Autism Support Worker

Woodview Mental Health and Autism Services; Hamilton; On-site; CAD 35,000 - 55,000; Part time

Job summary

Join a compassionate team dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder. As an Autism Support Worker, you will play a vital role in facilitating learning and fostering social skills in clients through specialized programs. This position offers the chance to make a meaningful impact in a supportive environment that values professional development and wellness. With a commitment to client-centered services, you will help inspire hope and strengthen lives, all while working within a culture recognized for its positive workplace atmosphere. If you're passionate about making a difference, this opportunity is for you!

Benefits

Ongoing professional development

Flexible working environment

Supportive team culture

Wellness commitment in the workplace

Qualifications

• Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders or related fields required.
• Experience with ABA principles and client support is essential.

Responsibilities

• Assist clients in learning skills through educational programs.
• Engage clients in activities to promote independence and social skills.
• Monitor client behavior and communicate needs to the Program Manager.

Skills

Applied Behaviour Analysis (ABA)

Client Engagement

Behaviour Support Plans (BSP)

Communication Skills

Team Collaboration

Education

Diploma or Degree in Autism Spectrum Disorders

Diploma or Degree in Behavioural Sciences

Diploma or Degree in Psychology

First Aid/CPR training

Tools

Agency Vehicles

Job description

Job Location: Hamilton
Program: Hamilton Autism Programs
Job Type: Hourly / Casual (0 – 40 hours per week)
Number of Positions: 1
Start Date: ASAP
Application Deadline: Until Filled
Reports To: Program Manager

What We Do

Woodview Mental Health & Autism Services offers a broad spectrum of services for children, youth and their families facing mental health challenges. We work in direct partnership with children, youth and their families as well as with schools and social service agencies to ensure families are receiving the support they need, when and where they need it.

“We are committed to providing individualized, client-centred services and supports based on our values of accountability, respecting others, working together, leading, innovation and learning and our commitment to staff.”

Woodview goes above and beyond to engage individuals and families by providing high quality mental health and autism services and supports that inspires hope and strengthens lives.

Working at Woodview

In 2018, 2019, and 2020, Woodview won the Canadian Non-profit Employer of Choice award with an overall assessment score of 85% (industry benchmark: 68%) demonstrating a high level of staff engagement, satisfaction and an overall positive workplace culture. Top rated categories at Woodview included: Personal Enjoyment, Reputation, Leadership, Employee Engagement and Management/Employee Relations.

“I am proud to be working here”– 97% of staff surveyed strongly/moderately agree

“My organization encourages fun and enjoyment”– 94% of staff surveyed strongly/moderately agree

“Woodview encourages a supportive team culture” – 96% of staff surveyed strongly/moderately agree

Employees Receive

• A meaningful job that inspires hope and strengthens lives
• A positive culture and supportive environment that offers flexibility
• A commitment to wellness in the workplace as well as ongoing professional development and training opportunities

Position Summary:

The Autism Support Worker is responsible for assisting in facilitating the learning of a variety of skills through specialized educational programs for children, youth, and adult clients with Autism Spectrum Disorder in a variety of milieus. Incumbent fosters cooperative social behaviour to assist the clients in forming satisfying relationships with others and may play a role in, individual or group formats to enhance the social skills, life skills, communication skills, self-regulatory behaviour, school performance, and independent functioning of clients. These skills, using ABA principles, may be taught through 1:1 instruction, structured and/or informal group learning opportunities, academics, recreation, and/or leisure activities. These skills may be taught in a variety of settings, including groups or 1:1 support in the community, in centre, and in residential.

Job Responsibilities (may include but are not limited to):

Client Service and Support

• Serves in a professional and caring manner that respects the needs, wishes, and abilities of the clients, and respects the philosophies and values of the agency, the community, and the profession.
• Actively engages clients, teaching a variety of age-appropriate skills/activities to ensure ongoing learning to increase independence.
• Provides training and client support related to a variety of activities including:
• Implementing Behaviour Support Plans (BSP), recording and maintaining relevant notes (ex. Behavioural Data Collection, etc.), tracking client progress and other relevant data as determined by the Program Manager
• Ongoing communication and collaboration with Teammates
• Monitors client behaviours, identifies concerns/learning needs, and communicates this to Program Manager.
• Acts as a role model to help clients problem solve and improve self-esteem and social skills.
• Transports individuals or groups of clients in agency vehicles or in their personal vehicles.

Qualifications:

• Diploma or Degree from a recognized University or community college in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, Human Services, or equivalent in education and experience and professional training deemed acceptable to serve the needs of the client population.
• Knowledge of and demonstrated experience implementing strength-based and evidence-based practices and supports, particularly the principles of Applied Behaviour Analysis, in an environment working with children/youth and adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder is an asset to the role.
• Ability to interpret and comply with the policies and procedures of the Agency and Ministry directives with the assistance of the Program Manager.
• Good judgment, initiative, and demonstrated high standard of service delivery and professional skills.
• The ability to work independently and as a supportive and active member of an interdisciplinary team.
• Demonstrated good health. (A certificate indicating the absence of communicable disease is required at the time of employment).
• An ‘F’ license is preferable, otherwise a valid ‘G’ driver’s license and the ability/capacity to drive agency vehicles is required for this position.
• The incumbent must be trained in First Aid/CPR, NVCI, and WHMIS.
• A vulnerable sector screen certifying that the applicant has not been convicted of any criminal offense that might be relevant to the requested position.

How To Apply

Qualified candidates are asked to send their resume to Bianca Acetia at [e-mail] (including the job title “Autism Support Worker” in the subject line).

We thank all candidates but only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Woodview welcomes applications from all qualified individuals, including individuals within employment equity categories of women, persons with disabilities, members of visible minorities and Indigenous persons, individuals of diverse gender and sexual orientation and all groups protected by the Human Rights Code. Woodview is committed to employment equity and diversity and a positive and supportive environment.