Program Facilitators

Program Facilitators plan, organise and coordinate recreation facilities and programs such as sport, art, drama, music photography, dance, events, educative trips, experiences, skill buiding courses, holidays, open days and gardening projects.

These programs assist clients to actively participate in the community by helping them acquire new skills and abilities, pursue their interests, and achieve their goals.

A Program Facilitator may also be known as a Program Coordinator, Care Coordinator, Facilitator, Program Attendant, Community Educator or Social Educator.

Program Facilitators need the following skills and knowledge:

  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Great organisational skills
  • Ability to motivate and supervise other people
  • An interest and skills in a specific area, such as sport, swimming, outdoor recreation, arts or gardening is desirable


Search for Program Facilitator jobs or learn more about other frontline support roles in the disability and community care sector.

Meet a Program Facilitator

Ryan tells us about what a typical day is like for him and what kind of skills are needed to do his job.

Ryan Kiddle: Manager, Sport & Recreation Services

What responsibilities do you have in your job?

I work for Sport & Recreation Services at The Disability Trust, which provides programs for children, teenagers and adults with intellectual, physical and or
sensory disability in the Illawarra and Shoalhaven.

I started here as a casual and now I am the Manager. I love that I can combine my skills and love of sport to do my job. When I get out into the programs I assist the participants to learn and try new skills through a number of activities and games,
and I also connect with their families and carers.

 

 Program Facilitator - Ryan Kiddle

What kind of skills do you need?

You definitely need to love sport, have enthusiasm for the clients and a passion to try new things. A lot of our staff, including me, didn't have experience in the disability sector before they started working here but we address that by training new staff, and then we buddy them up with another staff member.

You also need a 'can do' attitude with this kind of job - I cannot count the number of times I have been told that someone would not be able to achieve a task, like kicking or throwing a ball, but then they are able to accomplish it through being given the chance to participate and have a go.

Read more from Ryan on the carecareers blog, or ask him a question in career advice and opinions.