Educator

Job Description

UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE – INCLUSION
About Autism Nova Scotia
Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people with ASD can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.
Autism Nova Scotia delivers programming in Halifax and in nine communities across Nova Scotia through our Regional Autism Centres. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.
Program Educator: Employment Works Program
Position: Program Educator
Department: Employment & Community Transitions Department
Time: Part-time (some evenings) 15-20 hrs/wk
Flexible schedule is required.
Term: 5-month Term
Travel (frequency): Local – Frequent
Accountability: Program Coordinator, EmploymentWorks
The Program Educator is part of the Autism Nova Scotia’s Employment and Community Transitions Department, supporting the delivery of the Employment Works program to participants and guiding, as required, deliver or coordinate supports for autistic individuals / individuals on the autism spectrum, in seeking and/or keeping employment.
The Program Educator will be involved with the Employment Works program at Autism Nova Scotia’s South Shore Chapter location.
Employment Works is a program that offers employment preparedness training and support, combined with job sampling and hands-on experience, to autistic adults / adults on the autism spectrum. The program is designed for individuals who want to enter or return to the workforce, and who are willing to develop and practice the skills needed to support employment success.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Reports to the Program Coordinator of the Employment Works program.

• Provides direct support to participants in the Employment Works program.

• Facilitates the development of skills with autistic teens and adults / teens and adults on the autism spectrum participating in the Employment Works program.

• Accurately collects participant goal data and program outcome data.

• Monitors and track participant progress.

• Assist with preparation, planning, and implementation of the program to enhance participant employability skills.

• Recruits and engages with community partners for work placement opportunities and build community capacity.

• Collaborates with local community employment agencies and service providers.

• Coordinate access to Autism NS programs and community-based employment opportunities.

• Consults, daily, with team members to assure exceptional program delivery.

Skills and Competencies:

• Committed to the full inclusion of autistic people / people on the autism spectrum; adherence to inclusionary practices in employment;

• Experience working with autistic individuals / individuals on the autism spectrum and demonstrated understanding of the issues and barriers in accessing meaningful, real employment;

• Able to collect data for purposes of program evaluation and individual goal achievement;

• Able to implement support plans in natural settings and environments such as the community;

• Strong outreach, organizational, and teamwork skills;

• Strong assessment skills, time management skills and attention to detail in tracking and reporting on work;

• Ability to work independently and work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team

• Proficient in Microsoft Office products. Experience with creating graphs in Excel an asset;

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioural intervention, education, or related field

• 1 – 3 years experience (working with autistic individuals and/or with teens and adults on the autism spectrum is preferred)

• Current CPR and First Aid Certification

• Clear, current Criminal Records Check

• Clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check

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.
Essential & Other Job-Related Duties:

• Access to a reliable vehicle

• Willing to travel occasionally, short trips to work placements in the community

• Must be willing and able to work outside of standard week hours

• Other duties as required

Job Type: Part-time

Work Location: In person