inclusion across our organization.

About the Opportunity

We are looking for an enthusiastic and innovative Community Inclusion & Recreation Coordinator to develop, coordinate, and enhance meaningful recreation and community participation opportunities for individuals supported by ACSL.

This is not a traditional recreation position focused solely on organizing activities. We are looking for someone who understands that meaningful recreation is about much more than keeping people busy.

It's about helping someone discover a new passion, join a community group, build friendships, develop confidence, and experience the same opportunities that others may take for granted.

The successful candidate will play an important role in helping individuals explore their interests, establish community connections, and participate in activities that reflect their personal goals and preferences.

Working collaboratively with community living supervisors, frontline employees, individuals receiving services, families, and community partners, the Coordinator will help create opportunities that promote genuine belonging and inclusion.

Key Responsibilities

Community Inclusion & Recreation Development

- Develop, coordinate, and implement meaningful recreation and community inclusion opportunities across ACSL programs.
- Support individuals in identifying personal interests, hobbies, recreational goals, and opportunities for community participation.
- Create individualized recreation and community inclusion plans that reflect personal choice, abilities, and aspirations.
- Identify opportunities for individuals to participate in local recreation programs, clubs, volunteer activities, community events, and social groups.
- Coordinate Life Tasting opportunities that allow individuals to explore new experiences and discover personal interests.
- Promote opportunities for individuals to develop friendships and natural community support networks.
- Ensure recreation opportunities are inclusive, accessible, culturally responsive, and person-directed.





Community Partnerships & Engagement

- Develop and maintain relationships with community recreation centres, libraries, fitness facilities, volunteer organizations, local businesses, and community groups.
- Identify opportunities for ACSL participants to access existing community programs rather than relying exclusively on organization-led activities.
- Advocate for accessibility and inclusion within community recreation opportunities.
- Explore partnerships, sponsorships, donations, and community resources that enhance participation.
- Support individuals in becoming active and valued members of their communities.

Program Coordination & Support

- Collaborate with Community Living Supervisors and frontline employees to integrate recreation and community participation into individualized support plans.
- Provide employees with resources, guidance, and practical strategies to support meaningful community engagement.
- Develop and maintain an organizational recreation and community events calendar.
- Coordinate group activities and special events when they reflect the interests and preferences of participating individuals.
- Identify and help address barriers to participation, including transportation, accessibility, financial limitations, and support requirements.
- Assist with recreation planning for individuals transitioning from the Regional Rehabilitation Centre into community-based living arrangements.
- Support consistent opportunities for recreation and community engagement across community homes, Independent Living Support (ILS), and Individualized Funding (IF) services, where applicable.

Program Development & Quality Improvement

- Contribute to the development of ACSL's community inclusion and recreation framework.
- Establish goals and measurable outcomes related to community participation, personal interests, and social connection.
- Seek feedback from individuals receiving services to evaluate the quality and relevance of recreation opportunities.
- Monitor program participation, identify service gaps, and recommend improvements.
- Maintain appropriate documentation and provide regular program updates to the COO.
- Assist in developing annual recreation priorities and managing approved program resources.
- Promote innovative approaches to community inclusion and meaningful daily living.

Qualifications & Experience

Education

- Post-secondary education in Recreation and Leisure Studies, Therapeutic Recreation, Community Development, Disability Support, Human Services, or a related field.
- An equivalent combination of education and relevant experience may be considered.

Experience

- Minimum three years of relevant experience in recreation programming, community inclusion, disability services, or community-based human services preferred.
- Experience supporting adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities is considered a solid asset.
- Demonstrated experience developing recreational programs, coordinating activities,



or building community partnerships.
- Experience with person-directed planning and inclusive community participation is preferred.
- Familiarity with Nova Scotia's disability support sector and community resources is an asset.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

The ideal candidate will demonstrate:

- A genuine passion for inclusion, accessibility, and improving quality of life.
- Creativity, initiative, and the ability to develop engaging opportunities.
- Strong organizational, planning, and coordination skills.
- Excellent communication and relationship-building abilities.
- An understanding of person-centred approaches, individual rights, and self-determination.
- The ability to work independently and collaboratively with multidisciplinary teams.
- Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to identify practical solutions to participation barriers.
- Knowledge of community recreation resources and inclusive programming.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office and routine administrative documentation.
- A positive, flexible, and professional approach to supporting individuals with diverse needs.

Additional Requirements

- Valid driver's licence and reliable access to transportation.
- Ability to travel throughout the Halifax Regional Municipality.
- Willingness to work occasional evenings and weekends to support community activities and events.
- Satisfactory background screening, including a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check, as applicable to the position.
- Ability to meet ACSL's organizational policies and employment requirements.

What We Offer

- Competitive annual salary of $55,000–$60,000.
- Full-time, temporary employment for 1 year.
- A collaborative and supportive work environment.
- Opportunities for professional development and growth.
- The opportunity to help shape a growing community-based service model.
- Meaningful work that directly contributes to inclusion, independence, and quality of life.

At ACSL, we believe that having a home in the community is only one part of truly belonging.

A meaningful life also includes friendships, interests, experiences, relationships, and opportunities to participate in the world around us.

As our organization continues its transition toward community-based living, this position offers an exciting opportunity to help shape what recreation and inclusion look like for the individuals we support.

We are looking for someone who sees possibilities, builds connections, and believes that everyone deserves more than simply a place to live.

We want someone who can help make community living feel like community belonging.

How to Apply

Interested candidates are invited to submit a resume and cover letter outlining their qualifications and interest in the position.

Please include Community Inclusion & Recreation Coordinator in the subject line of your application.

Atlantic Community Supported Living is committed to fostering an inclusive, diverse, and accessible workplace. We welcome applications from qualified individuals of all backgrounds and will provide reasonable accommodations throughout the recruitment process upon request.

We thank all applicants for their interest; however, only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Pay: $28.21-$30.77 per hour

Expected hours: 37.5 per week

Work Location: In person

📌 Community Inclusion & Recreation Coordinator (Bedford)
🏢 Quest Society
📍 Bedford