Autism Counsellor

Job Location**:Hamilton**

Program**:Hamilton Autism Programs**

Job Title**: Autism Counsellor**

Position**: Permanent full time (40 hours/ week)**

Pay**: $58,512 annually**

Start Date of Employment**:ASAP**

Reports to**:Program Manager**

Application Deadline**: Until filled**

**Employees receive**:

- A meaningful job that inspires hope and strengthens lives
- A positive culture and supportive environment that offers flexibility
- A comprehensive benefits package including extended healthcare and dental coverage as well as a RRSP contribution program
- A generous vacation entitlement (entry-level full-time employees can expect to receive 2- 3 weeks paid vacation to start)
- A commitment to wellness in the workplace as well as ongoing professional development and training opportunities

:

- The Autism Counsellor plays a key role in supporting adult clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder, intellectual disabilities, and/or medical diagnoses in developing a range of essential life skills. Working across various environments, the Counsellor facilitates learning using evidence-based practices grounded in Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA).
- The role involves fostering the development of communication, social interaction, life skills, self-regulation, and greater independence. These skills are taught through a combination of one-on-one instruction, structured and informal group sessions, recreational and leisure activities, and community-based experiences. The Counsellor also promotes cooperative social behaviour to support clients in building meaningful relationships. Services may be delivered in individual, group, or residential formats depending on the needs of the clients.

**_JOB RESPONSIBILITIES may include but are not limited to:_**

**_ Client Service and Support_**- Serves in a professional and caring manner that respects the needs, wishes, and abilities of the clients, and respects the philosophies and values of the Centre, the community, and the profession.- Actively engages clients, teaching a variety of age-appropriate skills/activities to ensure ongoing learning to increase independence.- Provides training and client support related to a variety of activities- Implementing Behaviour Support Plans (BSP), recording and maintaining relevant notes (ex. Behavioural Data Collection, etc.), tracking client progress and other relevant data as determined by the Program Manager- Communicating and collaborating with families, as well as a variety of professionals and community agencies- Taking leadership and initiative in planning and implementing children, youth, and adult groups, including communicating with families concerning goals, progress, future planning, etc.- Participating in ongoing evaluation and appraisal of the effectiveness of all activities and programs- Ongoing communication and collaboration with Teammates- Facilitates a client-centered approach that fosters collaborative decision making with clients.- Builds on the strengths of clients to encourage skill development, self-determination and inclusion within the community.- Encourage skill development and integration of goals into on-going service delivery.- Knows, respects and advocates for the rights of clients.- Builds an effective professional rapport with clients by focusing on respect, dignity, inclusion, and maintaining personal boundaries.- Personal Care - Assists clients with personal hygiene, with consideration for and attention to the respect and dignity of the individual.- Activities of Daily Living - Participate in meal planning, with consideration for nutrition, budgeting, client preferences and dietary restrictions, working collaboratively with co-workers.- Prepare and cook nutritious and varied meals, integrating client goals where appropriate.- Assist clients with personal finances, facilitating opportunities to purchase the goods and services of their choosing.- Transports individuals or groups of clients in agency vehicles or in their personal vehicles.

**_Skills and Knowledge:_**A**valid ‘G’ driver’s license** and the ability/capacity to drive agency vehicles is**required** for this position.
- **A vulnerable sector screening (VSC) will be required.**- Diploma or Degree from a recognized University or community college in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, Human Services, Child & Youth Worker (CYW), or equivalent in education and experience and professional training deemed acceptable to serve the needs of the client population.- Knowledge of and demonstrated experience implementing strength-based and evidence-based practices and supports, particularly the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, in an environment working with children/youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder is an asset to the role.- Ability to interpret and comply with the policies and procedures of the Agency and Ministry directives with the assistance of the Program Manager.- Good judgment, initiative