Independent Living Support Program Manager

**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**:Program Manager (ILS and PDP)

**Reports to**:Program Director

**FTE**:Full-time Position

**Salary scale**:TBD

**Location**:Bedford, NS

**Travel**:Local/Provincial - Occasional Evening & Weekend

**Work**:As needed - rotating on-call schedule

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a Program Manager to oversee and support the Person Directed Planning (PDP) and Independent Living Support (ILS) Program. Both the PDP and ILS programs are developed to be person-directed and support individuals with a variety of disabilities and support needs in achieving their goals to move them towards their desired future. In Person Directed Planning, participants work one-on-one with a program facilitator to first outline their life goals and dreams, and then get connected to programs and services that will help them achieve those goals.

Autism Nova Scotia is a services provider for the Independent Living Support program offered through the Disability Support Program. ILS, as offered through Autism Nova Scotia, is a community-based living support program that is available for Autistic adults to access one-one support from a Community Living Coach to reach their independent living goals.

We are looking for a motivated, team player who is passionate about person directed support and working alongside Autistic folks/folks on the Autism Spectrum to lead and live the life they want.

**General Duties**:

- Oversee daily running of both the Independent Living Support and Person Directed Planning Program under the direction of the Program Director;
- Oversee and support PDP program facilitators and the ILS coordinator, including annual performance reviews, weekly supervision meetings, and availability to problem solve as needed;
- Have open communication with Program Director including regular check-ins, completing a program logic model, employee work plans, and participating in future planning for the programs;
- Oversee program budgets supported by the Program Director;
- Support communication between ILS participants and Care Coordinators in financial management;
- Develop systems, processes, and yearly plans, that allow for efficient delivery, and meeting of targets and goals set for each program; Commented [CM1]: I might include a line about the partnership with DCS. This gives the later line about communication with care coordinators context
- Oversee and maintain reports to be completed and shared with the Department of Community services and to develop processes to aid in data collection;
- Complete monthly financial reports to be sent to each person’s Care Coordinator in collaboration with the person, their CLCs, and ILS Coordinator;
- Oversee the implementation and maintenance of CLCs training in the 7 core competencies in accordance to DCS requirements;
- To schedule and participate in a rotating on-call schedule for availability of emergency support for staff;
- Oversee and support staff in planning, problem solving and client support;
- Work on and implement initiatives to build awareness of ILS and PDP programs in community;
- To maintain client records and facilitate participant on-boarding in compliance with safety and confidentiality measures;
- To implement and maintain anonymous feedback methods for participants and Autistic community members to provide program feedback and input, and to develop systems and processes to implement changes to fit the needs of individual clients;
- To work from and model a person-directed framework of practice and support staff in also understanding and implementing this framework, particularly in their interactions with ILS and PDP participants.
- Oversee communications related to the PDP and ILS program with participants, staff and community;
- Manage community partnerships connected to ILS and PDP programs;
- Manage, train, assign and supervise all placement students;
- Facilitate community training and education sessions;
- Other duties as required

**Education and Experience**:

- Minimum bachelor’s degree in education, social work, occupational therapy, or related field
- 5+ years experience working with individuals on the Autism Spectrum

Experience working in leadership/management roles