Program Facilitator

About Autism Nova Scotia…

Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for Autistic people and their families and caregivers. We deliver person-directed, neuro-affirming supports across the lifespan through our network of Regional Autism Centres in Halifax and nine communities across the province.

Our work is grounded in First Voice leadership, community partnership, and a strong commitment to establishing equity for rural, racialized, and other underserved communities. Through programs that promote social and community inclusion, employment support, and family and caregiver support, we work to reduce barriers, strengthen community capacity, and create pathways for Autistic Nova Scotians to learn, work, live, and belong.

POSITION TITLE: Program Facilitator

POSITION DETAILS: Part Time; Evening/weekend flexibility required

DIRECT REPORT: Chapter Coordinator/Chapter Support Manager

Program summary:

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, training, and programming across the lifespan.

The Program Facilitator will work in collaboration with the South West Chapter Coordinator and Chapter Program Committee to locally plan, implement and evaluate inclusive social, recreation/leisure, life skills and other events/activities for the regional autism center. Programs will take place at community locations across the region. The Program Facilitator will support the recruitment/management of volunteers for implementing programs and organize/plan special events as needed.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide direct program support to children, youth, adults, and families with autism in community-based setting(s)

• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate social/recreational programs. This may include promoting programs, organizing registration for participants, collecting fees, sourcing supplies, and booking outings, activities, and facilities.

• Provide positive role modeling/mentoring and support to volunteers, autistics and families who attend programs.

• Accountable for participants’ health, safety, and whereabouts during the program delivery.

• Adherence to a high ethical standard of support for any person with autism; respecting individuals rights to be treated with dignity and respect; high discretion & respect for confidentiality a must.

• Ensure good communication with staff, volunteers, program participants and families.

• Recruiting and supporting program volunteers.

• Organize and implement special events or fundraising as needed.

• Other duties as required.

Qualifications:

• Post-secondary education in a related field/program (preferability psychology, recreation, social services or related field) preferred or equivalent experience accepted.

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

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASIST Training and First Aid Certifications preferred

Minimum Knowledge and Experience:

• 1-3 years’ experience working with autistic individuals is considered an asset.

• Experience with program planning and facilitating recreation-based activities and community events is considered an asset.

Minimum Skills and Abilities:

• Must be passionate about inclusion and diversity.

• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism

• Strong person-directed, trauma informed facilitation skills

• Ability to form professional relationships with community partners, participants, families, and colleagues

• A high level of professionalism and judgement regarding participant interactions, relationships, and safety

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)

• Strong organizational and time management skills

• Calm professional demeanor under pressure

• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team

• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and ability to practically and professionally adapt

• Proficiency or experience in internal communication software (such as MS Teams) and external communication

including excel spreadsheets, survey tools, Canva, and other registration programs

Essential and Other Related Job Duties:

• A valid Driver’s License and access to a reliable vehicle is required.

• Accommodations: Please state any interview accommodation requests in your cover letter.

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.