Location: New Minas and Kentville, NS (travel within Western Zone required)

Type: Full-time (Indefinite, dependent on funding)

Department: QuickStart Nova Scotia

Reports to: QuickStart NS Director and Supervisor

About the Role

The Parent Coach will support families of toddlers (12-36 months) with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed autism diagnosis. Using the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM), this role focuses on empowering caregivers to implement evidence-based strategies that support their child’s communication, social skills, and overall development. The Parent Coach will also be involved in the ESDM program, an extension of QuickStart NS for training requirements. This program provides autism specific early intervention to toddlers (31-48 months) with suspected, provisional or confirmed diagnosis of autism.

This role requires extensive travel and the flexibility to conduct in-person and online sessions.

Key Responsibilities

Program Delivery & Implementation

• Collaborate within QuickStart NS services, including Parent-mediated Coaching, the ESDM Program, and targeted interventions for sleep and behaviours that challenge.
• Complete Level 1 and Advanced ESDM training and maintain fidelity in implementation during one-on-one intervention sessions.
• Provide parent coaching in ESDM, ensuring fidelity while supporting caregivers in their child’s development.
• Manage an annual caseload of 2-3 children in the ESDM Program and 13-14 families in the Parent Coaching Program.
• Conduct assessments, develop goals, and collect ongoing data in collaboration with the Program Supervisor, SLP, and OT.
• Link families to community resources and professionals, ensuring continuity of care.
• Maintain confidentiality in all work aspects.

Family Support & Community Collaboration

• Support families in applying ESDM strategies for child development.
• Engage with community partners and professionals to support families.
• Conduct parent training sessions and provide individualized support.
• Participate in program evaluation, research, and ongoing training.

Travel & Flexibility

• Extensive travel within the Western Zone (up to 1.5-hour radius of Kentville or New Minas) and across Nova Scotia for regional meetings and program delivery.
• Attend training and events, including annual out-of-town travel.

What We Offer

Autism Nova Scotia is proud to offer meaningful, family-centered work in a supportive and inclusive environment. As a member of our team, you’ll receive:

• Competitive salary and benefits package
• Access to our Employee and Family Assistance Program (EFAP)
• RRSP/Pension Matching
• Support from an interdisciplinary and collaborative team

What You Bring

Education & Experience

• 5+ years of experience working in a child setting (e.g., childcare, one-on-one intervention).
• 1-3 years of recent experience working with families and autistic preschoolers (1-5 years of age).
• Diploma in Early Childhood Education or a Bachelor’s Degree in Psychology, Education, Child and Youth Studies, Behavioural Intervention, or related field.
• Knowledge of child development and milestones.
• Experience with parent training and coaching methods preferred.
• Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of natural developmental behavioural interventions
• Experience with early intensive behavioural interventions preferred.
• Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including lifting up to 50 lbs occasionally.

Skills & Attributes

• Excellent observation and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently and take direction.
• Familiar with Microsoft Office and basic technology tools for online session delivery.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to work within an interdisciplinary team.
• Competencies in other languages, particularly French and/or Arabic, are an asset.

Certifications/Training

• Current CPR-C and First Aid certification.
• Current NVCI training.
• Clear criminal background and child abuse registry check.
• Valid Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver's License, a reliable vehicle, and comfortability with travel within all driving conditions.

You Belong Here

At Autism Nova Scotia, we are committed to building a workforce that reflects the diversity of our community. We welcome applications from Autistic and neurodivergent individuals, 2SLGBTQIA+ people, Black, Indigenous, and racialized individuals, immigrants, and persons with disabilities.

If you require accommodations at any stage of the hiring process, please let us know — we are here to support you.

Closing Date: Applications are encouraged by August 12th, 2025

Join us in shaping early developmental pathways — one family at a time.

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Please note that all legitimate job opportunities will direct applicants to apply through our official website:

www.autismnovascotia.ca/careers