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 Centres. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

Position: Weekend Recreation & Respite Facilitator

Department: Chapters – Pictou County Chapter

Time: Part-Time – 10.5 hours per week (3 weekends per month)

Schedule: Friday’s 5:45-9:15pm, Saturday’s 9:45am – 4:45pm. Flexible schedule is required

Term: 6 Month - with possibility of extend/renew

Accountability: The Weekend R&R Facilitator is accountable to the Autism Support Coordinator

The Weekend Recreation and Respite program invites children, youth, and adults on the autism spectrum who are not currently accessing provincial respite funding/support, the opportunity to have occasional weekend respite. The Weekend Recreation and Respite program recognizes the support needed by caregivers in providing a brief respite opportunity, while also prioritizing children, youth, and adults engaging in meaningful, and supported recreation/social based activities.

The Weekend Recreation and Respite Program is proudly supported by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia.

General Duties:

• Create visual supports and behavioral supports based on participant need in collaboration with the Weekend R&R coordinator.
• Work in a team to facilitate session plans
• Session/activity planning for weekly sessions
• Session set up/prep and tear down/clean up
• Meet weekly/bi-weekly with the Autism Support Coordinator for program updates
• Facilitate all weekly sessions
• Support participants to achieve the aims and purpose of the Weekend Recreation and Respite program;
• Collect data as part of ongoing program evaluation and compose regular reports on program progress as outlined by the Mental Health Foundation of Nova Scotia Funding
• Communicate with families and participants on an ongoing basis;
• Adhere to all policies and procedures including those identified in the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Staff Manual;
• Administrative tasks related to session planning;
• Update and maintain program documentation for each participant;
• Provide group and 1:1 support to participants throughout the program session. Specific support requirements will be determined by the needs of enrolled participants.
• Ensure all participants are treated with dignity and respect
• Accountable for participants’ health, safety and whereabouts during the program delivery
• Ensure facilities are kept clean, and in order
• Adjust program plans to be meaningful based on the participants goals and interests
• Manage beginning and end of session debrief with caregivers regarding session and/or updates
• Other duties as required.

Education and Experience:

• Prior experience working with youth and adults.
• 1-3 years experience working with individuals with autism
• Degree/Diploma in Human/Social Services or currently enrolled (relevant experience may be considered)
• Reliable and responsible

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism;
• Strong program facilitation skills;
• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;
• Strong computer skills- Strong working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel;
• Proficiency or experience in communication software (such as MS Teams or Zoom) considered an asset;
• Ability to form strong professional relationships with community partners, participants, families, and colleagues;
• Analytic ability to collect data for the purposes of program evaluation and program management;
• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team;
• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and ability to practically and professionally adapt;
• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills and keen attention to detail;

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A Valid criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check is required for this position
• First Aid certification / non-violent crisis intervention, or willingness to acquire
• Access to a reliable vehicle

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

You’ll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; 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.

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 find a place to grow and develop.

We support professional development through training courses and support to help our professionals working with autistic people gain the knowledge they need to succeed and thrive. With a lot of opportunity 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. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.

Please Note: We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.