Job Location: Hamilton- (435 York Blvd + 845 Rymal Rd E location)

Program: Hamilton Autism Services

Job Title: Autism Counsellor

**Position:**13 Month Contract, Full time (40 hours/ week)

**Pay:**Band 3, Step 1 -$58,512 annually

Start Date of Employment: September 8, 2025

Number of Positions: 1

R****eports to: Program Manager

Application Deadline: Until Filled

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Autism Counsellor is responsible for assisting in facilitating learning and development of a variety of skills through specialized educational programs for adult clients with autism spectrum disorder in a variety of milieus. Incumbent fosters cooperative social behaviour to assist the clients in forming satisfying relationships with others and may play a role in, individual and group formats to enhance the social skills, life skills, communication skills, self-regulatory behaviour, and independent functioning of clients. These skills, using ABA principles, may be taught through 1:1 instruction, structured and/or informal group learning opportunities, academics, recreation, and leisure activities. These skills may be taught in various settings, including groups and in the community.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES may include, but are not limited to:

Client Service and Support

1. Serves in a professional and caring manner that respects the needs, wishes, and abilities of the clients, and respects the philosophies and values of the Centre, the community, and the profession.

2. Actively engages clients, teaching a variety of age-appropriate skills/activities to ensure ongoing learning to increase independence.

3. Provides training and client support related to a variety of activities, including:

• Implementing Behaviour Support Plans (BSP), recording and maintaining relevant notes (ex., Behavioural Data Collection, etc.), tracking client progress and other relevant data as determined by the Program Manager
• Communicating and collaborating with families, as well as a variety of professionals and community agencies
• Taking leadership and initiative in planning and implementing adult groups, including communicating with families concerning goals, progress, future planning, etc.
• Participating in ongoing evaluation and appraisal of the effectiveness of all activities and programs
• Ongoing communication and collaboration with Teammates
• Participating in ongoing evaluation and appraisal of the effectiveness of all activities and programs
• Facilitates a client-centred approach that fosters collaborative decision making with clients
• Builds on the strengths of clients to encourage skill development, self-determination and inclusion within the community.
• Encourage skill development and integration of goals into on-going service delivery.
• Administering and documenting medication to clients
• Adhering to QAM standards
• Knows, respects and advocates for the rights of clients.
• Builds an effective professional rapport with clients by focusing on respect, dignity, inclusion, and maintaining personal boundaries.

1. Monitors client behaviours, identifies concerns/learning needs, and communicates this to Program Manager.

2. Acts as a role model to help client’s problem solve and improve self-esteem and social skills.

3. Transports individuals or groups of clients in agency vehicles or in their personal vehicles.

Skills and Knowledge:

1. Diploma or Degree from a recognized University or community college in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, or equivalent in education and experience and professional training deemed acceptable to serve the needs of the client population.

2. Knowledge of and demonstrated experience implementing strength-based and evidence-based practices and supports, particularly the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, in an environment working with children/youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder is an asset to the role.

3. Ability to interpret and comply with the policies and procedures of the Agency and Ministry directives with the assistance of the Program Manager.

4. Good judgment, initiative, and demonstrated high standard of service delivery and professional skills.

5. The ability to work independently and as a supportive and active member of an interdisciplinary team.

6. Demonstrated good health. (A certificate indicating the absence of communicable disease is required at the time of employment).

7. The incumbent must be trained in First Aid/CPR, NVCI, and WHMIS.

8. A vulnerable sector screen (VSC) certifying that the applicant has not been convicted of any criminal offense that might be relevant to the requested position.

9. A valid ‘G’ driver’s license and the ability/capacity to drive agency vehicles is required for this position.

Effort and Working Conditions:

1. Possesses the physical strength and agility to perform all responsibilities including interacting with adults in active programs and the use of physical restraint if necessary.

2. Due to the nature of the client population, the incumbent must be able to tolerate situations that can escalate into shouting, aggression, and self-injurious behaviours; and stay calm to implement prescribed behavioral protocols (i.e. redirection, de-escalation, blocking, physical restraints, etc.).

3. Travel will be required, so individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid G driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record.

4. The incumbent will interact with clients, family members, staff, and community partners.

5. This position is performed within a variety of milieus including within the community.

6. Work flexible hours and/or shifts as determined by the agency and described in the employment contract, which includes one weekday evening and an overnight shift.

How to Apply?

Please submit your application OR you are also welcome to email your letter of intent & Resume to Bianca Aceti at careers@woodview.cawith ‘Autism Counsellor –13 Month Contract’ in the subject line.

(Please only submit single application per posting! )

**If you or someone you know might be interested, please consider applying or reach out for more details.**

We thank all candidates but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Woodview welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. Woodview is committed to employment equity and diversity and a positive and supportive environment.