Program Lead (Niagara Program) Autism Ontario is a charitable organization with a history of over 52 years representing the thousands of people on the autism spectrum and their families across Ontario. Made up of knowledgeable parents, professionals, and autistic self-advocates who can speak to the key issues that impact autistic individuals and their families, Autism Ontario is the province’s leading source of information and referral on autism, and one of the largest collective voices representing the autism community. Members are connected through a volunteer network of seven regions throughout the Province of Ontario. Our mission is to create a supportive and inclusive Ontario for autism and we value collaboration, respect, accountability and being evidence informed.

Job Description Title: Program Lead

Reports to: People and Family Experience Suprvisor

Location: 7150 Montrose Rd, Niagara Falls, On L2H 3N3

Hours: 10hrs per week, or as needed

Hourly Wage: $21/hr

Duration: Temporary position (January 26th to April 20th, 2026)

Position Overview Reporting to the People and Family Experience Supervisor, The Program Lead is responsible for the supervision and coaching of Program Support Staff as they work 1:1 or 2:1 with children, youth and adults on the autism spectrum. The Program Lead will facilitate and adapt the delivery of the program activities, manage any challenging behaviours, and perform personal care, including toileting, changing, feeding and lifting. The program Lead will communicate with parents and caregivers and complete reports as needed.

Key Responsibilities

• Meet with Program Coordinator to prepare the program and staff training
• Supervise and attend all training events and actively participate
• Organize and attend staff meetings/ debriefings and planning sessions
• Mentor and supervise Program Staff in collaboration with Program Coordinator
• Create and adapt program plans for your assigned group, incorporating fine motor activitiesand outdoor/indoor gross motor activities
• Ensure a smooth operation of the program by creating a positive team atmosphere
• Utilize problem solving skills and monitor activities to ensure participant safety and enjoyment
• Maintain positive communication with families regarding the participant’s progress andexperience at programs
• Assist in participant sign-in and sign-out (waivers, evaluations, and timesheets)
• Assist Program Coordinator in managing all document collection from staff/families
• Work with Program Coordinator to supervise and support staff and provide feedback onperformance
• Be responsible for the safety and security of staff and participants:

oFollow Code of Conduct and Operational Policies of Autism Ontario

oFollow all OCA standards

oRespond to first aid and emergencies as required

oTo maintain health and safety standards by keeping program areas safe, clean andorganized

oComplete incident report forms when necessary

oFollow CPI Non-violent Crisis Intervention guidelines

• Prepare and maintain individual records as appropriate
• Ensure that program equipment and program facilities are well maintained
• Act as a role model for staff, volunteers, and participants
• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Minimum of 3 years experience in working with individuals on the autism spectrum
• Minimum of 2 years post-secondary education or equivalent experience in a related field
• Minimum 1 year experience working in special needs camp or recreational program
• Experience in leading and supporting staff and volunteers
• Demonstrated experience in program planning and delivery
• Experience dealing with challenging behaviours of individuals with ASD
• Current criminal reference check including the vulnerable sector (6 months)
• Current First Aid and CPR C required
• Current BMS training is an asset
• Strong interpersonal and oral communication skills
• Individual must be able to participate with high energy in all activities
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, neurodiversity, equity, inclusion, anti- racism, anti-Black racism, anti-ableism

Please note that Autism Ontario may utilize AI-based tools during the recruitment and selection process to enhance the efficiency and effectiveness of our hiring procedures.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter stating: “Program Lead – Niagara Program” in the subject line. We thank everyone for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates invited to interview with us will be contacted.

Autism Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to maximizing the diversity of our organization, and actively encourages individuals on the autism spectrum and from all equity seeking groups to apply. We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status or any other legally protected factors.

Autism Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code. As such, Autism Ontario will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the hiring process.