Community Living Coach

**Community Living Coach**

**UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE - INCLUSION**

About Autism Nova ScotiaAutism 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.

**POSITION TITLE**:Community Living Coach - within the ILS Program

**POSITION**:Part-time (approx. 20 hours per week)

**LOCATION**:Throughout HRM community depending on participant locations

**SALARY**:$21.50/hour

**DIRECT REPORT**:ILS Coordinator Program

**Summary**:The Community Living Coach works directly with individuals and families who are accessing the ILS program. The ILS Coordinator provides individualized support with Autistic adults who set their own goals in living independently.

**What we are looking for...**

A team player who is interested in enhancing their communication and leadership skills while gaining valuable employment experience.

**Educational Qualifications**:

- Degree/Diploma in Human/Social Services field or currently enrolled, relevant experience will be considered
- 1-3 years of recent experience working with Autistic adults considered an asset.

**Knowledge, Skills And Abilities**:

- Have knowledge of autism
- Demonstrates knowledge and understanding of person directed, trauma informed framework and evidence informed practices of working with neurodivergent adults.
- Demonstrates an understanding of the social model of disability and/or critical disability studies.
- Experience working within community-based programs preferred.
- Experience working with individuals with mental illness, and intellectual disabilities
- Demonstrates excellent observation and problem-solving skills, required.
- Demonstrates the ability to take direction and work independently.
- Demonstrates the understanding of the limits of competency, required.
- Applies knowledge of community-based service delivery systems.
- Familiar with Microsoft Office programs.

A valid Nova Scotia driver’s license and clean driving record. Access reliable to transportation
- Proof of Vaccination required.

**Role And Qualifications**:

- Support autistic individuals in meeting their goals to live more independently
- Provide ILS participants with 1:1 support in their home based on the hours and areas that they want support.
- Maintain physical records pertaining to ILS participant support
- Build a trusting professional relationship with participant and family creating a positive space to support ILS goals
- Regularly checking in with ILS participants to ensure quality of support and progress towards goals
- Provide regular and timely coaching support updates to the ILS Coordinator
- Collaborate with the ILS Coordinator and ILS Supervisor as well as external community organizations (DCS), health organizations etc.

**Other Relevant Skills**:

- Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings required.
- Competencies in other languages an asset; French or Arabic preferred.
- Adherence to a high ethical standard of support for any person living with autism; respecting individuals right to be treated with dignity and respect; high discretion & respect for confidentiality a must.
- Maintenance of regular and effective communication with individuals and families living with autism, as well as AutismNS team members and direct supervisors.
- Fostering positive community partnerships and connection around the organizations program and services.
- Performance of other related duties as required.

**Requirements**:

- A valid criminal record check and vulnerable sector check is required for this position
- Valid drivers license and access to reliable transportation for local travel
- Hold current ASIST certification (within 2 years) an asset. If not trained upon hire, individual successful in attaining position will be trained internally within ANS.

**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 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 col