Employment Support Group Facilitator

**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.

**TITLE**:Employment Support Group Facilitator

**DEPARTMENT**:Economic Inclusion

**REPORTS TO**:Program Educator
- ESG

**TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT**:Part-time Term Position, 6-month term (10 hours/week)

**LOCATION**:Hybrid

**Job Summary**:
The Employment Support Group Facilitator will join the Workforce Preparation team within the Economic Inclusion Department, supporting Autistic youth and adults in their employment journeys. This 6-month term role focuses on facilitating the Employment Support Group, a peer-led conversation space where Autistic individuals connect around shared employment experiences. The group meets primarily online, with occasional in-person sessions, and offers a welcoming environment for participants to talk, listen, and support one another.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Group Facilitation & Support**

- Facilitate monthly group sessions - primarily online with occasional in-person gatherings - by supporting peer-led conversations and helping participants explore employment-related themes.

- Support the development of session themes by gathering input from participants, coordinating topics based on shared interests, and offering reflective prompts that encourage open, organic dialogue.

- Facilitate participant discussions with care and respect, helping to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment where Autistic individuals feel safe to share experiences, express themselves, and support one another.

- Conduct participant intakes and maintain regular communication to build trust, support engagement, and ensure individual needs are considered.

- Gather ongoing feedback to help shape the group direction and ensure sessions remain relevant, responsive, and supportive.

- Promote the Employment Support Group to community partners and stakeholders to increase awareness and engagement.

**Collaboration & Group Preparation**

- Collaborate with the Program Educator in a supportive capacity to plan and shape group sessions, while maintaining responsibility for guiding the group experience.

- Assist in preparing session materials and coordinating logistics to ensure smooth delivery and accessibility for all participants.

**Qualifications**

- Must self-identify as Autistic or have a formal diagnosis of Autism.

- 1+ years of experience working with youth and adults.

- 1+ years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and understanding the challenges in accessing meaningful employment.

- Strong knowledge of career exploration, postsecondary education (PSE) options, and related fields.

- Knowledge or experience with person-directed planning is an asset.

- Must have access to a reliable internet connection and a laptop to perform job duties effectively.

**Additional Skills & Competencies**

- Commitment to the full inclusion of individuals with autism and adherence to inclusive employment practices.

- Strong interpersonal and communication skills

- Ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments.

- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

- Strong time management and problem-solving skills.

- Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

**Certifications/Training**

- Clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check.

- Maintain ASIST training.

**Working Conditions**

- Office, community-based and remote work required.

- Frequent evening work for group session delivery.

- Local and provincial travel for group delivery and training, may be required.

**What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...**

**_You’ll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals. _**

**_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.