Are you looking for a meaningful career full of lifelong learning and everyday adventures?
At Kerry’s Place, we help enhance the quality of life for more than 8000 people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) each year! Our dedicated team of professionals have become experts in the field through our continuous training and development programs. Get ready for a fun and vibrant career because every day is an adventure at Kerry’s Place!
Why Join our Team?
- Make a Meaningful Difference in Someone’s Life
- Career Development & Internal Growth Opportunities Available
- Various Employer-Paid Training Programs
- Flexible Schedule
- Registered Retirement Savings Plan (optional)
- Employee and Family Assistance Plan
- Corporate Membership discount for Goodlife Fitness
- Employee Recognition and Celebration Programs
- Open and Inclusive Work Environment
About the Role:
Reporting to Manager of Services and Supports, the Autism Support Facilitator is responsible for providing direct support to individuals with Autism, their families and communities, ensuring that the day-to-day support provided meets the expectations of supported persons to enhance their quality of life. The support provided must also align with the values of Kerry’s Place Autism Services and meet the goals and expectations of the organization. The Autism Support Facilitator, along with their team, provide services aimed at maximizing health and safety and personal fulfillment of people with Autism. Responsibilities may include:
- Demonstrates a strong work ethic and acts according to Kerry’s Place Performance Standards, demonstrating respect for all people
- Documents and maintains files in a professional, thorough manner, consistent with record keeping expectations of the organization
- Works collaboratively with various agencies and community groups, as well as the Community Services team
- Uses creativity and resourcefulness to ensure that quality of life principles are effectively applied for the people supported. Every effort must be made to enhance and maintain the person’s dignity and respect
- Ensures Person Centered Planning is effectively implemented and individual’s goals are being realized in a timely way, with a commitment to continuously improving the Quality of Life of individuals
- Ensures that Behaviour Support Plan and skill-building strategies are consistently implemented, as directed by the Clinical Therapist and/or the Clinical Supervisor (Registered Behaviour Analyst), as well as the manager. Observation of Implementation and supervision of Clinical support strategies will occur using the method and frequency appropriate for the needs of the individual. (where applicable)
- Documents and reports Incidents and Serious Occurrences immediately
- Provides support and coaching directly to persons with Autism in the areas of: social skills, communication, vocation and leisure activities
- Provides leadership in identifying & achieving Personal Outcomes as defined by each person
- Provides direct support to individuals with Autism including 1:1 teaching sessions, groups, workshops, respite, and the implementation of daily living skills in various environments (i.e. home, school, community, resource centre). Individuals of all ages may be supported
- Liaises with families and community groups and partner agencies in a professional fashion
- Community and client Capacity Building through formal and informal means such as development and provision of workshops for families, community agencies, groups, and individualized sessions. This includes educating, modeling and supporting others to gain understandings of individuals with ASD and successful support approaches
- Administer medication according to Kerry’s Place Autism Services Policy and Procedure. Understand the purpose of each medication, the expected effects and maintain vigilance for the potential side effects
- Other duties as assigned
Education Qualifications:
- Post secondary education in Human/Social Services
Knowledge and Experience Requirements:
- Minimum 1-year experience working with individuals with Autism or developmental disabilities in a community-based setting, as well as;
- Experience working closely with families and community agencies; and both children and adults with disabilities
- Strong knowledge of and experience supporting individuals with ASD in community settings
- Good understanding of normal human growth and development, as well as societal support to individuals with disabilities. Knowledge of respective communities and formal/informal resources
- Strong understanding of the principles of supporting individuals within the family unit and within their community
- Basic understanding of Child and Family Services Act and the Services and Supports to Promote the Social Inclusion of Persons with Developmental Disabilities Act, among other related legislation, and responsibilities through these
- Knowledge and practical experience with support approaches often found to be helpful in support to children and adults with ASD (i.e. social stories/sensory needs /communication aids/applied behaviour analysis/environmental modifications)
- Understanding of basic family dynamics including grief processes, sibling issues, importance of family and supporting long term family capacity
- Solid understanding of ABA principles, associated teaching methods, and experience in utilizing these principles in supporting individuals with Autism
- Demonstrated ability to work respectfully and effectively with individuals and families from diverse backgrounds, including but not limited to cultural, spiritual, and heritage differences, as well as varied gender identities, pronouns and lived experiences
- Strong written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to convey information clearly and effectively to diverse audiences and adapt communication styles as needed. Ability to work well both independently and within a team
- Ability to develop and implement support approaches, model these approaches to family members, and fade gradually while providing practical and emotional support to family and the person with Autism
- Solid decision-making skills and confidence in providing guidance and support to others.
- Commitment to ongoing learning and professional development, with an openness to new ideas, perspectives and growth opportunities
- Basic computer skills such as Word, Outlook, Excel, and PowerPoint
- French language is an asset
Working Conditions/Physical Requirements:
- Must have the ability to physically support children, youth and adults with Autism.
- Must have the ability to perform the required physical techniques of NVCI training from the Crisis Prevention Institute (CPI). Training will be provided.
- Position requires flexible hours including evenings and weekends. Ability to travel as required.
- A valid Driver’s License, with a minimum G2 and access to a reliable vehicle is required and proof of third party liability insurance coverage
- As a condition of employment, employees must be able to provide a Driver’s Abstract in good standing with fewer than three demerit points
Kerry’s Place is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to diversity and inclusivity in employment and welcomes applications from all qualified persons. Kerry’s Place is also committed to providing accommodations for persons with disabilities. If you require an accommodation, we will work with you to meet your needs.
We thank all applicants for your interest in Kerry’s Place Autism Services. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted