Employment Support Group Facilitator

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: Employment Support Group Facilitator

DEPARTMENT: Economic Inclusion

REPORTS TO: Program Educator- ESG

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Part-time Term Position, 6-month term (10 hours/week)

LOCATION: Hybrid

Job Summary:

The Employment Support Group Facilitator will join the Workforce Preparation team within the Economic Inclusion Department, supporting Autistic youth and adults in their employment journeys. This 6-month term role focuses on facilitating the Employment Support Group, a peer-led conversation space where Autistic individuals connect around shared employment experiences. The group meets primarily online, with occasional in-person sessions, and offers a welcoming environment for participants to talk, listen, and support one another.

Key Responsibilities

Group Facilitation & Support

• Facilitate monthly group sessions – primarily online with occasional in-person gatherings – by supporting peer-led conversations and helping participants explore employment-related themes.
• Support the development of session themes by gathering input from participants, coordinating topics based on shared interests, and offering reflective prompts that encourage open, organic dialogue.
• Facilitate participant discussions with care and respect, helping to cultivate a welcoming, inclusive environment where Autistic individuals feel safe to share experiences, express themselves, and support one another.
• Conduct participant intakes and maintain regular communication to build trust, support engagement, and ensure individual needs are considered.
• Gather ongoing feedback to help shape the group direction and ensure sessions remain relevant, responsive, and supportive.
• Promote the Employment Support Group to community partners and stakeholders to increase awareness and engagement.

Collaboration & Group Preparation

• Collaborate with the Program Educator in a supportive capacity to plan and shape group sessions, while maintaining responsibility for guiding the group experience.
• Assist in preparing session materials and coordinating logistics to ensure smooth delivery and accessibility for all participants.

Qualifications

• Must self-identify as Autistic or have a formal diagnosis of Autism.
• 1+ years of experience working with youth and adults.
• 1+ years of experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum and understanding the challenges in accessing meaningful employment.
• Strong knowledge of career exploration, postsecondary education (PSE) options, and related fields.
• Knowledge or experience with person-directed planning is an asset.
• Must have access to a reliable internet connection and a laptop to perform job duties effectively.

Additional Skills & Competencies

• Commitment to the full inclusion of individuals with autism and adherence to inclusive employment practices.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills
• Ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments.
• Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Strong time management and problem-solving skills.
• Ability to work independently as well as collaboratively within a team.

Certifications/Training

• Clear criminal record check and child abuse registry check.
• Maintain ASIST training.

Working Conditions

• Office, community-based and remote work required.
• Frequent evening work for group session delivery.
• Local and provincial travel for group delivery and training, may be required.

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia...

You'll celebrate the uniqueness of all individuals.

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we create every opportunity to become more inclusive. We encourage applications from qualified candidates from all diverse communities including, but not limited to, aboriginal persons, racially visible persons, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ and women in non-traditional roles.

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 career.

Candidates selected for interviews will be contacted and expected to provide at least three recent, relevant references. The successful candidate maybe required to provide official transcripts to show proof of academic achievements where applicable.

Please Note: We encourage and consider applications from all qualified individuals regardless of race, religion, color, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, age, or those of other minority groups. Members of designated groups are encouraged to self-identify.