Independent Living Support (ILS) Coordinator
Halifax, NS Independent Living Support: Full-time Sep 14, 2026

UNDERSTANDING - ACCEPTANCE – INCLUSION

Autism Nova Scotia is a provincial leader in advancing inclusion, understanding, and opportunity 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 qualified 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 cooperative relationships with organizations and service providers, including Disability Support Program services, healthcare providers, housing supports, employment services, educational institutions, and community or

📌 Independent Living Support (Halifax Regional Municipality)
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