Join the team: Canadian Blind Hockey Program Coordinator

 

The Canadian Blind Hockey logo depicts a white silhouette of a hockey player in front of a red and white maple leaf representing Canada’s national winter sport – Ice Hockey. The bottom right corner of the logo is circular and resembles the over-sized adapted Blind Hockey puck. The puck is emanating sound waves which depicts that the Blind Hockey puck makes noise,

 

 

 

Position: Program Coordinator – Canadian Blind Hockey

Location: Various – Toronto, Ottawa, London, Brantford, Windsor, ON. Montreal, QC. Vancouver, BC. Regina, SK. Winnipeg, MB. St John’s, NL.

Job Type: Volunteer / Part-Time Honorarium

Reports to: Program Director

Application Deadline: October 25, 2024

Starting Date: TBD Depending on Location

Canadian Blind Hockey

Canadian Blind Hockey [“CBH”] is a registered charity overseen by a volunteer Board of Directors. CBH provides hockey programming to children, youth, and adults who are blind or partially sighted across Canada.  Canadian Blind Hockey programs include introductory try-it sessions, children and youth programs, the National Team program, and the Girls and Women’s program. Canadian Blind Hockey is currently recruiting coaches and program coordinators to support our 11 local Blind Hockey programs in communities across Canada.

Blind Hockey

The Para sport of Blind Hockey is a variation of ice hockey for athletes who are blind or partially sighted. The sport uses some modified rules and equipment, most notably the adapted puck that makes noise and is larger than a traditional puck. At the recreational level all athletes must be visually impaired, while at the competitive level all players must be classified as legally blind, which is defined as having approximately ten percent vision or less. All goaltenders are extremely low vision or completely blind and wear a blindfold.

Position Profile – Program Coordinator

The Program Coordinator position is the key role responsible to ensure that participants and their families enjoy a quality sport experience that meets all Canadian Blind Hockey program standards. Reporting to the Program Director, the Program Coordinator is responsible to ensure the program is delivered in a safe and well-organized manner.

The Program Coordinator’s primary responsibility is leading the off-ice component of the program including but not limited to tracking weekly attendance to ensure appropriate athlete-to-volunteer ratio, ensuring all volunteers are registered and have gone through appropriate screening, ensuring all participants have appropriate equipment, ensuring CBH locker room policy is followed, managing the program equipment, and ensuring that all participants in their families are welcomed into a safe inclusive sport environment.

The Program Coordinator is responsible for ensuring that the policies and procedures outlined in the CBH Program Manual are met on a weekly basis.

The Blind Hockey Program Coordinator is a challenging responsibility as programs will include a wide variety of ages, skill levels, varying levels of vision, and may include athletes with multiple disabilities.  The ideal candidate for Blind Hockey Head Coach has excellent verbal communication and organizational skills, strong creative problem-solving techniques, and can effectively organize safe and efficient practices for an extremely diverse group of athletes with a disability.

A minimum of 5 hours per week of time can be expected to fulfill the obligations of this position.  In addition to the regular season, Program Coordinators may represent the organization at various tournaments or events.

Roles and Responsibilities:

  1. Participant Engagement:
    • Recruit, register, and communicate with Blind Hockey participants, ensuring their needs are met throughout the program.
    • Provide guidance and support to participants, fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.

Volunteer Management:

    • Recruit, train, and supervise volunteers to assist with program operations, coaching, and support.
    • Coordinate volunteer schedules, tasks, and responsibilities to ensure smooth program execution.
    • Recognize and appreciate the contributions of volunteers, fostering a positive volunteer experience.

Marketing and Promotion:

    • Capture content at programs and events (Photos, video) share with Program Director.  CBH will develop marketing materials and promotional strategies to raise awareness of Blind Hockey programs within the community.
    • Utilize various communication channels, including social media, websites, and local networks, to promote program offerings.
    • Build partnerships with local champions in the community to help promote Blind Hockey.

Resource Management:

    • Manage the program equipment including Blind Hockey pucks, jerseys, pass whistles, cones, etc.
    • Share with Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director and Executive Director all potential funding opportunities, grants, and sponsorships to support program growth and development.

Administrative Duties:

    • Maintain accurate records of participant registrations, attendance, and program evaluations.
    • Prepare program updates with testimonials, highlighting program outcomes and impact.
    • Handle inquiries, feedback, and concerns from participants, volunteers, and stakeholders in a timely and professional manner.

Communication

  • Hold parent and player meetings throughout the season
  • Attend all CBH meetings as directed

Risk Management (Safety)

  • Review safety action plan for team with trainer
  • Ensure that all ice and dressing room activities have supervision, the “Rule of Two ” rule must be followed
  • Report any arena deficiencies to the Program Director
  • Review player equipment on a regular basis for defects and advise parents accordingly
  • Monitor rehabilitation of injured athletes and obtain medical clearance to return to play
  • Report any player abuse to the Program Director
  • Maintain communication with Program Director, to ensure that CBH can assist in the resolution of difficulties at an early stage, and improve the overall Blind Hockey program on an ongoing basis

Preferred Qualifications & Requirements

  • Strong organizational, communication, and interpersonal skills.
  • Ability to work independently, as well as collaboratively with a diverse team.
  • Diploma in Recreation Management, Sports Administration, or related field.
  • Experience working with individuals with visual impairments or disabilities.
  • Knowledge of Blind Hockey rules, techniques, and strategies (previous hockey experience is a plus).
  • Valid Drivers Licence.
  • Proficiency in Google Drive.
  • Mandatory Sterling Backcheck E-PIC Background screening.
  • Must sign and adhere to CBH Code of Conduct.
  • CPR/First Aid certification.
  • Availability to attend program on a weekly basis.

Working Together for Change

Our diversity is our strength – we take pride in our inclusive workplace. We are committed to recruiting and selecting candidates through fair, transparent, and accessible practices. We strongly encourage applications from members of groups that have been historically disadvantaged and marginalized, including but not limited to Indigenous peoples, racialized persons, persons with disabilities, people who are blind, partially sighted, or Deafblind, and those who identify as women and/or 2SLGBTQ+.

Canadian Blind Hockey is committed to accommodating applicants with disabilities and will work with applicants requesting accommodations at any stage of the hiring process.

How to Apply: Please send your resume and cover letter to Canadian Blind Hockey Program Director Luca DeMontis lucademontis@blindicehockey.com Please add the city of the program and role you are applying for in the subject.

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals with visual impairments through the power of Blind Hockey!