Job Title: Health Programs Coordinator
Special Olympics Ontario has a well-developed program aimed at fostering athlete self-advocacy, leadership, and skill development for individuals with intellectual disabilities (IDD). In addition to Sport and Competition, our Health and Research programs focus on providing access to resources and supporting research that promotes a healthy lifestyle and improves access to health services for people with IDD.
The Health Promotion Program Officer will support various health and wellness initiatives and research programs across Ontario, with a primary focus on implementing the Healthy Athletes (HA) program. HA is a health screening and education initiative designed for individuals with intellectual disabilities. Screenings are offered in seven disciplines and conducted by volunteer healthcare providers at local tournaments, competitions, and events. This program provides Special Olympics athletes and non-athletes with intellectual disabilities access to health screenings, identifying health needs that may otherwise go unnoticed or unaddressed.
Additionally, the successful candidate will contribute to the implementation and expansion of the Healthy Communities initiative. This program connects local health professionals with athletes, encourages public and private sector partners to adopt inclusive practices, trains athletes and caregivers to become advocates, and empowers individuals with IDD to live healthy lives in their communities.
Responsibilities include:
- Assisting with the implementation of the Healthy Athletes program, including attending events.
- Conducting data analysis of screening results and preparing post-event reports.
- Engaging with local public health agencies to support competitions.
- Training healthcare professionals, workers, and students in quality care and prevention practices.
- Developing partnerships and referral networks to ensure individuals with intellectual disabilities receive quality care.
- Supporting the planned rollout of technology and online systems related to the Healthy Communities Network.
- Providing assistance to families seeking access to Special Olympics Health programming.
- Collaborating with the Special Olympics Ontario Research team to provide administrative, logistical, and research support for ongoing projects.