Community Living Coach – within the ILS Program (Part-Time)

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.

POSITION TITLE: Community Living Coach – within the ILS Program (Part-Time)

POSITION: Part-Time

LOCATION: Throughout HRM community depending on participant locations

SALARY: $21.50 per hour

HOURS PER WEEK: Up to 30 hours per week

DIRECT REPORT: ILS Coordinator

Program Summary:

The Community Living Coach works directly with individuals and families who are accessing the ILS program. The ILS Coordinator provides individualized support with Autistic adults who set their own goals in living independently.

What we are looking for . . .

A team player who is interested in enhancing their communication and leadership skills while gaining valuable employment experience.

Educational Qualifications

• Degree/Diploma in Human/Social Services field or currently enrolled, relevant experience will be considered

• 1-3 years of recent experience working with Autistic adults or adults with disabilities.

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Have knowledge of autism

• Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of person directed, trauma informed framework and evidence informed practices of working with neurodivergent adults and adults with disabilities.

• Demonstrates an understanding of the social model of disability and/or critical disability studies.

• Experience working within community-based programs preferred.

• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, and intellectual disabilities

• Demonstrates excellent observation and problem-solving skills, required.

• Demonstrates the ability to take direction and work independently.

• Demonstrates the understanding of the limits of competency, required.

• Applies knowledge of community-based service delivery systems.

• Familiar with Microsoft Office programs.

• A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and clean driving record.

• Access reliable to transportation

Role And Qualifications:

• Support autistic individuals in meeting their goals to live more independently

• Provide ILS participants with 1:1 support in their home based on the hours and areas that they want support.

• Maintain physical records pertaining to ILS participant support

• Build a trusting professional relationship with participant and family creating a positive space to support ILS goals

• Regularly checking in with ILS participants to ensure quality of support and progress towards goals

• Provide regular and timely coaching support updates to the ILS Coordinator

• Collaborate with the ILS Coordinator and ILS Supervisor as well as external community organizations (DOSD), health organizations etc.

Other Relevant Skills:

• Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings required.

• Competencies in other languages an asset; French or Arabic preferred.

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

• Maintenance of regular and effective communication with individuals and families living with autism, as well as AutismNS team members and direct supervisors.

• Fostering positive community partnerships and connection around the organizations program and services.

• Performance of other related duties as required.

Requirements

• A valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector check is required for this position

• Valid drivers license and access to a reliable transportation for travel

• Hold current ASIST certification (within 2 years) an asset. If not trained upon hire, individual successful in attaining position will be trained internally within ANS

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.