Autism Support Coordinator

Job Responsibility:

UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE - INCLUSION - COURAGE

About Autism Nova Scotia

Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people with ASD can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.

Autism Nova Scotia delivers programming in Halifax and in nine communities across Nova Scotia through our Regional Autism Centers. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

POSITION DESCRIPTION:

POSITION TITLE: Autism Support Coordinator - Pictou County Chapter

DEPARTMENT: Chapters

LOCATION: Regional Autism Centre -115 MacLean Street, New Glasgow, NS

POSITION: Full-time (40 hours per week - some evening/weekends)

DIRECT REPORT: Chapter Support Manager

Program Summary:

Under the supervision of Chapter Support Manager, the Autism Support Coordinator will work directly with autistic individuals and families/caregivers living with Autism, as well as building community capacity and engagement with various community stakeholders. As a lead for the Chapter, the Autism Support Coordinator is a key position for operations and administration at the Autism Resource Center.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide direct support to autistic individuals across the lifespan, families, professionals, etc. for navigation to services and resources based on needs

• Assist and connect caregivers and autistics with complex needs to resources and provide advocacy assistance as required; create understanding of eligibility for supports/services, and empower informed decision making

• Offer information on local provincial, and national programs, funding and resources available to meet the needs of autistic individuals in the region; liaising with and/or promoting the interests of autistics with other community service providers/professionals

• Interacting with Local program committee/volunteers to support implementation of fundraising, including research and writing of grant applications

• Support inclusive program planning, implementation, and evaluation (including summer camp).

• Prepare information, presentations and resources for community education and capacity building, and recruit/support volunteers

• Plan and develop effective communications and oversee Chapter on social media

• Foster positive community partnerships and connection to other service providers

• Maintenance of related records and statistics, written reports including monthly and annual reviews, needs assessments, etc.

• Performance management of local program facilitation staff as required.

• Performance management of other related duties as required

Qualifications:

• Post- Secondary Degree/ Diploma in a related field or equivalent job experience

• A clear, current criminal record check and child abuse registry search is required

• First Aid & CPR certification (is considered an asset)

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed care (is considered an asset or willingness to acquire)

• A valid driver's license and access to an insured vehicle is required

Minimum Knowledge and Experience:

• A strong knowledge of Autism and the diversity of needs throughout the lifespan of all genders is essential

• Strong interpersonal skills are required, strong knowledge and connections to the disability or autism communities an asset

• Knowledge of survey tools, data reporting and software programs such as Sharevision, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoom

Minimum Skills and Ability:

• Organizational, Administrative and Time Management Skills - Must have the ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities; to address constant and varied demands of the position

• Leadership and Group Facilitation Skills - Must have the ability to deliver information sessions and present up-to-date language to a variety of community stakeholders

• Data Analytical Skills - Must have the ability to collect, manage and write reports on data and metrics related to Chapter needs

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills - The position requires active and empathetic listening skills, sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interface with a wide range of personality types

• Computer Skills -Must have the ability to access information, create and prepare various

documents, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations

• Other Skills -Must have good financial/money management skills, ability to address administrative/operational tasks.

As a Proof of Vaccination organization, all Autism Nova Scotia staff are required to be fully vaccinated.

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

You'll make a difference.

You'll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our services.

You'll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core value; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including but not limited to aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles. Applicants from these communities wishing to self-identify may do so by completing an online questionnaire with your application.

You'll find a place to grow and develop.

We support professional development through training courses, related conferences, consultancy and Autism Accreditation programs to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need. With a lot of opportunities for professional development and collaborative projects, you'll continue to grow and learn throughout your career.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• Dental care
• Employee assistance program
• Extended health care
• Life insurance
• On-site parking
• Paid time off
• RRSP match

Flexible Language Requirement:

• French not required

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

Application question(s):

• Do you have knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorder and the diversity of needs throughout the lifespan?
• Do you have knowledge of excel spreadsheets, survey tools and registration software programs?
• Do you have knowledge of volunteer management to recruit, direct, guide, and motivate volunteers?
• As a proof of vaccination organization, are you fully vaccinated against COVID-19?

Education:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferred)

Work Location: In person