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Program Assistant I Jobs in Ontario (NOW HIRING)

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Program Assistant I information

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a Program Assistant I, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Program Assistant I, you need organizational skills, attention to detail, and a high school diploma or equivalent—sometimes supplemented by relevant administrative experience. Familiarity with office software such as Microsoft Office Suite, database management systems, and standard office equipment is typically required. Strong interpersonal skills, effective communication, and the ability to multitask make someone stand out in this position. These skills and qualities are vital for efficiently supporting program operations, ensuring information accuracy, and facilitating smooth workflow within the organization.

What are some common challenges a Program Assistant I might face when supporting multiple projects simultaneously?

Program Assistant I professionals often juggle tasks across several projects with different deadlines and priorities. One common challenge is managing time effectively to ensure all administrative duties, such as scheduling, correspondence, and data entry, are completed for each program. Additionally, adapting quickly to shifting project needs and communicating clearly with various team members are essential. Developing strong organizational skills and using digital tools can help overcome these challenges and ensure smooth program operations.

What are Program Assistant I roles and responsibilities?

A Program Assistant I typically provides administrative and operational support to a department or program within an organization. Their responsibilities may include scheduling meetings, maintaining records, processing paperwork, and assisting with event coordination. They often serve as a point of contact for internal and external stakeholders and may help prepare reports or materials needed for program activities. Attention to detail and good organizational skills are essential for this role.

What is the difference between Program Assistant I vs Program Coordinator?

AspectProgram Assistant IProgram Coordinator
Required CredentialsHigh school diploma or equivalent; some roles may require an associate degreeHigh school diploma; often prefers some college or related certification
Work EnvironmentOffice settings, community centers, or educational institutionsSimilar environments, often with increased responsibility
Employer & Industry UsageNonprofits, government agencies, educational institutionsNonprofits, government, and larger organizations with program oversight
Common Search & ComparisonOften compared for entry-level roles with administrative support dutiesCompared for roles with more project management and coordination responsibilities

The main difference between a Program Assistant I and a Program Coordinator lies in the level of responsibility. Program Assistant I typically handles administrative and support tasks, while Program Coordinators oversee program implementation and coordination. Both roles are common in similar environments, but the Program Coordinator usually requires more experience or education.

What are the most commonly searched types of Program I jobs in Ontario? The most popular types of Program I jobs in Ontario are:
What cities in Ontario are hiring for Program Assistant I jobs? Cities in Ontario with the most Program Assistant I job openings:
Infographic showing various Program Assistant I job openings in Ontario as of July 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 73% Full Time, 22% Part Time, 1% Temporary, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 99% Physical, and 1% Remote job distribution.

Fitness Instructor, SMART Program - Casual

VON Canada (Ontario)

Midland, ON

CA$18.25 - CA$19.39/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 11 days ago


Job description


Requisition Details:
 
Employment Status: Casual
Program Name: SMART Program
Work Schedule: Days
On-Call: No      
Existing Vacancy: Yes - we're currently hiring candidates for an existing vacancy in this position.
 
Job Summary:     
 
The Fitness Instructor is responsible for providing client-centered, evidence based, efficient care to individuals in their homes and community. The Fitness Instructor delivers exercises to clients under the direction of the Program Supervisor and/or designate associated with the program and in line with the certification standards.
 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Sets up physical class environment (chairs, equipment, etc.).
  • Develops, modifies and delivers low-impact, safe and effective group or in-home exercises that prevent injury, reduce risk of falls and provide therapeutic benefits for older adults. Incorporates specific attention to underlying medical issues and associated risks for high-risk and/or frail older adults.
  • Identifies and effectively utilizes tools and resources for relevant work (i.e. resistance bands, exercise balls, weights, music and other such program enhancers).
  • Utilizes effective communication skills to obtain information from the clients, as applicable (i.e. when completing required paperwork with new participants).
  • Promotes client independence through fitness and health promotion.
  • Works toward fulfillment of client goals.
  • Participates in on-going review of service delivery process and evaluation.
  • Attends educational in-services that are deemed appropriate by Program Supervisor.
  • Provides fall prevention education as directed by Program Supervisor and/or designate.
  • Ensures all incidents are reported in a timely manner in accordance with legislation and VON policies and procedures.
  • Other duties as assigned.
Common Responsibilities:
  • Promotes the goals and values of VON and their role as an integrated community care provider.
  • Promotes a safe and healthy workplace ensuring workplace conduct and activities are in accordance with the provincial Occupational Health and Safety Act and Regulations and compliant with the VON Safety Management System, including all Policies, Safe Work Practices and Procedures.
  • Abides by all VON policies and work practices.
  • Abides by all confidentiality and protection of personal information policies, regulations and practices and ensures appropriate safeguards are in place within their role.
  • Works in collaboration with other staff in a team approach to service delivery.
External and Internal Relationships:
  • Collaborates and engages with Clients, Program Coordinators, Program Supervisors, Kinesiologist, other Fitness Instructors and Program Assistant to ensure client and program needs are addressed appropriately and to support client independence.
  • Communicates with community partners as it pertains to client care and program delivery.
Education, Designations and Experience:
  • High school graduate.
  • First Aid and CPR are required.
  • **Certification and/or certificate of completion as a Seniors Fitness Instructor and/or equivalent is required at the time of hire or within 3 months from time of hire. **Please note: Certifications are not required at time of application. VON Canada may offer opportunities for training. 
  • Experience promoting health and well-being through physical activity.
  • Post-secondary education in a healthcare setting is considered an asset (related field including, but not limited to: Fitness and Health Promotion, Recreation and Leisure, Occupational Therapy/Physiotherapy Assistant, Kinesiology, Gerontology, etc.).
  • Minimum of 2 years of experience teaching group fitness classes for older adults including experience teaching specialized classes for chronic conditions is an asset i.e. Osteoporosis, Parkinson Disease, Diabetes, Osteoarthritis etc.
  • Experience working in a retirement home or assisted living environment is an asset.  
Skill Requirements:
  • Respect for privacy and confidentiality.
  • Dependability and trustworthiness.
  • Good communication and active listening skills.
  • Capacity to remain calm in unexpected situations.
  • Ability to work well independently and as part of a team.
Other:
  • Must have access to a personal vehicle for business use and possess both a current driver’s license and proof of vehicle insurance.
  • A current and original copy of a satisfactory criminal records check including a vulnerable sector screen is required.
  • Ability to speak French is an asset in French designated areas.
  • Must be able to wear Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required.
Working conditions and physical demands: This role requires a detail-oriented approach in a dynamic environment, with physical activity including lifting, carrying (using proper techniques), bending, reaching, kneeling, and other movements that emphasize good body mechanics. Individuals in the role are required to walk, sit, stand, and climb stairs throughout the day, with some tasks requiring fine hand movements.
 
Attention Current Employees (Internal Applicants): If you are applying to a unionized position and you are a member of its bargaining unit, please be aware that this posting may remain open beyond the deadline if there are not enough applicants to fill the position(s).  If the posting remains open after the initial deadline, VON may close the posting at its’ discretion or a rolling deadline equivalent to the posting period specified in your Collective Agreement will be deemed, and each successive period will be treated as a separate posting for purposes of comparing seniority between candidates.      
 
Other terms commonly searched for this type of opportunity: Kinesiologist, Physiotherapy Assistant, Exercise Therapist, PTA