Casual Community Coach

**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**:Casual Community Coach

**Department**:Employment & Community Transitions Department

**Location**:South Shore Chapter

**Job Type**:Casual

**Hours**:5 hours per week (afternoons and evenings)

**Travel (frequency)**:Local - Frequent

**Accountability**:The Community Coach is accountable to the Program Educator

**What you will be doing **

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a passionate, committed professional to join its Employment & Community Transitions Department. As a Community Coach, you will be responsible for supporting the facilitation of the Community Leadership (CL) program. CL is a program designed to support Autistic youth / youth on the autism spectrum aged 14-18 in enhancing skills and knowledge within their communities. Through a person directed approach, CL staff support participants with goal setting, community engagement, and skill building. The Community Coach plays a key role in supporting participants as they work towards their goals and exercise self-determination within the community.

This is an exciting opportunity to work with a regional and national leader, and as part of a broader wrap-around programming and services team that works with autistic individuals to reach their leadership, employment and community engagement goals.

**What we are 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**:

- Support program participants at group learning sessions, volunteer experience sessions and one-to-one sessions
- Collaborate with and consult the Program Educator to assure exceptional support is delivered and issues of support-gaps, accessibility, accommodation, and adaptations are highlighted and addressed
- Navigate and support program participants in identifying and working toward goals and skill development
- Attend planning and supervision meetings
- Adhere to all Autism NS policies and processes
- Administrative tasks
- Other duties as required

**Education and Experience**:

- Experience working with youth and adults with disabilities (Autism preferred)
- Post-secondary education or equivalent experience in a related field
- Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and use of a reliable vehicle for community visits
- Must be comfortable driving on all types of roads, distances, and weather
- Able to meet the physical nature of the job; must be able to life up to 50lbs occasionally
- Clear, current Criminal Records Check
- Clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check

**Skills**:

- Ability to work independently and collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team;
- Proficiency in MS Office Applications and client information management software;
- Strong written communication skills, excellent time management skills with the ability to multi-task in a fast-paced environment;
- Resourcefulness in solving problems

**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.