Launchpad Coordinator

**About Autism Nova Scotia**

Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people on the Autism Spectrum/Autistic individuals, their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people on the autism spectrum 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 Centers. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

**LAUNCHPAD COORDINATOR**

**Term**: Full-time; 40 hours per week(Evenings and weekends may be required)

**Travel (frequency)**: Some travel required

**Start Date**:September, 2023

**Position location**:Bedford, NS

**Application deadline**:4:30 pm, September 4th, 2023

**DIRECT REPORT**:Employment Manager

**What you’ll be doing**

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a passionate, committed professional to join its Employment Department.

The LaunchPad Coordinator works with Autism Nova Scotia’s Employment Department, coordinating the delivery of the LaunchPad program in Halifax Regional Municipality and Sydney, Cape Breton.

LaunchPad is Autism Nova Scotia’s longest running employment program; a pre-employment program for youth and adults on the autism spectrum who want to learn more about entering the workforce, gain valuable work experience and gain valuable skills such as customer service and cash handling. The LaunchPad Coordinator will oversee daily operations of the program, being the main point of contact between Autism NS and individuals accessing the program and will oversee program facilitators. The LaunchPad Coordinator also oversees Career Quest, a job search group, and Employment Wellness & Support Group. They will always work to provide exceptional person-directed and individualized programming and supports to support autistic job seekers towards gaining meaningful and paid employment.

**What we’re looking for**

A highly motivated team player who takes personal accountability to deliver on what is expected in their role and who strives for excellence each day. They think broadly, have a drive to transform lives, desire to change attitudes and create a society that works for autistic people.

**General Duties**:

- Coordinate the LaunchPad program in HRM and Sydney with the goal of supporting job seekers in enhancing skills, and gaining employment
- Support Manager to hire and onboard Employment Program Facilitators (when required)
- Provide guidance and support to Employment Program Facilitators
- Schedule and approve Employment Program Facilitator hours
- Accurately collect, input and store data using ShareVision (Case Management System) and other systems to track program outcomes
- Conduct community outreach and network with other Autism NS departments to recruit program participants
- Facilitate program intake meetings
- Create and implement individualized supports for program participants, as needed
- Conduct outreach with local businesses/employers
- Build and maintain partnerships with employers for work experiences
- Co-facilitate classroom and work experience sessions
- Lead team rounds meetings and support professional growth within roles
- Lead 1:1 meetings biweekly for direct reports
- Attend Employment Department meetings biweekly and provide program updates
- Collaborate with Autism NS’s social enterprise, The Pearl, and Employment Coaching Coordinator for work experience
- Conduct performance reviews twice annually for direct reports
- Prepare and submit fiscal year reports to Manager on outcomes / successes / challenges
- Consults, daily, with colleagues to assure exceptional support is delivered and issues are addressed in a timely way
- Other duties as required

**Education and Experience**:

- Demonstrated knowledge of Neurodiversity is required
- Previous experience working with Autistic people / people on the autism spectrum in community, residential or school settings is recommended, but not required
- Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience in a related field
- Must have access to a reliable vehicle
- Current First Aid Certification (considered an asset)
- Current Non Violent Crisis Intervention Certification (considered an asset)
- Current ASIST Certification (considered an asset)
- A valid criminal record check and child abuse registry check are required for this position

**Skills**:

- Commitment to full inclusion for people on the autism spectrum, including the right to employment and economic participation in the community;
- Demonstrated knowledge of some of the issues and barriers faced by autistic people in accessing meaningful employment;
- Ability to work independently and collaborativ