If you are committed to public service, enjoy collaborating with others, share our values and have a desire to learn and grow, join The City of Calgary. City employees deliver the services, run the programs and operate the facilities which make a difference in our community. We support work-life balance, promote physical and psychological safety, and offer competitive wages, pensions, and benefits. Together we make Calgary a great place to make a living, a great place to make a life.

The City is committed to fostering a respectful, inclusive and equitable workplace which is representative of the community we serve. We welcome those who have demonstrated a commitment to upholding the values of equity, diversity, inclusion, anti-racism and reconciliation. Applications are encouraged from members of groups that are historically disadvantaged and underrepresented. Accommodations are available during the hiring process, upon request.

The Social Program Specialist plays a pivotal role in guiding and managing site operations to develop, enhance, and oversee programs tailored for children and youth, with a particular emphasis on Social Emotional Learning (SEL) outcomes through a Trauma-Informed approach. In this capacity, they serve as the go-to expert for designing, implementing, and evaluating program curricula and strategies. By collaborating closely with their team, they help ensure the effective delivery of free, community-based initiatives that prevent and address existing service gaps. Key responsibilities encompass research, development, coordination, and assessment of programming opportunities, all aimed at fostering positive social and emotional growth in participants. Primary duties include:

• Lead research, design, promotion, supervision, and evaluation of community-based programs focused on Social Emotional Learning outcomes.
• Collaborate closely with Indigenous Elders, Knowledge Keepers, and community members to shape and implement program curricula and activities, while respecting and upholding local traditional cultural protocols.
• Oversee the program development process by conducting market research and needs assessments, ensuring that program offerings respond to community needs.
• Analyze program trends to creatively enhance and diversify course offerings.
• Manage the recruitment, training, supervision, and evaluation of program staff to maintain a high standard of service delivery.
• Build and maintain strong working relationships with both internal and external partners to advance program and service initiatives.
• Actively participate in departmental committees relevant to the position, contributing expertise and insight.
• Handle daily administrative tasks required for effective program and service operations.
• Coordinate all aspects of program equipment and facility requirements to ensure smooth implementation.
• Address internal and external inquiries and concerns with professionalism and promptness.

Qualifications

• A completed 2-year diploma in Recreation, Education, Social Work, Kinesiology, or Child Studies with at least 3 years of experience including staff supervision and program development for vulnerable youth, new Canadians, and community partnerships, as well as program development for social based programs, sports programs, day camps, or special events; OR
• A degree in Recreation, Education, Social Work, Kinesiology, or Child Studies with at least 1 year of experience in any of the above listed fields.
• Ability to demonstrate in-depth knowledge and hands-on experience with Social Emotional Learning and Trauma-Informed Practice is required.
• Experience working with children and youth from a variety of backgrounds is required.
• Ability to demonstrate cultural competency and authentic engagement across diverse populations is required.
• Lived experience is an asset for this role.
• Current Intermediate First Aid certification (equivalent to Standard First Aid, Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) level "C", and Automated External Defibrillator (AED)) is required.
• A valid Class 5 Driver's License (or provincial equivalent), with no more than 6 demerits and no current suspensions or charges pending and use of a personal vehicle is required for work.
• Intermediate proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Teams, SharePoint, Excel, and PowerPoint) is required.
• Working knowledge of PeopleSoft Human Capital Management (HCM) will be considered an asset.
• Success in this position requires a high degree of adaptability, effective communication with a focus on leadership and interpersonal relationship building, and the ability to work independently with confidence while thriving in collaborative team environments.

Pre-employment Requirements

• A security clearance will be conducted.
• Successful applicants must provide proof of qualifications.

Position and Pay Information

Business Unit: Recreation and Social Programs

Union: CUPE Local 38

Position Type: 1 Permanent & 1 Temporary (up to 6 months)

Compensation: Pay Grade 9 $41.49 - 55.51 per hour

Hours of work: Standard 35 hour work week.

Days of work: This position works a 5-day work week with 1 day off in a 3 week cycle.

Location: 3810 17 Avenue SE

Audience: Internal/External

Apply By: April 14, 2026

Job ID: 313985