UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE – INCLUSION
About Autism Nova Scotia…
Autism Nova Scotia is a national leader in providing social, educational, and employment supports for people with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), their families, caregivers, and professionals. Our vision is a society where people with ASD 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.
Autism Nova Scotia delivers programming in Halifax and in nine communities across Nova Scotia through our Regional Autism Centres. Our three program divisions are: Social & Community Inclusion; Employment Support; and Family and Caregiver Support.
POSITION: Occupational Therapist (OT)
TERM : Part-time – 2 days a week, 1 year renewable contract
LOCATION : Bedford, NS
Travel (frequency): Local- Frequent
DEPARTMENT: QuickStart Nova Scotia
DIRECT REPORT: QuickStart NS Director, QuickStart NS Manager
POSITION SUMMARY: QuickStart Nova Scotia is a parent-mediated coaching program designed to empower caregivers of toddlers with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed diagnosis of Autism to teach and support their child’s development.
CANDIDATE SUMMARY: We are seeking a Part-time Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our interdisciplinary team within the QuickStart Nova Scotia department.
The OT would be involved with our parent-mediated coaching program designed to empower caregivers of toddlers with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed diagnosis of autism to teach and support their child’s development. It is designed for children aged 12-36 months (31 months at the start of the intervention) with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed diagnosis of autism which incorporates an interdisciplinary team and uses the evidence-based intervention, Early Start Denver Model (ESDM).
Throughout the program, parents and caregivers are taught to use this intervention to teach age-appropriate communication skills, social skills, and many others through routine-based activities with their child.
As well the OT would be involved in our Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) program. The ESDM program is an extension of ANS’ QuickStart Nova Scotia program, for toddlers (31-48 months) with suspected or confirmed autism. The program provides an autism specific early intervention to skill development within play, routines, and relationships.
Duties and Responsibilities
Work collaboratively within the QuickStart NS umbrella of services, which includes Parent-mediated Coaching, ESDM service, and targeted interventions for specific areas in sleep and behaviours that challenge.
Complete introductory and advance ESDM trainings. Meet and maintain ESDM fidelity annually.
Attend weekly team meetings.
Provide OT consultation to families by providing recommendations of strategies to be implemented which focus on parent goals as well as needs identified through observation of parent-child interaction.
Consult with team regarding completion of ESDM curriculum checklist assessment.
Consult with team regarding support for parent learning, child acquisition of goals, evidence-based practices from an OT lens, and appropriate referral sources.
This position requires an extensive level of training throughout the term. The successful applicant must be flexible to meet those training requirements.
Travel across Nova Scotia will be required on an annual basis.
As OT consultations may be provided to families either online or in-person (per the preference of participating families), this position does require significant travel within their region on an ongoing basis, for the purpose of attending in-person OT consultations. It also requires comfortability with providing support via online platforms and use of computer software, such as excel.
Qualifications
Graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT) approved Occupational Therapy Program required.
Licensed member, or eligible for licensure, of the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS) required.
Registered member of the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT) required.
Registered, or eligible for membership, in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT) required.
3 + years working with families and preschool age individuals
3 + years working with autism, preferred
Familiarity with natural environment teaching, specifically Pivotal Response Treatment and Early Start Denver Model
Demonstrates excellent communication, interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as a part of an interdisciplinary team in a variety of settings
Demonstrates observation skills, problem-solving skills, ability to take direction and ability to work independently
Competencies in other languages an asset, Arabic and/or French preferred
Certifications/Training
CPR-C and First Aid certification updated yearly
Maintain NVCI training
Clear criminal reference check
Must have a valid Nova Scotia Driver's License and use of a reliable vehicle for community visits
Must be comfortable driving on all types of roads, distances, and weather.
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.
