Part-time Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Worker

FIREFLY is seeking one part-time Autism Spectrum Disorder Support Worker, to be located in our Kenora office. Other FIREFLY locations may be considered. Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Support Worker will deliver child, youth and family centered service to children and youth with ASD and/or suspected ASD and their families. The ASD Support Worker will be knowledgeable about ASD and will complement the current efforts of service providers within their community to provide screening, and pre and post diagnostic support. The ASD Support Worker will connect children and youth with ASD, their families and service providers to interventions and supports including the Ontario Autism Program (OAP). This support will be delivered in a hybrid model, which will include both in-person and virtual services.

FIREFLY is a multi-service, non-profit organization located in Northwestern Ontario that has recently been designated a Children's Treatment Centre. In November 2022, FIREFLY achieved "Exemplary Standing" with Accreditation Canada. We are dedicated to supporting and strengthening the health and well-being of families, children, and youth through emotional, physical, developmental, and community services. Clients can access FIREFLY service in a variety of locations: centre based, in community (fly-in and drive-in communities), in schools, pre-school and child care settings. FIREFLY offices are located throughout Northwestern Ontario, providing a unique opportunity to build strong relationships with children and families, local colleagues and community partners. FIREFLY delivers many of our services in partnership with local First Nation organizations and is committed to building cultural safety into all that we do.

For additional information on what it is like to work at FIREFLY please take a few moments to watch to following video: https://youtu.be/AmiSO4lP-j0

Key Job Functions:

• Assist families in completing screening questionnaires to determine if an autism diagnostic assessment is the next step in service provision.
• Working with partners to provide in-community screening days.
• Assist in making referrals to the Northwestern Ontario Autism Diagnostic Hub and provide information to families as post-diagnosis support.
• Work with children/youth with ASD, or suspected ASD, and their families to connect them to community specific supports. These supports should be based on individual strengths and needs and informed by the child/youth and family's vision, goals and concerns.
• Assist families in registering with OAP, as well as other applicable funding sources that they may be eligible for.
• Helping families understand the Ontario Autism Program (OAP) and the Core Clinical Services that they might be eligible for.
• If a child/youth has multiple and complex needs and their family requires the more intensive support of a Service Planning Coordinator and the Coordinated Service Planning Process, support the connection to a dedicated Service Planning Coordinator.
• Assist in the facilitation of Foundational Family Services workshops for families immediately following their diagnosis as requested
• At a local system level, work to improve awareness of ASD and support local cross-sectoral planning tables (such as Special Needs Strategy Cross-Sectoral Committees) to identify gaps and opportunities for improving supports for ASD.
• Engage with different cultural groups (e.g. Indigenous, Francophone) to discuss how to best meet needs of children and youth with ASD in their communities.
• Facilitate parent-to-parent connections.
• Participate in provincially offered training to increase their own and their organization's capacity to support children and youth with ASD and their families.
  
  

Education/Experience/Skills/Knowledge Required:

• Diploma or bachelor's degree in a relevant field and a minimum of three years of work experience OR equivalent experience with vulnerable or at-risk populations including special needs.
• Experience working with autistic children/youth and their families.
• Knowledge of child and family development.
• Know of the Ontario Autism Program an asset.
• Strong interpersonal skills and communication skills
• Commitment to strength-based principles of child, youth and family-centeredness.
• Experience working with the child and youth service system.
• Demonstrated ability to build and maintain relationships with diverse stakeholders.
• Ability to work independently and contribute to a team.
• Ability to maintain strong professional boundaries.
• Strong organizational and reporting skills.
• Experience working with individuals experiencing trauma.
• Experience working with children and families from diverse cultures.
• Knowledge of the Anishinaabe culture and language is an asset.
• Air and ground travel within the service region is required.
• Evening and weekend work as required.
  

Conditions of Employment:

• The ability to manage a reasonable workload; effective priority-setting and follow-up
• Role model the vision and values of the Agency
• Value the concept of teamwork and ability to work independently
• Ability to deal with conflict, mediate and problem solve
• Quality of work to meet or exceed Agency specifications
• Current Criminal Reference check, with Vulnerable Sector Screen, that is free of any offenses
• Must respect and actively promote health and safety policies of the Agency
• Must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 by start date

Benefits of working at FIREFLY:

• Pension Plan (Healthcare of Ontario Pension Plan HOOPP).
• Professional development opportunities including access to educational websites and opportunity to attend trainings.
• Vacation entitlement starting at 4 weeks per year with a gradual increase after 3 years, based on FTE
• Paid sick leave accrued monthly up to a maximum of 30 days, based on FTE.
• Additional paid days off: Wellness Days (3 total per fiscal year) and Community Service and Cultural Days (3 total per fiscal year), based on FTE.
• Option to work towards a self-funded leave (i.e. 4 over 5).
• Excellent benefit plan with coverage including health, dental, vision, travel, life insurance and critical illness.
• Short and long term disability coverage paid by employee.
• A supportive team and great workplace culture.

DEADLINE TO APPLY: September 15, 2024