Weekend Recreation and Respite Coordinator

Position: Weekend Recreation & Respite Coordinator

Department: Social and Community Inclusion Programs (Recreation)

Time: Part-Time – 10 hours per week

Schedule: Saturdays 8:30am – 1:30pm + up to 5 hours in office. Flexible schedule is required.

Term: 9 Month - with possibility of extension/renewal

Accountability: The Weekend R&R Coordinator is accountable to the Recreation Manager.

About Autism Nova Scotia: 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, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Our vision is a society where people with autism can live their lives to the fullest.

The Weekend Recreation and Respite program invites children and youth on the autism spectrum who are not currently accessing provincial respite funding/support to have occasional weekend respite. The program recognizes the support needed by caregivers and prioritizes children and youth engaging in meaningful, supported recreation/social-based activities.

General Duties:

• Conduct all intakes for new participants
• Program promotion and advertisement
• Manage all correspondence with participants and caregivers
• Create visual and behavioral supports based on participant need
• Support a team of 3-4 Weekend R&R Facilitators
• Session/activity planning for weekly sessions
• Session setup, prep, tear down, and clean up
• Meet weekly/bi-weekly with the Recreation Manager
• Facilitate all weekly sessions
• Support facilitators and participants to achieve program aims
• Work with participants on recreational experiences
• Respond to client enquiries in a timely way
• Collect data for program evaluation and compose reports
• Communicate with families and participants regularly
• Adhere to policies and procedures
• Update and maintain program documentation
• Provide group and 1:1 support to participants
• Ensure all participants are treated with dignity and respect
• Accountable for participants’ health, safety, and whereabouts
• Ensure facilities are kept clean and in order
• Adjust program plans based on participants' goals and interests
• Manage session debriefs with caregivers
• Other duties as required

Education and Experience:

• Prior experience working with youth and adults
• 1-3 years experience with individuals with autism
• Experience in a leadership role managing a team
• Post-secondary degree or related studies is an asset

Skills:

• Excellent communication skills
• Demonstrated leadership experience
• Strong knowledge of evidence-based strategies for autism
• Strong program facilitation skills
• Calm professional demeanor under pressure
• Strong computer skills
• Proficiency in internal and external communication software
• Ability to learn new software quickly
• Ability to form strong professional relationships
• Ability to work under tight deadlines and manage projects independently
• Analytic ability for program evaluation and management
• Self-starter who can work independently
• Strong problem-solving and critical thinking skills
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail

Essential & Other Related Job Duties:

• A valid criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check are required
• First Aid certification and non-violent crisis intervention training, or willingness to acquire
• Access to a reliable vehicle

Employment Requirement:

• A clear criminal record check including a vulnerable sector check

A clear, current Child Abuse Registry Check.

What to expect at Autism Nova Scotia:

Diversity is a fundamental part of our core values; we encourage applications from qualified candidates from diverse communities. You’ll be surrounded by passionate individuals working to improve quality of life through our services. Professional development opportunities are available to help you grow and learn throughout your career.

Job Types: Part-time, Fixed term contract

Licence/Certification:

• Class 5 Licence (preferred)

Work Location: In person