Autism Support Coordinator

UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE – INCLUSION

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.

TITLE: Autism Support Coordinator – SouthWest Region
DEPARTMENT: Chapters/ Social & Community Inclusion

REPORTS TO: Chapter Regional Manager/ Director of Social & Community Inclusion
TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time (40 hours per week – some evening/weekends)
LOCATION: Yarmouth, NS – SouthWest Chapter Office

Job Summary:
The Autism Support Coordinator will work directly with autistics across the lifespan, families/caregivers to provide support and navigation to individualized resources, as well as building community capacity and engagement with various community stakeholders. As a lead for the Chapter, the Autism Support Coordinator is a key position at the Autism Resource Center, developing and implementing local programs to provide accessible, inclusive, and equitable opportunities for belonging.

Responsibilities include:

• Provide direct support to autistics across the lifespan, families, professionals, etc. for navigation to services and resources based on needs.

• Assist and connect caregivers and autistics with complex needs to resources and provide advocacy assistance as required; create understanding of eligibility for supports/services, and empower informed decision making

• Offer information on local provincial, and national programs, funding and resources available to meet the needs of autistic individuals in the region, liaising with and/or promoting the interests of autistics with other community service providers/professionals

• Recruit and build capacity of local volunteers, support student placements.

• Lead local fundraising, grant writing and other aspects of financial management for sustainability and efficient use of resources.

• Support inclusive local program planning, implementation, and evaluation (including summer camp).

• Prepare information, presentations and resources for community education and capacity building to increase understanding, acceptance, and supportive environments for autism.

• Plan and develop effective communications and oversee Chapter social media

• Foster positive community partnerships and connections to other service providers and key stakeholders

• Maintenance of related records and statistics, written reports including monthly and annual reviews, needs assessments, etc.

• Performance management of local program facilitation staff as required.

• Complete monthly administrative tasks for financial management including petty cash reconciliation, invoice processing, expense claims, etc.

*Other related duties as required

Qualifications

• Post- Secondary Degree/ Diploma in a related field or equivalent job experience

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

• First Aid & CPR certification (is considered an asset)

• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed care (is considered an asset or willingness to acquire)

• A valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle is required

Minimum Knowledge and Experience:

• A strong knowledge of Autism and the diversity of needs throughout the lifespan of all genders is essential

• Strong interpersonal skills are required, strong knowledge and connections to the disability or autism communities an asset

• Knowledge of survey tools, data reporting and software programs such as ShareVision, Microsoft Office 365, and Canva

Minimum Skills and Ability:

• Organizational, Administrative and Time Management Skills – Must have the ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities to address constant and varied demands of the position

• Leadership and Group Facilitation Skills - Must have the ability to deliver information sessions and present up-to-date language to a variety of community stakeholders

• Data Analytical Skills - Must have the ability to collect, manage and write reports on data and metrics related to Chapter needs

• Interpersonal and Communication Skills - The position requires active and empathetic listening skills, sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interface with a wide range of personality types

• Computer Skills -Must have the ability to access information, create and prepare various

documents, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations

• Other Skills -Must have good financial/money management skills, ability to address administrative/operational tasks.

Certifications/Training

• CPR-C and First Aid (updated yearly).

• Maintain Safety Care

• Clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check.

Working Conditions

• In-office, community-based, and remote work as needed.

• Occasional evening or weekend work for service delivery, outreach, events, or travel.

• Local, provincial travel for meetings, training, or external events.

• Must be able to supervise and lead a team both in-person and virtually.

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.