Autism Counsellor-Permanent Full Time

About this position

Job Location:                                Hamilton
Program:                                         Hamilton Autism Programs
Job Title:                                         Autism Counsellor
Position:                                          Permanent full time (40 hrs/ week)
Pay:                                                   $56,786 
Start Date of Employment:        ASAP
Reports to:                                      Megan Brayshaw -Area Manager

POSITION SUMMARY:
 
The Autism Counsellor is responsible for assisting in facilitating learning and development of a variety of skills through specialized 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, group, and residential 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 leisure activities.  These skills may be taught in various settings, including groups and in the community.

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 Centre, 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
• 4.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
• Communicating and collaborating with families, as well as a variety of professionals and community agencies
• Taking leadership and initiative in planning and implementing children, youth, and adult groups, including communicating with families concerning goals, progress, future planning, etc.
• Participating in ongoing evaluation and appraisal of the effectiveness of all activities and programs
• Ongoing communication and collaboration with Teammates
• Facilitates a client-centred approach that fosters collaborative decision making with clients.
• Builds on the strengths of clients to encourage skill development, self-determination and inclusion within the community.
• Encourage skill development and integration of goals into on-going service delivery.
• Knows, respects and advocates for the rights of clients.
• Builds an effective professional rapport with clients by focusing on respect, dignity, inclusion, and maintaining personal boundaries.
• Personal Care – Assists clients with personal hygiene, with consideration for and attention to the respect and dignity of the individual.
• Activities of Daily Living – Participate in meal planning, with consideration for nutrition, budgeting, client preferences and dietary restrictions, working collaboratively with co-workers.
• Prepare and cook nutritious and varied meals, integrating client goals where appropriate.
• Assist clients with personal finances, facilitating opportunities to purchase the goods and services of their choosing.
• Transports individuals or groups of clients in agency vehicles or in their personal vehicles.

• Diploma or Degree from a recognized University or community college in the fields of Autism Spectrum Disorders, Behavioural Sciences, Psychology, Human Services, Child & Youth Worker (CYW), 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).
• 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.
• French as second language is considered as an asset
• A vulnerable sector screen certifying that the applicant has not been convicted of any criminal offense that might be relevant to the requested position.

• Possesses the physical strength and agility to perform all responsibilities including interacting with children/ youth/ adults in active programs and the use of physical restraint if necessary.
• Due to the nature of the client population, the incumbent must be able to tolerate situations that can escalate into shouting, aggression, and self-injurious behaviours; and stay calm to implement prescribed behavioral protocols (i.e. redirection, de-escalation, blocking, physical restraints, etc.).  
• Travel will be required, so individuals must be physically capable of operating vehicles safely, possess a valid G driver’s license, and have an acceptable driving record.
• The incumbent will interact with clients, family members, staff, and community partners.
• This position is performed within a variety of milieus including within the community.
• Work flexible hours and/or shifts as determined by the Centre and described in the employment contract, which includes weekday evening and overnight shifts.