Youth and Adult Program and Employment Support Specialist (One Year Contract)

Kaizen Lab Inc.; Vancouver; Hybrid; CAD 57,000 - 67,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading organization is seeking a Youth / Adult Program and Employment Support Specialist for a one-year contract. This role focuses on advancing inclusion and employment opportunities for Autistic individuals through program coordination and support. The position requires collaboration with HR and community partners to ensure successful employment outcomes and program delivery.

Qualifications

• At least three years of experience supporting autistic youth and adults.
• 2+ years in a supervisory role.

Responsibilities

• Oversee HR processes for recruiting and supporting Autistic talent.
• Lead development and delivery of youth and adult programming.

Skills

Understanding of employment barriers

Knowledge of autism

Experience building partnerships

Education

Post-secondary education in a related field

Job description

Wage:$57,000-$67,000

Location:Hybrid Work From Home & Office (1788 West 8th Ave, Vancouver). Must be in the Lower Mainland area.

Hours:F/T, 37.5 hrs/week (Mon-Fri) This role will encompass periodically visiting our programs within the Metro Vancouver / Fraser Valley area - which occur outside of standard office hours (schedule adjustment will be done to accommodate for this).

Available:As soon as possible

Employment Type: One Year Contract

The Canucks Autism Network is looking for a Youth / Adult Program and Employment Support Specialist (one year contract) to join our Programs Department!

About the Opportunity

This one-year contract position will play a dual role in advancing inclusion and opportunity for Autistic individuals through the Canucks Autism Network (CAN). The main focus of this role is to support meaningful employment opportunities for Autistic individuals involved in CAN's programs, events and operation while additionally being responsible for the design and delivery of a small portfolio of youth and adult programming.

Key Functions

Supported Employment

• Oversee a number of HR processes in strong collaboration with the HR department advising on any adjustments or accommodations necessary to recruit, hire, onboard and retain Autistic talent.
• Provide recommendations to the HR team and in some cases direct support to Autistic individuals engaged in the application and hiring process
• Advise the HR team on any accommodations that an individual may require to be successful within their job role
• Assess each applicant for independence level, support needs, skill level, motivation, challenges, and accommodation needs
• Create a succession plan process that will allow employees/volunteers to continually develop skills and progress to different roles within CAN
• Work with the Program, Events and Office teams to identify and create positions and roles that best match the skill set of applicants, revising or adapting job descriptions and performance expectations as required.
• Oversee a team of job coaches who can provide temporary assistance to candidates who may require support to learn their job role
• Provide support to all departments within CAN to ensure representation of Autistic and neurodivergent talent on all teams, including operations, marketing and communications, fundraising and events, training and programs. Where representation is limited, work with team members to identify top candidates to fill various part-time and full-time opportunities as they arise.
• Coordinate with the HR team for scheduling staff and volunteers based on suitability, support needs, environment, etc.
• Arrange on-site supports and accommodations if needed either through working with a Job Coach, Onsite Supervisor or Program Coaches to determine role and duties
• Collaborate with the training department to embed inclusive hiring within training for all program staff
• Maintain regular and ongoing contact with all supported employees/volunteers to ensure they are successful in their role and to encourage them to apply to additional opportunities as appropriate

Youth and Adult Program Coordination

• Lead the development and delivery of programming for youth and adults, including identifying appropriate partnership opportunities, developing activities, overseeing staff and evaluating program success
• Actively engage Autistic persons in all aspects of program development and delivery (i.e., consultation to identify programming needs, co-development of program materials and curriculum, and mentorship of Autistic youth and adults into staff positions)
• Build and maintain relationships with community partners who will support with the development and implementation of programming
• Select and schedule staff based on qualifications and suitability for youth and adult programs, assist with staff recruitment when needed
• Provide direct guidance, mentorship, and supervision to all program staff leading youth and adult recreation programming
• Liaison with program participants and their families (as appropriate), CAN’s membership, marketing and HR teams, the CAN Youth and Adult team, and other CAN departments as required
• Participate in team meetings
• Other duties as required

Requirements

Education & Experience

• Post-secondary education in a field related to supporting individuals on the autism spectrum (e.g., Special Education, Therapeutic Recreation, Employment Support, etc.)
• Prior experience with sports and recreation program coordination recommended
• At least three years of previous experience supporting autistic youth and adults in employment, social or recreation settings
• 2+ years in a supervisory role, supporting other team members

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• An understanding of employment barriers autistic individuals and other marginalized populations may face
• Demonstrated knowledge of the barriers Autistic youth and adults face to accessing community-based social-recreation programs
• Strong knowledge of autism
• Experience building partnerships with community agencies, employers, and other stakeholders
• Understanding of applicable employment and human rights legislation and accommodation practices
• Ability to meet deadlines and manage a varied client load