Autism Support Worker [Full-time Contract]

The Role
The Autism Support Worker assists in facilitating learning and development of a variety of skills through specialized educational programs for clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a variety of milieus. The role supports clients in residential settings and in individual and group formats to enhance social skills, life skills, communication skills, self-regulatory behaviour, school performance, and independent functioning. Skills are taught using ABA principles through 1:1 instruction, structured and informal group learning opportunities, vocational activities, and recreation/leisure activities across settings including vocational, independent and/or supported living/residential situations, groups, and in the community.

Key Responsibilities (May Include but are not limited to):

Client service & skill development: Serve clients in a professional and caring manner; actively engage clients in age-appropriate skills/activities to increase independence; teach skills using ABA principles through 1:1, group, vocational, recreation/leisure, and community-based opportunities.
Daily living & personal care supports: Provide training and support for daily living activities including shopping, public transit, personal hygiene, meal planning, budgeting, banking, cleaning chores, and cooking.
Treatment plan & programming implementation (added requirement): Follow each client’s specific treatment plan and programming (e.g., ISP targets, schedules, behaviour protocols) as assigned by the Program Manager.


Group planning & activities: Assist with planning/implementing weekly Ministry-funded groups and/or lead non-ministry funded FFS groups meeting twice per month; plan/assist with programs, groups, special activities and community outings (including camps/trips of varying lengths) in collaboration with the Program Manager.
One-to-one support & problem solving: Provide one-to-one support and assist with problem solving; act as a role model to support problem solving, self-esteem, and social skills.
Schedules & medication: Implement client personal schedules; document and distribute client medication.
Transportation & driving: Operate agency vehicles, including accessible vehicles and transport individuals/groups as required. Assist clients with entering and exiting accessible vehicles, securing mobility devices following safety procedures.
Behaviour protocols & safety: Implement established behaviour protocols as determined by the Program Manager, which may include redirection, blocking, calming procedures, and physical restraints as required by Non-Violent Crisis Intervention training to safely manage challenging behaviours.
Family support & advocacy: Communicate with families/parents/individuals to provide information/support and receive feedback; upon request, act as an advocate to community resources (e.g., schools, employers).
Team & agency support: Provide peer debriefing; respond to telephone inquiries; represent and promote the agency in the community; participate in supervision and evaluation of program effectiveness; follow Centre philosophies, legislation, and Ministry directives.
Residential / facilities: maintain residential facilities for Ministry/safety compliance; purchase supplies for programs/residence.
Overnight support: Complete sleeping night shifts on a rotational basis to provide support and ensure client safety.


Qualifications:

Diploma or Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, Human Services, or equivalent education/experience and professional training appropriate to the client population.
Ability to interpret and comply with Agency policies/procedures and Ministry directives (with assistance of Program Manager).
Strong interpersonal skills; excellent oral and written communication; good judgment and initiative; ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Demonstrated good health; certificate indicating absence of communicable disease required at time of employment.
Valid G driver’s licence (required); F licence preferred; ability/capacity to drive agency vehicles unless an accommodation is approved by the Program Director.
Required training: First Aid/CPR, ASD-NVCI.
Vulnerable Sector Screen required prior to start


Additional Information

Physical transfers: Safely perform or assist with lifts, transfers, repositioning, mobility support, and adaptive equipment in accordance with approved procedures and individualized plans.
Swimming: Willing/able to swim to support clients where included in programming.
Physical therapy supports: Support clients at physical therapy appointments and assist with prescribed exercises as directed within the treatment plan/programming.