Job Description

About Autism Nova Scotia...

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan. Our vision is a society where people with autism can live their lives to the fullest. This vision informs our day-to-day operations and provides a philosophy that revolves around person-focused supports, strength-based approaches, and community-oriented learning opportunities.

Title: Parent Coach

Reports to (title):

Executive Director, QuickStart NS Director and Supervisor

FTE:

Full- time Position, 1-year term with possibility of renewal

Salary Scale:

TBD

Evening & Weekend Work (frequency):

Occasional

Start Date:

April 14, 2025

Location & Travel:

Primary Office Location:

Halifax, NS or New Minas, NS

Service Area:

Western Zone of Nova Scotia (Nova Scotia Health Management Zones)

Travel Requirement:

Extensive

- Frequent local and provincial travel required within a

2-hour driving radius

of the selected primary office location.

Work Environments:

Sessions will take place

in-home, center-based, and online

, requiring adaptability to various settings.

About the Role:

Autism Nova Scotia is seeking a

Parent Coach

to work within QuickStart Nova Scotia's (QSNS) umbrella of services. The QuickStart NS Parent Coaching Program is the primary service offered, alongside the following supplemental programs that support in the effective delivery of the primary service: the QuickStart NS ESDM Program, as well as targeted support for sleep and behaviours that challenge.


As a Parent Coach, you will support families of toddlers (12-36 months, with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed autism diagnosis) in teaching and supporting their child's development using the

evidence-based Early Start Denver Model (ESDM)

. Through

routine-based activities

, you will empower caregivers to implement intervention strategies that foster

communication, social skills, and overall development

.


The available Parent Coach position will primarily support the Western Zone of Nova Scotia (in correspondence with Nova Scotia Health Management zones), providing a combination of in-person sessions (in-home and/or center-based) as well as online sessions. This is a one (1) year term position. We are seeking an individual capable of working out of either Halifax or New Minas as their primary physical office location, noting that daily travel throughout the Western Zone is required within up to a 2-hour driving radius of the primary office location (either Halifax, or New Minas).

Responsibilities Include:

Work collaboratively within the QuickStart NS umbrella of services, which includes Parent-mediated Coaching, the ESDM Program, and targeted interventions for specific areas in sleep and behaviours that challenge. Complete Level 1 and Advanced Early Start Denver Model training Meet & Maintain fidelity on the direct implementation of ESDM while providing one-on-one intervention sessions to children within QuickStart Nova Scotia's ESDM Program. Meet & maintain fidelity on the parent-mediated implementation of ESDM while providing one-on-one coaching sessions to caregivers within QuickStart Nova Scotia's Parent Coaching Program. Maintain an ongoing annual caseload of 2-3 ESDM Program participants & 13-14 Parent Coaching Program participants. Conduct individualized assessment and goal development in adherence with the ESDM intervention model. Collect ongoing data & collaborate with the Program Supervisor, SLP and OT in monitoring of child and/or caregiver progress. Facilitate the continuity of care for participating families by identifying individual and family needs, linking to available resources & community supports, and collaborating with community partners & professionals. Maintain confidentiality in all contexts Participate in training, research and program evaluation as required Perform other duties as assigned This position does require an extensive level of travel and training, & successful applicant will need to be flexible to meet those training requirements. Travel will be required on an annual basis for this position within their region and across Nova Scotia.

Qualifications:

5+ years working in a child setting, either child care or one-on-one 1-3 years' recent experience working with families and autistic preschoolers (1-5 years of age) Diploma in Early Childhood Education or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, Child and Youth Studies, Behavioural Intervention, or related field Knowledge of child milestones and development Experience with parent-training, parent coaching methods preferred Demonstrates understanding and knowledge of natural developmental behavioural interventions Experience in early intensive behavioural interventions preferred Experience working within community-based programs, preferred Able to meet the physical nature of the job. Must be able to lift up to 50 lbs occasionally

Certifications/Training

Current CPR-C and First Aid certification Current NVCI training Clear criminal background & child abuse registry check. Must have a valid Class 5 Nova Scotia Driver's License, a reliable vehicle that is insured for worked purposes, & comfortability with use of vehicle within all driving conditions for community visits.

Specific Skills and Knowledge

Demonstrates excellent observation and problem-solving skills Demonstrates ability to take direction and work independently Demonstrates understanding of their limits of competency Familiar with Microsoft Office programs Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal skills and the ability to work as part of an interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings. Competencies in other languages an asset, French and/or Arabic preferred

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.