Community Living Coach – Independent Living Support Program (ILS)

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

POSITION TITLE: Community Living Coach – Independent Living Support Program (ILS)

POSITION: Casual (approx. 20 hours) or as needed

LOCATION: Throughout HRM depending on participant locations

SALARY: $21.50 per hour

DIRECT REPORT: ILS Coordinator

Program Summary:
The Independent Living Support Program (ILS) is a community-based program for individuals with disabilities to access direct support from Community Living Coaches in their home or community to live independently. The ILS program provides individualized, person-directed support in the areas they have identified which may include; daily living activities, safety skills, community access, and financial management.

The Opportunity:

We are looking for reliable Community Living Coaches to work directly with our ILS participants in their home and community on a casual basis during their scheduled support sessions. Session times and shifts range from 2-4 hours.

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 individuals with disabilities considered an asset.
  

Knowledge, Skills And Abilities:

• Demonstrates 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

• Experience working within community-based programs preferred

• Experience working with individuals with mental illness, and intellectual disabilities

• Demonstrates excellent observation and problem-solving skills

• Demonstrates the ability to take direction and work independently.

• Demonstrates the understanding of the limits of competency, required.

• Access reliable to transportation
  

Role And Qualifications:

• To support program participants in meeting their goals to live more independently

• Provide 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. .

• 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 program participants, supervisor as well as Autism NS team members.

• 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

• Access to a reliable transportation for travel
  

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.