Part Time Program Educator

**About Autism Nova Scotia**

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

**Position**: Part Time Program Educator

**Department**: Employment & Community Transitions Department

**Location**: Truro Chapter (339 Willow Street)

**Job Type**: Part Time; 2-year contract with possibility for extension

**Hours**: 20 hours per week (some evenings)

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

**Accountability**: The Program Educator is accountable to the Program Coordinator

**What you will be doing**

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a passionate, committed professional to join its Employment & Community Transitions Department. As a Program Educator, you will be responsible for facilitating 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 Program Educator 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**:

- Facilitate weekly sessions to a group
- Prepare materials prior to sessions
- Train and supervise Community Coaches and volunteers
- Attend team meetings
- Support participants at group discussion, volunteer experience and 1-to-1 sessions
- Conduct performance reviews twice annually for Community Coaches
- Respond to participant and family requests
- Collaborate with the Program Coordinator to ensure exceptional programming and support is delivered
- Assist participants in identifying individual goals and working towards them
- Conduct outreach and recruit community partners for volunteer experiences
- Build and maintain relationships with community partners
- Provide Autism education to community partners, as requested
- Collect and compile program data and individual success stories
- Accurately collect data using ShareVision (Participant Information Storage Software) and other systems to track cohort duration and impact of community leadership
- Adhere to all Autism NS policies and procedures
- 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

**Skills**:

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

Please submit your resume and a cover letter expressing why you believe you are the best match for this role.

**Employment Requirement**:

- A clear criminal record check including the vulnerable sector check.
- A clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check.

**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.

**Job Type**: Part-time

Expected hours: 18 - 20 per week

Schedule:

- Day shift
- Evening shift

Work Location: In person