Autism Support Coordinator

**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.

**POSITION TITLE**:Autism Support Coordinator - Annapolis Valley Chapter**

**DEPARTMENT**:Chapters

**LOCATION**:Regional Autism Centre -Kentville/New Minas, NS

**POSITION**:PT - Coverage for Leave of Absence (20-30 hours per week) Some evening/weekends based on operations.

**DIRECT REPORT**:Chapter Support Manager

**Program Summary**:
Under the supervision of Chapter Support Manager, the Autism Support Coordinator will work directly with and advocate for autistic individuals and families/caregivers living with Autism, plus build community capacity and engagement with various community stakeholders. As a co-lead for the Chapter, the Autism Support Coordinator will work collaboratively with the Chapter Navigator & program Facilitator. This is a key position for operations and administration at the Autism Resource Center.

**Responsibilities include**:

- Provide direct support to autistic individuals 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.
- Co-lead local fundraising, grant writing and other aspects of financial management for sustainability and efficient use of resources.
- Support inclusive program planning, implementation, and evaluation (including summer camp).
- Prepare information, presentations and resources for community education and capacity building to build understanding, acceptance, and supportive environments for autism.
- Plan and develop effective communications and oversee Chapter social media.
- Foster positive community partnerships and connection to other service providers.
- Track and record data in a timely manner as per Chapter-based processes.
- Performance management of local program facilitation staff as required.
- Performance of 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 Zoom

**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.

**What to expect at A