Ukulele Program Leader (contract) – Calgary

Wellspring Alberta is a charitable organization that supports, informs, and empowers those diagnosed with cancer by helping them address the fear, isolation, disruption and practical problems cancer can bring to their lives.  An affiliate of the Wellspring Cancer Support Foundation, Wellspring Alberta provides a comprehensive range of programs, support, resources, so anyone living with cancer and the people who care about them can improve the quality of their lives. All programs and services are informed by evidence and offered free of charge and without referral in three centres and online. Our vision is that no one has to face cancer alone. 

Wellspring Alberta’s work is made possible through the generous donations of individuals, corporations, foundations and grassroots fundraisers, and with the efforts of committed volunteers, dedicated staff and skilled contracted program leaders.  

Wellspring Alberta’s Program Leader team is a team of highly skilled professionals with big hearts. Wellspring Alberta offers over 70 evidence-informed programs. Each program is unique and requires a different skill set. Ukulele programs typically are under 2 hours, and run 4-6 weeks per session.  

The Opportunity: 

Reporting to the Program Director and working closely with the program team, the contracted Program Leader is responsible for the leadership of the program.  

Wellspring’s ukulele programs build communities of hope and support, diminish feelings of isolation and create feelings of well-being and self-worth. Wellspring music programs are welcoming to all people living with cancer, no experience necessary. Beginners and more experienced players join this mixed-ability group, where learners are mentored and improvement unfolds steadily week by week.  These music programs are led by individuals recognized as experts in their fields and who understand and work with creativity and personal expression with a wellness focus. Music has been shown to play an important role in the lives of people living with cancer. Recent studies find that art- and music-based therapies can have a broad range of beneficial outcomes for cancer survivors, including pain relief, reduced anxiety, decreased fatigue, and improved quality of life (Bosman et al., 2021; Bradt et al., 2016; Köhler et al., 2020; Wood et al., 2011). One study from 2017 found that even simply listening to music may reduce the incidence of pain, anxiety, and drowsiness (Bilgiç & Acaroğlu, 2017).   

Wellspring Alberta is hiring this position for in-person programming at both Calgary locations. Leaders must be willing to go to both centres. Please note that while we have music therapists on our team, our programs are based on an expressive arts model, not a therapy model. Our leaders are skilled group facilitators focused on group process, rather than a focus on teaching.  

Responsibilities: 

• Abide by the standards of leadership and policies outlined in Wellspring’s Program Leader’s Guide. 

• Create a welcoming and safe environment that encourages members to share. 

• Provide participants with safe participation guidelines including a reminder about confidentiality at the start of each class.  

• Guide members through basic ukulele skills and group exercises. 

• Assist new members to integrate into the group. 

• Ensure all members are provided with equal opportunities to share within the group during a sharing component of the program. 

• Maintain primary responsibility for the leadership and management of the group process. 

• Refer any issues or concerns that require follow up to the Program team. 

• Engage in the Wellspring culture of philanthropy by taking opportunities within the program setting to recognize the importance of philanthropy for program delivery. 

Required knowledge and skills:  

• Be a graduate of a recognized post-secondary institution 

• Be a music therapist, music teacher or professional musician with teaching experience 

• Have three years of experience leading music groups that include beginners 

• Are aware of diverse needs and practice inclusive leadership 

• Experience in oncology, chronic disease or with vulnerable populations is an asset 

To apply: 

We offer an empowering and inspiring team environment. 

To apply, please submit a cover letter and resume to nikif@wellspringalberta.ca. This posting will close once we have found a successful candidate. We wish to thank all applicants for their interest, however, only those selected for interviews will be contacted.  

Inclusion Statement 

Wellspring Alberta is committed to being an inclusive organization. We are in a process of expanding the diversity of identities and lived experiences, to be more reflective of the communities in which we work and live. To support this process, we’ve become an employer partner of the Canadian Centre for Diversity and Inclusion, developed an Advisory group, and we are taking action as part of our commitment to Diversity and Inclusion. We understand we’re on a journey, which will take time, and that increasing equity in our organization and in cancer care is critical.  

We encourage applications from groups that are typically under-represented in cancer-serving organizations including BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Colour) individuals, LGBTQ2S+ identifying individuals, persons with disabilities, and candidates from all equity seeing groups.  

We welcome you to contact us for a conversation about accessibility and accommodations throughout the recruitment process.  

We know that women and people of colour are less likely to apply for roles unless they meet every single requirement. If you’re excited about the role, but your qualifications don’t match perfectly, we encourage you to apply.  

We appreciate your interest in Wellspring and warmly welcome all applications.