Overview
Department: ARTS
Reports to: Senior Director, Occupational Therapy, Arts, Wellness, Education & Advocacy Job Type & Duration: Part Time, Permanent
Hours: 8.5 hours a week Salary: $40/hour
About SAAAC Autism Centre
The SAAAC Autism Centre is a Toronto based charity whose mission is to make autism services equitable for all Canadians. The Centre provides culturally responsive autism services targeting culturally and
linguistically diverse families. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, our Centre offers a dynamic range of
services that support the development of individuals on the autism spectrum at all life stages, along with their caregivers.
Your Role on Our Team
The Visual Arts Program Coordinator will assist in delivering impactful and inclusive visual arts classes that engage and empower autistic individuals. Working closely with the Visual Arts Facilitator, the Program Coordinator will help create a supportive, organized, and dynamic environment tailored to each participant’s unique needs. This role is ideal for someone passionate about the arts, committed to supporting neurodivergent individuals, and skilled in maintaining an organized and inclusive classroom.
Main Responsibilities
1. Classroom Support & Behavioral Management
- Assist in managing participant behaviors to ensure a safe, inclusive, and positive environment.
- Provide on-the-spot support as needed during sessions, adapting to various needs to promote full participation.
2. Administrative Coordination
- Manage administrative tasks, including assessment of student skill levels, processing payments, assigning participants to appropriate groups, and recording attendance.
- Organize student records and ensure accurate tracking of progress.
3. Class Setup & Cleanup
- Help with setting up the art space, ensuring all materials are ready for the session.
- Assist in the cleanup process after each class to maintain an organized and welcoming environment.
4. SAAAC Safety & Compliance
- Be well-versed in SAAAC’s safety policies and processes, ensuring all practices align with established standards.
- Act as a safety point of contact during classes, guiding volunteers and participants in best practices.
5. Volunteer Training & Management
- Train and support volunteers on how to best assist autistic participants in an arts setting.
- Coordinate volunteer activities, ensuring they are well-prepared and understand their roles in fostering an inclusive atmosphere.
6. Data Collection & Tracking
- Support data collection efforts to track participant progress and assist with evaluations.
- Collaborate with the facilitator to maintain and update data on student achievements and milestones.
7. Curriculum Development
- Contribute to the development and refinement of curriculum materials and program opportunities in alignment with program goals and learner needs.
- Collaborate with team members to ensure curriculum content is engaging, inclusive, and developmentally appropriate.
Minimum Qualifications
- Experience or a strong interest in working with neurodivergent children and adults, particularly in a creative setting.
- Background in visual arts or a related field is an asset.
- Strong organizational skills with attention to detail, particularly in managing records and data.
- Ability to manage classroom behaviors compassionately and effectively.
- Excellent communication skills, with a patient and supportive approach.
- Knowledge of autism spectrum disorder and a commitment to creating an inclusive space for all abilities.
The SAAAC Autism Centre welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. We are committed to providing accommodations upon request to candidates participating in all stages of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact Sandrine Theva at
[email protected].
