NeuroNest Program Lead
Independent Contractor | Part-Time | In Person – Barrie, Ontario
$24–$28/hour
About NeuroNest
NeuroNest is a neuroaffirming mental wellness program for neurodivergent children. Our approach is grounded in neuroaffirming, trauma-informed and polyvagal-informed principles, with a focus on felt safety, emotional regulation, confidence, connection and executive functioning.
Programming incorporates therapeutic play, movement, sensory-informed strategies, CBT-informed activities, creative expression and relationship-based support.
We are looking for a warm, confident, playful and organized Program Lead who genuinely enjoys working with children and can provide both connection and structure.
About the Role
The Program Lead reports to the NeuroNest Program Manager and works with clinical oversight from an MSW supervisor.
This is a hands-on role responsible for the consistent day-to-day delivery of the established NeuroNest clinical program. The Program Lead will lead programming, support children through varying levels of regulation, and help create a predictable, engaging and supportive environment.
The successful candidate must be able to think on their feet while also following established clinical programming, individualized recommendations and program protocols. This role does not independently develop treatment plans or provide psychotherapy.
What You’ll Do
- Lead structured, creative and play-based NeuroNest programming.
- Follow the established clinical program, daily routines and individualized recommendations.
- Apply polyvagal-informed principles to support felt safety, co-regulation and nervous-system regulation.
- Use neuroaffirming, strengths-based approaches when supporting autistic, ADHD and otherwise neurodivergent children.
- Understand behaviour as communication and respond with curiosity rather than compliance-based approaches.
- Support children experiencing anxiety, overwhelm, shutdown, frustration or dysregulation.
- Implement CBT-informed, sensory-informed and executive functioning strategies in practical and engaging ways.
- Adapt activities based on children's regulation, sensory needs, interests and ability to participate while maintaining the purpose and structure of the program.
- Use visuals, routines and transition supports to increase predictability and participation.
- Encourage social and peer connection without forcing interaction.
- Complete required program documentation and communicate relevant observations or concerns to the Program Manager and clinical team.
- Help provide direction and modelling to program assistants, students or volunteers when required.
- Participate in program planning, team meetings and training.
- Provide neurofeedback and/or executive functioning coaching during designated hours following clinic training and established protocols.
Who We’re Looking For
The right person will be comfortable being active, playful and engaged with children while also being able to confidently lead a group and maintain structure.
You will ideally be someone who:
- Builds rapport naturally with children.
- Remains calm and grounded when children are struggling.
- Can recognize when a child may need movement, sensory support, connection, reduced demands, additional structure or space.
- Is flexible without losing the purpose or expectations of the program.
- Is dependable, organized and able to take initiative.
- Can follow an established clinical program and apply feedback.
- Communicates effectively and works well within a multidisciplinary team.
- Understands professional boundaries and recognizes when consultation is needed.
Preferred educational backgrounds include:
- Child and Youth Care / Child and Youth Work
- Social Work / BSW
- Therapeutic Recreation
- Psychology
- Child Studies
- Developmental Services
- Education
- Other related child-focused disciplines
A post-secondary diploma or degree in a related field is preferred.
A minimum of one year of direct experience working with children is required. Preference will be given to applicants with experience supporting autistic and ADHD children, as well as children experiencing anxiety, school avoidance, sensory differences, executive functioning challenges or emotional dysregulation.
Experience or training in neuroaffirming care, trauma-informed practice, polyvagal-informed approaches, CBT-informed strategies, sensory-informed programming or executive functioning support is considered an asset.
Hours & Program Expansion
The primary schedule for this role is:
- Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday: 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
NeuroNest is currently expanding, with additional programming being developed for:
- Monday evenings
- Friday daytime
- Friday evenings
- Saturday mornings
Additional hours may include NeuroNest programming, neurofeedback and/or executive functioning coaching depending on program needs and the successful candidate's experience and interests.
Please specify in your cover letter which of these additional days and times you would be interested in working.
Consistency and reliability are particularly important for the core Monday–Wednesday daytime schedule.
Compensation & Requirements
Compensation: $24–$28 per hour, based on education, experience and relevant training.
Requirements include:
- Vulnerable Sector Screening.
- Strong verbal and written communication skills.
- Ability to complete documentation accurately and within required timelines.
- Ability to work in person at our Barrie clinic.
- First Aid/CPR certification preferred or willingness to obtain.
Job Type: Part-time, Independent Contractor
Pay: $24.00–$28.00 per hour
Work Location: In person – Barrie, Ontario
Expected Start Date: Fall 2026
Pay: $24.00-$28.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- On-site parking
Application question(s):
- Do you have a college or university degree in CYW, DSW, Child Studies, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Behavioural studies
Work Location: In person
