Program Facilitator

Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and opportunity for Autistic people and their families and caregivers. We deliver person-directed, neuro-affirming supports across the lifespan through our network of Regional Autism Centres in Halifax and nine communities across the province.

Our work is grounded in First Voice leadership, community partnership, and a strong commitment to establishing equity for rural, racialized, and other underserved communities. Through programs that promote social and community inclusion, employment support, and family and caregiver support, we work to reduce barriers, strengthen community capacity, and create pathways for Autistic Nova Scotians to learn, work, live, and belong.

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for individuals on the Autism Spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, training, and programming across the lifespan.

The Program Facilitator will work in collaboration with the South West Chapter Coordinator and Chapter Program Committee to locally plan, implement and evaluate inclusive social, recreation/leisure, life skills and other events/activities for the regional autism center. Programs will take place at community locations across the region. The Program Facilitator will support the recruitment/management of volunteers for implementing programs and organize/plan special events as needed.

• Provide direct program support to children, youth, adults, and families with autism in community-based setting(s)
• Assess, plan, implement, and evaluate social/recreational programs. This may include promoting programs, organizing registration for participants, collecting fees, sourcing supplies, and booking outings, activities, and facilities.
• Provide positive role modeling/mentoring and support to volunteers, autistics and families who attend programs.
• Accountable for participants’ health, safety, and whereabouts during the program delivery.
• Adherence to a high ethical standard of support for any person with autism; respecting individuals rights to be treated with dignity and respect; high discretion & respect for confidentiality a must.
• Ensure good communication with staff, volunteers, program participants and families.
• Recruiting and supporting program volunteers.
• Organize and implement special events or fundraising as needed.
• Other duties as required.

• Post-secondary education in a related field/program (preferability psychology, recreation, social services or related field) preferred or equivalent experience accepted.
• A valid, clear criminal record check and child abuse registry search is required
• Non-Violent Crisis Intervention, ASIST Training and First Aid Certifications preferred

• 1-3 years’ experience working with autistic individuals is considered an asset.
• Experience with program planning and facilitating recreation-based activities and community events is considered an asset.

• Must be passionate about inclusion and diversity.
• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism
• Strong person-directed, trauma informed facilitation skills
• Ability to form professional relationships with community partners, participants, families, and colleagues
• A high level of professionalism and judgement regarding participant interactions, relationships, and safety
• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal)
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team
• Strong…