Autism Okanagan

Position summary
The Program Facilitator for Vernon's Youth and Adult Program (YAP) Mix It Up group will work with the Vernon Program Director to plan and deliver engaging, accessible, and neurodivergent-affirming program activities.
The successful candidate will actively participate in each session, supervise and support participants, promote positive social interactions, respond to emotional or behavioural challenges, and help maintain a safe and welcoming program environment.
Key Responsibilities
<ul>
<li>Work with the Vernon Program Director to plan and deliver engaging, accessible, and neurodivergent-affirming program activities.</li>
<li>Attend and actively participate in weekly sessions and community outings.</li>
<li>Supervise participants and support their safety, engagement, emotional regulation, social connection, and overall wellbeing. Build positive relationships with participants and promote confidence, independence, friendship, and belonging.</li>
<li>Respond calmly and supportively to emotional, social, sensory, or behavioural challenges.</li>
</ul>
Qualifications
<ul>
<li>Previous experience working with autistic or otherwise neurodivergent or special needs individuals is required.</li>
<li>Education in psychology, social work, special education, child and youth care, behavioural science, recreation, or a related field is preferred.</li>
<li>A combination of relevant education, employment, volunteer experience, and lived experience will be considered.</li>
<li>Understanding of behaviour-intervention, co-regulation, de-escalation, and strengths-based support strategies. Experience responding to emotional, social, sensory, or behavioural challenges.</li>
<li>Strong interpersonal, communication, teamwork, and problem-solving skills.</li>
<li>Ability to remain calm and supportive during difficult or unexpected situations.</li>
<li>Patient, reliable, flexible, empathetic, and committed to neurodivergent-affirming practice.</li>
</ul>
Additional requirements
<ul>
<li>Reliable transportation and the ability to attend program sessions at various locations throughout Vernon.</li>
<li>Availability most Tuesdays from 5:45 p.m. to 7:45 p.m.</li>
<li>Satisfactory criminal record check and vulnerable sector screening.</li>
<li>Completion of any required Autism Okanagan orientation and training.</li>
<li>As an independent contractor, the Facilitator is responsible for submitting monthly timesheets and invoices and managing their own tax and contractor obligations</li>
</ul>
About Autism Okanagan
Autism Okanagan provides welcoming, inclusive, and neurodivergent-affirming social, recreational, and community programs for neurodivergent children, youth, adults, and their families.
Our programs use predictable routines, clear expectations, sensory-considerate environments, flexible participation options, interest-based activities, and strengths-based support. Our goal is to create spaces where participants feel safe, accepted, respected, and able to participate without pressure to mask or conform to neurotypical expectations.
About Vernon YAP
Vernon YAP Mix It Up is a weekly social program for neurodivergent youth and young adults. Participants take part in a variety of social, recreational, creative, and community-based activities while building friendships, confidence, communication skills, independence, and a sense of belonging.
The program runs most Tuesdays throughout the year, with scheduled breaks during Christmas, spring break, and summer.
How to Apply
Please submit a resume and brief cover letter describing your relevant experience, qualifications, and interest in supporting neurodivergent youth and young adults to:
<a href="mailto:info@autismokanagan.ca" rel="nofollow noopener" target="_blank">info@autismokanagan.ca</a>
Please include “Vernon YAP Mix It Up Facilitator” in the subject line.
We appreciate the interest of all applicants. Due to the anticipated number of applications, only candidates selected for an interview will be contacted.
Pay: $25.00 per hour
Work Location: In person

Program Facilitator – Vernon YAP Mix It Up

Program Facilitator – Vernon YAP Mix It Up

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