About AAFS
The Autism Aspergers Friendship Society of Calgary (AAFS) is a vibrant community organization that provides social and recreational programs for individuals with autism or who identify as being on the spectrum.
At AAFS, we believe everyone deserves a community of people who accept them unconditionally and the opportunity to experience the world in the way that feels right for them.
Position Overview
AAFS is seeking a passionate, dependable, and proactive Program Coordinator to join our team. This role is ideal for someone who is energized by building meaningful connections, leading teams, supporting neurodivergent community members, and helping create safe, engaging, high-quality programs for children, youth, and adults.
As a Program Coordinator, you will provide leadership to staff, practicum students, and volunteers while overseeing the planning, coordination, and delivery of programs that support participants in building confidence, relationships, independence, and life skills. You will also contribute to broader organizational planning, problem-solving, and continuous program development.
We are looking for someone who is a self-starter, strong problem-solver, reliable, emotionally mature, organized, and confident navigating behaviours, staff support, and complex day-to-day decisions with patience, professionalism, and sound judgment.
Application Requirement
As part of your application, you must submit a cover letter highlighting your skills, experience, leadership approach, and why you are the ideal candidate for this role.
Applications submitted without a cover letter will not be considered.
What You'll Be Doing
- Oversee the planning, coordination, and delivery of programs for children, youth, and adults
- Lead and support staff, practicum students, and volunteers
- Help ensure programs are safe, inclusive, engaging, and aligned with member goals
- Coordinate schedules, logistics, transportation, and day-to-day program operations
- Respond to participant, family, and staff needs, concerns, and incidents in a timely and professional manner
- Maintain strong communication with families, caregivers, staff, and community partners
- Support documentation, reporting, and administrative systems related to program delivery
- Contribute to program development, problem-solving, and ongoing improvement
What Makes You a Strong Candidate
- Personal or professional experience with neurodiversity; lived experience is highly valued
- Strong leadership capacity and the ability to support, mentor, and guide a team
- Excellent communication skills and confidence navigating difficult conversations with staff, families, and community partners
- Strong problem-solving and decision-making skills
- Ability to manage changing priorities, respond to issues calmly, and work flexibly in a fast-paced environment
- Commitment to inclusive practice, authentic relationship-building, and participant-centred programming
- Strong administrative and organizational skills
- Confidence balancing frontline realities with strategic thinking and program oversight
- Reflective, mature, and committed to ongoing growth and learning
What We Value
- Diverse perspectives and lived experiences
- Creative and practical problem-solving
- Authentic relationship-building
- Understanding and respect for neurodivergent experiences
- A commitment to unconditional acceptance, inclusivity, and respect for our members, staff, families, and workplace
- Leadership that is thoughtful, collaborative, and grounded in community
Benefits
- Supportive team environment
- Meaningful work with real community impact
- Opportunity to contribute to program leadership and organizational growth
- Flexible scheduling within operational needs
Qualifications
- Formal training in developmental disabilities, mental health, physical literacy, human services, or a related field through post-secondary education or significant work experience
- Preference will be given to those with a Class 5 Alberta Driver's Licence with no restrictions and a clean driving record
- Knowledge of program design, development, and evaluation
- Working knowledge of Google Workspace
- Experience supporting, training, mentoring, or informally leading staff, volunteers, or teams
- Comfortable facilitating difficult conversations with staff, families, and community partners
- Demonstrated ability to create thoughtful, balanced, and solution-focused outcomes
- Proven ability to manage changing priorities, deadlines, and flexible work schedules
- History of positive, reflective, and constructive performance feedback
Physical Requirements
- In this role, you may be required to intervene during aggressive behaviours demonstrated by members
- There is a risk of injury, including bites, bruising, scratching, hitting, or other physical force
- A strong understanding of last resort restraint protocol is essential
AAFS is committed to creating an inclusive workplace. We encourage applications from individuals of all neurotypes, backgrounds, and experiences.
Pay: $20.00-$23.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Dental care
- Extended health care
- On-site parking
- Vision care
Application question(s):
- Do you hold a valid unrestricted Class 5 Alberta Driver’s Licence and have a clean driving record?
Work Location: In person
