Recreation Coordinator

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.

Position: Recreation Coordinator

Department: Social and Community Inclusion Programs (Recreation)

Time: Full-Time – 40 hours per week

Schedule: Monday – Friday

Flexible schedule is required. Occasional evening and weekend availability required

Term: 12 Month - with possibility of extend/renew

Accountability: The Recreation Coordinator is accountable to the Recreation Manager.

Autism Nova Scotia’s recreation programs provide social opportunities for Autistic individuals/individuals with autism with diverse abilities, interests, and ages.

The Recreation Department is consistently looking for new initiatives to further fill service gaps for the autistic community and their families. We strive to create and foster positive recreational and social experiences as well as support other community organizations to do the same.

The Recreation Coordinator will join the interdisciplinary and fast-paced Recreation Department and will work in a variety of programs such as: Dungeons and Dragons, Social Group, Supported Social Group, and Ben James Summer Camp.

General Duties:

• Conduct intakes for new participants

• Facilitate program registration, participant onboarding and tracking of documentation

• Adhere to program budgets as laid out by the Recreation Manager and provide proper tracking/documentation

• Plan and development meaningful session plans based on the participants goals and interests

• Develop systems, processes, and yearly workplans, that allow for efficient delivery and meet targets and goals set for each program.

• Manage all correspondence with participants, caregivers, volunteers and respite workers in a timely manner

• Create visual supports based on weekly scheduled activities

• Facilitate weekly or bi-weekly sessions, including compiling the needed materials for the sessions

• Recruit new participants for ANS programs, including outreach to community organizations, developing social media flyers and doing general outreach

• Recruit new volunteers for ANS programs, including community/school outreach, developing social media flyers, and attending volunteer/student fairs

• Coordinate the onboarding of recreation volunteers, including reviewing applications, meeting with new volunteers, discussing opportunities, collecting proper documentation, and coordinating schedules.

• Coordinate tasks for student placements being completed in the recreation department and provide ongoing guidance and support during placement

• Collect data as part of ongoing program evaluation and compose regular reports on program progress;

• Program development/redevelopment to fill service gaps

• Adhere to all policies and procedures including those identified in the Policies and Procedures Manual and the Staff Manual;

• Administrative tasks related to session planning;

• Update and maintain program documentation for each participant;

• Other duties as required.
  

Education and Experience:

• Prior experience working with youth and adults.

• 1-3 years experience working with individuals with autism

• Post-secondary degree or actively studying in recreation, behavioural intervention or other related studies considered an asset.

• Experience in leadership roles

• Reliable and responsible
  

Skills

• Excellent communication skills (written and verbal);

• Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing groups of 10 or more people;

• Strong working knowledge of evidence-based strategies for supporting individuals with autism;

• Strong program facilitation skills;

• Calm professional demeanor under pressure;

• Strong computer skills- Strong working knowledge of Word, Outlook, Excel, Teams, Sharevision;

• Proficiency or experience in internal communication software (such as MS Teams) and external communication software (such as Zoom) considered an asset;

• Ability to learn new software systems quickly;

• Ability to form strong professional relationships with community partners, participants, families, and colleagues;

• Ability to effectively work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently;

• Analytic ability to collect data for the purposes of program evaluation and program management;

• Self-starter who can work independently and enthusiastically with our team;

• Strong problem solving, critical thinking and ability to practically and professionally adapt;

• Strong organizational skills, analytical skills and keen attention to detail;
  

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A Valid criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check is required for this position

• A Valid Child Abuse Registry check is required for this position

• First Aid certification and/or Non-Violent Crisis Intervention Training, or willingness to acquire

• Access to a reliable vehicle

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.