Program Chair, Therapeutic Recreation Program

​COMPETITION NUMBER: 1277

CLOSING DATE: June 11, 2025 @ 11:59 PM 

FACULTY OF HEALTH STUDIES

Hey NQer! We’re searching for someone dedicated to making a difference to lead our Therapeutic Recreation Diploma (TRD) Program team as the Program Chair. 

The Program Chair position is rotational, with an initial appointment for a minimum two-year term. The term may be renewed based on performance, interest, and organizational needs. 

Reporting to the Academic Program Manager the Program Chair oversees the day-to-day operations including planning, implementation and delivery of the program ensuring alignment with NorQuest 2030. The Chair is a faculty member who has release time from their teaching assignment as an active member of the Leadership Team to complete administrative and operational responsibilities.

To promote the success of the TRD program, the Program Chair will provide academic and operational leadership in alignment with NorQuest’s strategic plan and program specific accreditation/governance bodies, education and industry standards.

The Program Chair is actively involved in ensuring a collaborative and supportive teaching environment for instructional staff and students. The Chair supports the development and reporting of the program business plan and budget in alignment with the faculty divisional plan and budget.

The Program Chair will support and ensure the continued implementation of Equity, Diversity & Inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Decolonial Indigenization into key functions within the Program to ensure an equitable learning and work environment.

HOW YOU'LL MAKE A DIFFERENCE:

• Professional experience in the field of Therapeutic Recreation
• Instructional skills
• Classroom management skills
• Strong communication skills
• Conflict resolution skills
• Leadership skills

The Program Chair maintains a teaching load (0.5 FTE), with relief for administrative and leadership duties. Other divisional initiatives and committees may be integrated into this assignment. Duties and responsibilities are outlined in the NorQuest College Faculty Association (NCFA) collective agreement – NCFA Collective Agreement

WHAT YOU BRING:

• A Bachelors degree in Therapeutic Recreation (Masters degree an asset)
• Current professional member of Alberta Therapeutic Recreation Association (ATRA) is an asset
• Certified Therapeutic Recreation Specialist (CTRS) certification is an asset
• Minimum of five years management experience in a related field is an asset
• Minimum of five years clinical experience in recreation therapy
• Minimum two years of experience in a post–secondary environment (or coursework in adult education)
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Experience teaching, mentoring, and/or developing curriculum
• Proficiency in using technology; demonstrated experience teaching using a Learning Management System (LMS) e.g. Moodle and/or Blackboard Ultra would be an asset.
• Demonstrated experience with equity, diversity and inclusion, Anti-Racism, and Decolonial Indigenization

If you are interested in this faculty assignment and are currently in a permanent position, please express your interest by 11:59 p.m. on June 11, 2025, briefly indicating:

• Why you’re interested in this opportunity;
• Your qualifications and experience that make you a strong candidate for this role;
• Your understanding of the program priorities over the 2025-27 academic year.

If you have any questions about this opportunity, please contact Marlene Phillips, Academic Program Manager, Allied Health, Faculty of Health Studies, at marlene.phillips@norquest.ca

WHAT MAKES YOU A DIFFERENCE MAKER?

• A Police Information Check within the last ninety days
• A Vulnerable Sectors Check within the last thirty days
• Up-to-date immunization records including COVID-19 vaccinations
• Excellent interpersonal skills and the ability to support individuals at different skill levels
• Ability to establish an interactive learning environment to support the basic principles and practices of adult education
• Ability to assess and provide feedback on student performance through various methods
• Advanced skills in conflict resolution and problem-solving
• Ability to develop different classroom strategies to keep learners engaged
• Strong oral communication and writing skills
• Culturally sensitive and have an ability to work with a diverse population

SALARY: Chairs are paid based on the Faculty grid with a stipend to reflect the additional administrative and supervisory responsibilities. This amount is determined based on the amount, complexity, and scope of additional responsibilities.

This is a Faculty role, and the pay range is quite large, check out the Faculty Collective Agreement Appendix A to better understand how pay is determined.

We offer flexible work options. We strive for balance between a flexible work environment, connectedness to the campus community, and ensuring NorQuesters are set up to succeed in their roles and responsibilities.

Additional Information: Pre-Employment Checks will be completed to assess the candidate’s suitability for a role. These checks may include (but are not limited to): references, criminal record check, academic verification, etc.

For applicants who have completed post-secondary studies from outside of Canada, it is recommended they obtain an assessment of their credentials from a recognized Canadian Credential Evaluator, such as:

• International Qualifications Assessment Service https://www.alberta.ca/international-qualifications-assessment
• World Education Services https://www.wes.org/ca/

We encourage applicants to include the assessment certificate as part of their application.

This competition may be used to fill future vacancies, across NorQuest College, at the same or lower classification level.

Our Commitment to Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion: We're on a journey to become an inclusive, anti-racist, and decolonized organization. NorQuesters are trailblazers – we are curious, creative, and innovative - our lived experiences are honoured, creating accessibility and a sense of belonging for everyone.

NorQuest 2030 We Are Who We Include shares our strength and difference comes from who is included, and along with our students we are learning and growing to listen deeply and say what we feel.

NorQuest College is committed to being an employer of choice for First Nations, Métis, and Inuit people by recognizing, respecting, and supporting Indigenous people's self-determination through the institution’s work in decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

Accessibility: At NorQuest, we are who we include. We strive to provide access and accommodation throughout the recruitment, application, and selection process. We want to create opportunities for you to confidently be your authentic self. If you would like an accommodation at any stage of the process, please reach out to Careers@norquest.ca.

Difference Makers. If we were to describe what NorQuest College is, we’d say these two words. We are so fundamentally driven in our mission to make a difference to our students, our community, and to our fellow NorQuesters, that it guides what we do, who we meet, and where we are headed.

So how do we make differences?

• We empower NorQuesters. When it comes to working, it’s up to you to decide where (on campus or from another location) and how you work. NorQuesters are expected to embody our Qs—lead from where you are, be dependable, find ways forward—to name a few, but how you do that is your choice!

• We unlock potential. Whether its newcomers to Canada who want to improve their English, students who want to complete their academic upgrading, learners pursuing post-secondary education, or anyone who wishes to strengthen their skills through professional development, our passion to educate touches people of all levels and all backgrounds.

• We strengthen Alberta. From our graduates who hit the ground running, to our partnerships with government, industry, and business, to our commitment to communities, including a dedicated focus on Indigenous communities, we contribute to our province and make it stronger. We strive to be an employer of choice for First Nations, Metis and Inuit people in Canada by leading, supporting, and being an ally through our work toward decolonization, reconciliation, and Indigenization.

And that’s a snapshot of how we are Difference Makers. But there’s so much more to us and we invite you to explore further!

APPLY: If this opportunity delights you and your expertise will shine in this role, we invite you to apply for this position online by uploading your resume and cover letter combined as one document.

PSST: Only candidates shortlisted for an interview will be contacted and we’ll make sure to do this within 28 days of the closing date.

COMPETITION NUMBER: 1277

CLOSING DATE: June 11, 2025 @ 11:59 PM