Employment Support Worker

Canucks-Autism-Network-Society; Vancouver; On-site; CAD 34,000 - 39,000; Part time

Job summary

Canucks Autism Network seeks an Employment Support Worker to oversee on-site development of autistic participants during CAN-STEP work experiences in the Lower Mainland. The role supports 1–3 participants at a time across multiple locations, requiring flexibility for weekdays or weekends.

Responsibilities include direct participant support, task adaptation, workplace navigation guidance, and ongoing collaboration with the CAN-STEP team.

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older.
• Over 2 years of experience supporting individuals on the Autism spectrum.
• Education in related field or knowledge in career counselling, social services, or adult learning an asset.
• Experience supporting Autistic individuals in employment settings is an asset, but not necessary.
• Valid BC Driver’s license (an asset).
• Consent to a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct supports to participants during work experience placements at employer worksites.
• Adapt job duties to participants’ capabilities using visual supports and hands-on demonstrations.
• Guide participants in navigating workplace culture and interacting with employers and co-workers.
• Implement long-term supports to help participants transition to independent work.
• Follow recommendations from the Work Experience Coordinator.
• Communicate with the CAN-STEP Employment Team for needs and supports.
• Provide onsite training to employers on supporting participants in their roles.
• Provide positive and constructive feedback to participants.
• Document observations on the CAN-STEP participant platform (weekly log).

Skills

Patience

Communication

Teamwork

Teaching

Behaviour Support

Problem Solving

Confidentiality

Professionalism

Travel willingness

Education

Related field education or knowledge in career counselling / social services

Job description

Position Type: Casual Part-time (hours: may range from 15to 30 hours a week)

Dates & Times: Available immediately (Shift times may take place weekdays or weekends, between 8am - 6pm (Max. 6 hours per day))

Location: Various locations across the Lower Mainland (Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, etc.)

Compensation: $25/hr + 10% in lieu of benefits ($27.50/hr)

Position Purpose

The Employment Support Worker will be responsible for overseeing the onsite development of Autistic participants enrolled in CAN-Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) during their work experience placements. The successful applicant may be supporting between 1-3 participants at a time.

CAN-STEP Program

The CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) empowers Autistic youth and adults ages 16+ with skills training and work experience to prepare them for successful employment. Over the course of 11 weeks, participants receive classroom training (5 or less weeks) and work experience (6 weeks or 120 hours) opportunities in the Lower Mainland. The CAN-STEP program will be offered with a focus on entry-level positions in the Hospitality industry.

About Canucks Autism Network

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. CAN has been the successful recipient of a contract with the Opportunities Fund by the Government of Canada. With OPPS funding, we have launched the CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN_STEP), designed to support Autistic youth by providing training and work experience in growing industries.

CAN-STEP is delivered in a group-based cohort model, with a strong focus on providing participants with the skills and certification necessary to achieve employment.

Key Functions

• Providing direct supports to participants during their work experience placements at the employers’ worksites
• Adapting job duties to suit the participants’ capabilities in the workplace by implementing strategies such as using visual supports and hands on demonstrations, with the intention of participants achieving mastery over their work tasks
• Providing guidance to participants in navigating the workplace culture, interacting with their employer/co-workers, asking for help when needed, and successfully completing job tasks and duties
• Implementing long term supports and strategies to help participants transition to working independently over time
• Follow recommendations and teaching strategies provided by the Work Experience Coordinator
• Communicate with the CAN-STEP Employment Team for immediate needs and supports
• Provide onsite support and training to employers on how to best support participants in their job role/duties
• Provide positive and constructive feedback to participants
• Reports and make observational notes on the CAN-STEP participant communication platform (weekly communication log)

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or older
• Over 2 years of experience supporting individuals on the Autism spectrum
• Education in related field or knowledge in career counselling, social services, or adult learning an asset
• Experience supporting Autistic individuals in employment settings is an asset, but not necessary
• Valid BC Driver’s license (an asset)
• Experience working in Canucks Autism Network programs preferred, but not required
• Consent to a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check

Key Skills & Abilities

• Patient, enthusiastic, collaborative, and adaptable
• Passionate about Canucks Autism Network and its values and vision
• Strong communication, interpersonal, and teamwork skills
• Strong teaching skills
• Ability to model skills and provide feedback
• Strong knowledge of behaviour support strategies
• Strong ability to problem-solve
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• High degree of professionalism: able to represent CAN brand and interact with members and the public
• Willingness to travel around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley