Program Educator

**Location**:Halifax Regional Municipality (Daytime and Evening Hours Required)

**Type**:Full-time (40 hours/week), 1-year parental leave term

**Department**:Economic Inclusion

**Reports to**:Workforce Preparation Manager

**Empower Autistic Youth and Adults to Lead and Succeed**

Are you committed to building inclusive communities and expanding employment opportunities for Autistic Nova Scotians? Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a full-time Program Educator to support the delivery of two vital programs: Community Leadership (CL) and EmploymentWorks ANS (EW ANS). This combined role offers a unique opportunity to guide participants through leadership development and job-readiness programming, with support from a passionate and collaborative team.

This is a 1-year parental leave term.

**About the Role**

The Program Educator will split their time equally between two key program areas:
**_Community Leadership (CL) _**

Supports Autistic youth in developing leadership and employment-readiness skills through weekly group sessions, one-on-one goal planning, and inclusive volunteer opportunities. The Program Educator will also support Community Coaches and peer volunteers to create meaningful community engagement experiences.

**_EmploymentWorks ANS (EW ANS) _**

Prepares Autistic job seekers to build the skills and confidence needed to find and maintain meaningful employment. The Program Educator will deliver structured sessions, support job sampling, and collaborate with community partners to build inclusive employment pathways.

Evening availability (between 4 PM-9 PM) is required to meet programming needs. Occasional weekend hours and travel may also be required.

**Key Responsibilities**

**_Community Leadership (CL) _**

**Program Management & Delivery**
- Facilitate weekly leadership and employment-readiness group sessions for Autistic youth.
- Lead biweekly one-on-one goal meetings using the PATH planning tool.
- Prepare high-quality, engaging session materials.
- Train and support Community Coaches and peer volunteers.
- Conduct outreach and recruit new volunteer placement partners.
- Educate community partners on Autism and inclusive practices.

**Participant Support & Engagement**
- Support participants in identifying and achieving their personal and employment goals.
- Maintain consistent participant enrollment.
- Ensure individualized supports are in place for success.
- Match participants with meaningful volunteer opportunities.

**Program Evaluation & Reporting**
- Collect and report on program data, outcomes, and success stories.
- Collaborate with the Workforce Preparation Manager to assess impact.

**Team Collaboration & Leadership**
- Conduct probation and performance reviews for Community Coaches.
- Oversee scheduling and hour approvals for Community Coaches.
- Work closely with the broader team to support continuous improvement.

**_EmploymentWorks ANS (EW ANS) _**

**Program Management & Delivery**
- Provide direct support to participants in developing job-readiness skills.
- Prepare materials and deliver structured sessions, including job sampling.
- Facilitate group and individual skill-building activities.
- Maintain communication with participants and their families.
- Track progress and goal achievement.

**Participant Support & Engagement**
- Support participants in developing and achieving individualized employment goals.
- Recruit and retain participants.
- Implement individualized supports in collaboration with community partners.
- Identify appropriate job sampling or volunteer placements.

**Program Evaluation & Reporting**
- Collect, track, and report participant data and success stories.
- Collaborate with the Workforce Preparation Manager to review and improve outcomes.

**Team Collaboration & Leadership**
- Partner with the Economic Inclusion team to ensure consistent and effective programming.

**Qualifications**

**_Education & Experience _**
- Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.
- 1+ years of experience working with youth and individuals on the autism spectrum.
- Strong knowledge of career exploration, pathways, and postsecondary options.
- Experience with person-directed planning is an asset.

**_Skills & Competencies _**
- Commitment to inclusive employment and community practices.
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- Exceptional organizational, outreach, and time management skills.
- Data collection and reporting proficiency.
- Empathy, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

**_Certifications/Training _**
- CPR-C and First Aid (current or willingness to obtain).
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention (current or willingness to obtain).
- Clear Criminal Record Check (including Vulnerable Sector).
- Valid Child Abuse Registry Check.
- Valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and reliable vehicle.
- Comfortable with travel across various road and weather conditions.

**Working Conditions**
- Combination of in-of