About Autism Nova Scotia…

Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and chance for Autistic people and their families and caregivers. We deliver person-directed, neuro-affirming supports across the lifespan through our network of Regional Autism Centres in Halifax and nine communities across the province.

Our work is grounded in First Voice leadership, community partnership, and a strong commitment to establishing equity for rural, racialized, and other underserved communities. Through programs that promote social and community inclusion, employment support, and family and caregiver support, we work to reduce barriers, strengthen community capacity, and create pathways for Autistic Nova Scotians to learn, work, live, and belong.

TITLE : Independent Living Support (ILS) Coordinator

DEPARTMENT : Programs

REPORTS TO : ILS Manager

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT : Full-Time, 40 hours per week

LOCATION : Halifax, Nova Scotia (Travel may be required. The position requires flexibility to work occasional evenings, weekends, and holidays.)

POSITION SUMMARY The ILS Coordinator works directly with individuals accessing the Independent Living Support (ILS) program at Autism Nova Scotia. The ILS Coordinator provides individualized support to Autistic adults as they work toward self-directed goals related to independent living, community connection, and quality of life.

Grounded in person-directed, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and neuro-affirming practice, the ILS Coordinator works collaboratively with participants to identify and build on their strengths, priorities, interests, and aspirations while promoting autonomy, informed choice, and self-determination.

The ILS Coordinator provides leadership and supervision to Community Living Coaches who work alongside participants in their homes and communities. The Coordinator ensures services are responsive, individualized, and aligned with each participant's goals while fostering meaningful inclusion, capacity building, self-advocacy, and community connection.

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

Participant Support and Planning

- Facilitate program intakes, risk assessments, and individualized support planning in collaboration with participants and under the guidance of the ILS Manager.
- Complete and submit Special Needs Requests to support participant needs and goals.
- Support participants in identifying goals, strengths, interests, priorities, and desired areas of support related to independent living and community inclusion.
- Conduct regular site visits and meetings based on participants' identified goals, preferences, and areas of support.
- Support participants to build skills, self-advocacy, and independence through coaching and collaborative problem-solving.
- Monitor participant satisfaction and quality of support, ensuring services remain responsive to evolving needs and goals.
- Advocate alongside participants to access services, resources, and opportunities that support their goals and well-being.
- Support participants in navigating community systems and accessing relevant resources and supports.
- Recognize and respond appropriately to risks while promoting dignity of risk, informed choice, autonomy, and participant self-determination.
- Respond appropriately to crises, concerns, and emerging situations using trauma-informed, participant-centred approaches and established organizational protocols.

Staff Leadership and Supervision

- Provide coaching, mentorship, and ongoing support to Community Living Coaches.
- Support staff development through regular feedback, performance evaluations, fidelity monitoring, and professional learning opportunities.
- Coordinate support scheduling to ensure continuity of support and responsiveness to participant needs.
- Assist with the recruitment, onboarding, training, supervision, and ongoing development of Community Living Coaches.
- Foster a collaborative, reflective, and strengths-based team culture.




- Provide guidance and support to Community Living Coaches regarding participant goals, professional boundaries, ethical decision-making, and scope of practice.

Collaboration and Community Engagement

- Collaborate with participants, families, internal supports, and external community organizations and programs to strengthen natural supports and community connections.
- Build and maintain collaborative relationships with organizations and service providers, including Disability Support Program services, healthcare providers, housing supports, employment services, educational institutions, and community organizations.
- Support interdisciplinary and collaborative approaches to participant support.
- Promote meaningful community participation, inclusion, and connection based on each participant's interests, goals, and preferences.
- Build awareness of Autism Nova Scotia programs and services through meaningful community partnerships and engagement.

Documentation, Data and Quality

- Maintain accurate, timely, and comprehensive participant records, including assessments, support plans, session reports, progress notes, incident reports, and outcome tracking.
- Collect, analyze, and submit program data, reports, and documentation as required.
- Contribute to continuous quality improvement initiatives and program evaluation activities.
- Monitor service delivery and support fidelity to participant goals, program expectations, organizational policies, and established practices.
- Ensure compliance with organizational policies, skilled standards, ethical requirements, and funding requirements.
- Prepare presentations, educational resources, and informational materials for diverse audiences, as required.

After-Hours / Crisis Support

- Participate in a rotating after-hours support schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Respond to participant concerns, crises, and emerging situations in accordance with established organizational protocols.
- Maintain appropriate professional boundaries and exercise sound judgment when providing after-hours support.
- Escalate concerns appropriately and seek guidance from the ILS Manager or other designated supports when required.

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE

- Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Psychology, Education, Human Services, Disability Studies, or a related field.
- Minimum of 3 to 5 years of recent experience supporting Autistic adults in community-based settings.
- Experience in case coordination, person-directed planning, resource development, social service delivery, or related human services work is considered an asset.
- Experience working within community-based programs and interdisciplinary teams.
- Experience supporting individuals to identify and work toward self-directed goals.
- Experience providing staff coaching, mentorship, or supervision is considered an asset.
- Valid Nova Scotia driver's licence and reliable transportation.

SKILLS AND COMPETENCIES

- Knowledge of autism and neurodiversity-affirming practices.
- Strong understanding of person-directed, strengths-based, trauma-informed, and participant-centred approaches.
- Understanding of evidence-informed practices for working with neurodivergent adults and adults with disabilities.
- Knowledge of the social model of disability, disability rights, accessibility, and critical disability studies.
- Strong assessment, observation, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills.
- Knowledge of community resources, systems navigation, advocacy, and service coordination.
- Strong interpersonal, communication, facilitation, and conflict-resolution skills.




- Demonstrated ability to build trusting and respectful relationships with participants, families, colleagues, and community partners.
- Ability to balance independent work with collaborative team practice.
- Strong advocacy, systems navigation, and community engagement skills.
- Understanding of professional boundaries, ethical decision-making, confidentiality, and scope of practice.
- Commitment to participant dignity, autonomy, informed choice, and self-determination.
- Commitment to disability rights, equity, diversity, inclusion, and anti-oppressive practice.
- Excellent written communication skills, including report writing, case documentation, and outcome reporting.
- Ability to prepare presentations, educational resources, and informational materials for diverse audiences.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office and electronic documentation systems.
- Ability to recognize and respond to risk while maintaining a dignity-of-risk approach.
- Strong organizational skills and the ability to manage competing priorities in a dynamic community-based environment.

WORKING CONDITIONS

- Full-time position of 40 hours per week.
- Flexible work schedule required to meet participant and program needs.
- Occasional evening, weekend, and holiday work is required as part of the rotating after-hours support schedule.
- Regular travel within the community is required, including participant site visits and meetings with community partners.
- Work may occur in a variety of community-based settings and requires the ability to work independently and collaboratively.
- The position may involve responding to emerging participant needs and situations requiring sound judgment, flexibility, and adherence to established organizational protocols.
- Valid Nova Scotia driver's licence and reliable transportation are required.

OTHER DUTIES

- Complete a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check.
- Maintain current professional certifications and required training.
- Current ASIST certification completed within the previous two years is considered an asset.
- Training in the Department of Community Services Core Competencies is considered an asset, including: Fire and Life Safety Personal Care Medication Awareness Individual Program Planning Crisis Intervention Behavioural Supports
- Standard First Aid/CPR-C certification is considered an asset.
- Food Handler Certification is considered an asset.
- Perform other related duties as required.

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.

📌 Independent Living Support (ILS) Coordinator (Halifax Regional Municipality)
🏢 Autism Nova Scotia
📍 Halifax Regional Municipality