Autism Support Coordinator

**UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE - INCLUSION - COURAGE**

**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 Centers. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.

:
POSITION TITLE**:Autism Support Coordinator - Pictou County Chapter**

DEPARTMENT: Chapters

LOCATION: Regional Autism Centre -115 MacLean Street, New Glasgow, NS

POSITION: Full-time (40 hours per week - some evening/weekends)

DIRECT REPORT: Chapter Support Manager

**Program Summary**:
Under the supervision of Chapter Support Manager, the Autism Support Coordinator will work directly with autistic individuals and families/caregivers living with Autism, as well as building community capacity and engagement with various community stakeholders. As a lead for the Chapter, the Autism Support Coordinator is a key position for operations and administration at the Autism Resource Center.

**Responsibilities include**:

- Provide direct support to autistic individuals across the lifespan, families, professionals, etc. for navigation to services and resources based on needs
- Assist and connect caregivers and autistics with complex needs to resources and provide advocacy assistance as required; create understanding of eligibility for supports/services, and empower informed decision making
- Offer information on local provincial, and national programs, funding and resources available to meet the needs of autistic individuals in the region; liaising with and/or promoting the interests of autistics with other community service providers/professionals
- Support inclusive program planning, implementation, and evaluation (including summer camp).
- Prepare information, presentations and resources for community education and capacity building, and recruit/support volunteers
- Plan and develop effective communications and oversee Chapter on social media
- Foster positive community partnerships and connection to other service providers
- Maintenance of related records and statistics, written reports including monthly and annual reviews, needs assessments, etc.
- Performance management of local program facilitation staff as required.
- Performance management of other related duties as required

**Qualifications**:

- Post
- Secondary Degree/ Diploma in a related field or equivalent job experience
- A clear, current criminal record check and child abuse registry search is required
- First Aid & CPR certification (is considered an asset)
- Non-Violent Crisis Intervention and Trauma-Informed care (is considered an asset or willingness to acquire)
- A valid driver’s license and access to an insured vehicle is required

**Minimum Knowledge and Experience**:

- A strong knowledge of Autism and the diversity of needs throughout the lifespan of all genders is essential
- Strong interpersonal skills are required, strong knowledge and connections to the disability or autism communities an asset
- Knowledge of survey tools, data reporting and software programs such as Sharevision, Microsoft Office 365, and Zoom

**Minimum Skills and Ability**:

- Organizational, Administrative and Time Management Skills - Must have the ability to plan, organize and coordinate activities; to address constant and varied demands of the position
- Leadership and Group Facilitation Skills - Must have the ability to deliver information sessions and present up-to-date language to a variety of community stakeholders
- Data Analytical Skills - Must have the ability to collect, manage and write reports on data and metrics related to Chapter needs
- Interpersonal and Communication Skills - The position requires active and empathetic listening skills, sound judgement, tact, diplomacy, good communication and problem-solving skills, as well as the ability to interface with a wide range of personality types
- Computer Skills -Must have the ability to access information, create and prepare various

documents, spreadsheets, reports, and presentations
- Other Skills -Must have good financial/money management skills, ability to address administrative/operational tasks.

**As a Proof of Vaccination organization, all Autism Nova Scotia staff are required to be fully vaccinated.**

**What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...**
- **You’ll make a difference.**_

You’ll be surrounded by passionate and committed individuals who work together to improve quality of life through our ser