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: Employment 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 Employment Facilitator prepares, delivers, and evaluates Autism Nova Scotia’s Belonging at Work program. This 10-week employment readiness and community connection program supports Autistic adults through accessible, strengths-based group learning. The Facilitator focuses on program design, session delivery, and predictable, inclusive learning environments.
Key Responsibilities
Program Delivery and Facilitation
Facilitate Belonging at Work group sessions using plain language, trauma informed, neuro affirming approaches.
Prepare all session materials in advance including slides, visuals, handouts, and structured activities.
Facilitate skill building activities that support employment readiness.
Adapt content for diverse communication and sensory needs to ensure accessibility.
Create predictable session structures that reduce anxiety and support engagement.
Support group discussions and model respectful, inclusive communication.
Evaluate program sessions using participant feedback, observations, and documented outcomes to support continuous improvement.
Participant Support & Engagement
Support participants in achieving program goals.
Ensure participants receive necessary supports for success and collaborate with partners to find suitable work tasks.
Conduct outreach and recruit community partners for volunteer opportunities.
Collaborate with Labour Market Facilitators to educate community partners on Autism as needed
Collaborate with community partners to identify appropriate volunteer tasks
Identify and implement supports as needed for participant success throughout programming
Program Planning and Administration
Develop session plans aligned with program outcomes.
Coordinate logistics including room setup, materials, technology, and accessibility supports.
Facilitate intake meetings using strengths-based assessments to understand each participant’s goals and support needs.
Track attendance and maintain accurate documentation, including session notes, participation records, and program tracking sheets.
Contribute to program evaluation through feedback tools and reporting.
Collaboration and Communication
Work closely with the Social Support Facilitator to ensure consistent participant support.
Communicate with participants about schedules, expectations, and upcoming activities.
Support planning of the final participant led event where both program groups collaborate to design or lead an activity.
Communicate program achievements and collaborate with leadership to ensure alignment on goals, progress, and key outputs.
Qualifications
Relevant education or equivalent combination of training and experience in fields such as education, social sciences, disability support, community programming, or employment services.
Experience facilitating groups, workshops, or training sessions in community or educational settings.
Knowledge of Autism, neurodiversity, and inclusive learning practices.
Ability to create accessible, plain language materials that support diverse communication and sensory needs.
Experience in employment readiness, adult education, or community programming is considered an asset.
Knowledge of the local labour market is considered an asset.
Additional Skills and 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.
Excellent time management and session preparation skills to ensure predictable, well-structured programming.
Ability to track and report program 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.
