autism community support worker jobs

About Autism Nova Scotia…

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.

TITLE: Social Support Facilitator

DEPARTMENT: Economic Inclusion

REPORTS TO: Economic Inclusion Manager or Director

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time (40 hours), 14-week term

LOCATION: Bridgewater

Job Summary:

The Social Support Facilitator provides individualized, one to one support to participants in Autism Nova Scotia’s Belonging at Work program. The Coach focuses on goal setting, employment readiness, workplace skill development, and personalized support both inside and outside group sessions.

Key Responsibilities

Individualized Coaching and Support

Provide one to one coaching tailored to each participant’s goals, strengths, and support needs.

Support participants inside and outside group sessions with job search tasks, interview preparation, communication strategies, and wellbeing tools.

Assist with goal setting using person directed, strengths-based planning.

Help participants navigate barriers including anxiety, executive functioning challenges, or workplace misunderstandings.

Support participants in accessing supports by helping them understand available internal and external options and providing supported referrals aligned with their goals.

Employment Readiness and Skill Development

Support participants in identifying their employment interests and understanding the skills needed to succeed in their chosen field.

Support participants in real‑world work experiences including volunteer roles, job sampling, and short‑term placements by assisting with task completion, accommodation needs, communication with coworkers, time management, and personal goal development.

Support resume and cover letter development.

Prepare participants for interviews using scripts, STAR examples, and practice sessions.

Assist with job search strategies and connecting to community resources.

Program Integration

Collaborate with the Employment Facilitator to align coaching with weekly session themes.

Attend program sessions to observe participant needs and provide in the moment support.

Support participants in preparing for the final event including role selection, confidence building, and task planning.

Documentation and Administration

Maintain coaching notes and track participant progress.

Contribute to intake documentation through strengths-based assessments.

Participate in program evaluation and final reporting.

Communicate individual achievements and share key outputs with leadership to support ongoing program monitoring and decision-making.

Qualifications

Relevant education or equivalent combination of training and experience in fields such as social sciences, disability support, community programming, or employment services.

Experience providing individualized support to adults in employment or community settings.

Knowledge of Autism and neuro‑affirming practices.

Additional Skills & Competencies

Commitment to inclusion and inclusive employment practices and a neuro-affirming approach.

Strong communication, organization, and problem-solving skills.

Ability to work effectively in diverse and dynamic environments with participants who have varied support needs.

Ability to track and report individual progress accurately and consistently.

High levels of empathy and participant-directed support, with the ability to respond calmly and flexibly to participant needs.

Certifications/Training

CPR-C and First Aid required, or willingness to obtain upon hire.

Clear Criminal Record Check and Child Abuse Registry Check required prior to start date.

Valid Nova Scotia Driver's License and access to a reliable vehicle for travel.

Comfortable driving in varied conditions including rural roads, longer distances, and changing weather.

Working Conditions

In-office, community-based, and remote work depending on program needs and participant support.

Occasional evening or weekend work for outreach, events, or travel related to Belonging at Work.

Local travel is required for program delivery, community engagement, and collaboration with partners.

Multiple workplace environments used for job sampling, employer visits, and experiential learning activities.

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.