Casual Employment 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.

**Title: Employment Coach**

**Department**:Employment & Community Transitions Department

**Time**:Casual (hours per week will vary and are offered as available; must be available to work with participants at their workplace)

**Salary**:$21.50/hour

**Location**:Halifax Regional Municipality, NS

**Travel (frequency)**:Local - Frequent; reliable transportation is required

**Direct Report**:Employment Coaching Program Coordinator

**What you’ll be doing **

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a passionate, committed professional to join its Employment & Community Transitions Department in connection with the Halifax Chapter to support its delivery of employment coaching.

The Employment Coach position will involve working directly with adults on the autism spectrum in their workplace. The Employment Coach helps support an employee towards independence and confidence in their job and assists them in setting up accommodations, as necessary. This position involves establishing communication between autistic employees and documenting and updating the Program Coordinator on support (i.e., shift reports, etc.).

This position will also include being cross-trained on other employment-related programs and services and assigned other duties, as the need requires. Other duties might include one to one preemployment coaching meetings (i.e., resume and cover letter support, mock interviews, etc.), co-facilitating job searching peer group online, co-facilitating employment & wellness support group online, etc.

**What we’re 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**:

- Provides in person and online employment coaching to employees;
- Monitors and documents employee progress using shift reports, scoring rubrics, and other documents;
- Assist with preparation and implementation of workplace accommodations;
- Communicates, regularly and in a timely manner, with Program Coordinator to assure exceptional program delivery, and issues of support-gaps, accessibility, and accommodation are identified and addressed;
- Provide knowledge and expertise in Autism to employers and the community;
- Other duties as required

**Education and Experience**:

- Demonstrated knowledge of Neurodiversity is required;
- Previous experience working with Autistic people / people on the autism spectrum in community, residential or school settings is recommended, but not required;
- Post-Secondary education or equivalent experience in a related field;
- Must have access to a reliable vehicle;
- Current First Aid Certification (considered an asset);
- Current Nonviolent Crisis Intervention Certification (considered an asset);
- Current ASIST Certification (considered an asset);
- A valid criminal record check and child abuse registry check are required for this position

**Skills**:

- Commitment to full inclusion for people on the autism spectrum, including the right to employment and economic participation in the community;
- Demonstrated knowledge of some of the issues and barriers faced by autistic people in gaining and maintaining meaningful employment;
- Able to collect data for purposes of individual goal achievement;
- Ability to work independently;
- Strong attention to detail in tracking and reporting on work;
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products;
- 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 gr