Program Educator

**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.

**Job Description**:

- **Employment **_Works _**Program **Program Educator
**Position**:Program Educator

**Department**:Employment & Community Transitions Department

**Time**:Part-time (some evenings and occasional weekends) 20 hrs/wk

Flexible schedule is required.

**Term**:Indefinite Term

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

**Accountability**:Program Coordinator, EmploymentWorks

The Program Educator is part of the Autism Nova Scotia’s Employment & Community Transitions Department, supporting the delivery of the Employment _Works _program to participants and guiding, as required, deliver or coordinate supports for autistic individuals / individuals on the autism spectrum, in seeking and/or keeping employment.

The Employment Program Educator will be involved with the Employment _Works _program at Autism Nova Scotia’s South Shore Chapter location.

Employment _Works _is a program that offers employment preparedness training and support, combined with job sampling and hands-on experience, to autistic adults / adults on the autism spectrum. The program is designed for individuals who want to enter or return to the workforce, and who are willing to develop and practice the skills needed to support employment success.

**Roles and Responsibilities**:

- Reports to the Program Coordinator of the Employment _Works _program.
- Provides direct support to participants in the Employment _Works _program.
- Facilitates the development of skills with autistic teens and adults / teens and adults on the autism spectrum participating in the Employment _Works _program.
- Accurately collects participant goal data and program outcome data.
- Monitors and track participant progress.
- Assist with preparation, planning, and implementation of the program to enhance participant employability skills.
- Recruits and engages with community partners for work placement opportunities and build community capacity.
- Collaborates with local community employment agencies and service providers.
- Coordinate access to Autism NS programs and community-based employment opportunities.
- Consults, daily, with team members to assure exceptional program delivery.

**Skills and Competencies**:

- Committed to the full inclusion of autistic people / people on the autism spectrum; adherence to inclusionary practices in employment;
- Experience working with autistic individuals / individuals on the autism spectrum and demonstrated understanding of the issues and barriers in accessing meaningful, real employment;
- Able to collect data for purposes of program evaluation and individual goal achievement;
- Able to implement support plans in natural settings and environments such as the community;
- Strong outreach, organizational, and teamwork skills;
- Strong assessment skills, time management skills and attention to detail in tracking and reporting on work;
- Ability to work independently and work collaboratively with a multi-disciplinary team
- Proficient in Microsoft Office products. Experience with creating graphs in Excel an asset;

**Qualifications**:

- Bachelor’s degree in psychology, behavioural intervention, education, or related field
- 1 - 3 years experience (working with autistic individuals and/or with teens and adults on the autism spectrum is preferred)
- Current CPR and First Aid Certification
- Clear, current Criminal Records Check
- Clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check

**Essential & Other Job-Related Duties**:

- Access to a reliable vehicle
- Willing to travel occasionally, short trips to work placements in the community
- Must be willing and able to work outside of standard week hours
- Other duties as required

**_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 ca