Program Educator

**About Autism Nova Scotia**

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Our vision is a society where people with autism 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.

**TITLE**:Program Educator - Economic Inclusion (Community Leadership & Employment Works)
**DEPARTMENT**:Economic Inclusion
**REPORTS TO**:Workforce Preparation Manager
**TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT**:Full-time (40 hours), 1-year term with the possibility of renewal
**LOCATION**:Truro

**Job Summary**:
The Program Educator will support the delivery of two key programs: the Community Leadership (CL) program and the Employment Works Sinneave (EW Sinneave) program. This role is designed to help Autistic youth and adults develop leadership, employment readiness, and job-search skills through a combination of group sessions, community volunteer work, job sampling, and individualized support. The Program Educator will be responsible for facilitating group sessions, conducting goal-setting meetings, outreach and recruitment, working closely with community partners and employer organizations, and ensuring the success of participants in both programs.

**Key Responsibilities**

**Program Management & Delivery**:

- Lead weekly group sessions to support Autistic youth in leadership, employment, and job-readiness skills.
- Facilitate job sampling, skill-building activities, and biweekly goal-setting meetings (using tools like PATH planning).
- Prepare session materials in advance to ensure high-quality programming.
- Provide training and support to Community Coaches, peer volunteers, and employer partners.
- Conduct outreach to recruit community partners and employers for volunteer and job sampling opportunities.
- Educate employer partners on Autism and employment supports.
- Advocate for inclusive practices and educate community partners about Autism.

**Participant Support & Engagement**:

- Support participants in identifying and achieving leadership, employment, and job-related goals.
- Maintain consistent enrollment by recruiting Autistic youth and adults into both programs.
- Ensure participants receive necessary supports and collaborate with employers for suitable work tasks.
- Monitor participant progress, providing individualized support where necessary.

**Program Evaluation & Reporting**:

- Collect and compile data, success stories, and feedback to assess program impact.
- Collaborate with the Workforce Preparation Manager and EW Sinneave Team Lead to evaluate program effectiveness.

**Team Collaboration & Leadership**:

- Collaborate with the team to ensure program success and continuous improvement.
- Conduct performance reviews for Community Coaches and ensure the scheduling and approval of their hours.

**Qualifications**
- 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 education (PSE) options.
- Experience with person-directed planning is an asset.

**Additional Skills & Competencies**
- Commitment to inclusion and adherence to inclusive employment practices.
- Strong communication skills and professionalism.
- Ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments.
- Excellent organizational, outreach, and time management skills.
- Ability to track and report program progress.
- Empathy and strong problem-solving abilities.

**Certifications/Training**
- CPR-C and First Aid (updated yearly).
- Maintain NVCI training.
- Clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check.
- Valid Nova Scotia Driver's License and reliable vehicle required.
- Comfortable driving on all types of roads, distances, and weather.

**Working Conditions**
- In-office, community-based, and remote work required.
- Evening work, between hours of 4-9pm, is required. Occasional day or weekend work for meetings, outreach, events, or travel.
- Local and provincial travel may be required for program delivery and community engagement.
- Multiple workplaces for community volunteering and job sampling.

**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 profess