Employment Support Worker

Position Type: Casual Part-time (hours: may range from 15 to 30 hours a week)

Dates and Times: Available immediately (Shift times may take place weekdays or weekends, between 8am-6pm (max. 6 hours per day)

Location: Various locations across the Lower Mainland (Vancouver, Burnaby, Richmond, Coquitlam, etc.)

Compensation: $25/hr + 10% in lieu of benefits ($27.50/hr)

Position Purpose

The Employment Support Worker will be responsible for overseeing the onsite development of autistic participants enrolled in the CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) during their work experience placements. The successful applicant may be supporting between 1-3 participants at a time.

CAN-STEP Program

The CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP) empowers Autistic youth and adults ages 16+ with skills training and work experience to prepare them for successful employment. Over the course of 11 weeks, participants receive classroom training (5 or less weeks) and work experience (6 weeks or 120 hours) opportunities in the Lower Mainland. The CAN-STEP program will be offered with a focus on entry-level positions in the Hospitality industry.

About Canucks Autism Network

Canucks Autism Network (CAN) provides programs for individuals on the autism spectrum and their families, while promoting acceptance and inclusion through community engagement and training initiatives across BC and beyond. CAN has been the successful recipient of a contract with the Opportunities Fund by the Government of Canada. With the OPPS funding, we have launched the CAN Skills Training Employment Program (CAN-STEP), designed to support Autistic youth by providing training and work experience in growing industries.

CAN-STEP is delivered in a group-based cohort model, with a strong focus on providing participants with the skills and certification necessary to achieve employment.

Job Duties

• Providing direct supports to participants as needed during their work experience placements at the employers’ work-sites
• Adapting job duties to suit the participants’ capabilities in the workplace by implementing strategies such as using visual supports and hands-on demonstrations, with the intention of participants achieving mastery over their work tasks
• Providing guidance to participants in navigating the workplace culture, interacting with their employer/co-workers, asking for help when needed, and successfully completing job tasks and duties
• Implementing long term supports and strategies to help develop participants to work independently over time
• Follow recommendations around teaching strategies provided by CAN-STEP Employment Team
• Communicate with CAN-STEP Employment Team for immediate needs and supports
• Provide support and coaching to employers and other co-workers on how to best support the participant in their job role/duties
• Provide positive and constructive feedback to participants
• Reports and make observational notes on the CAN-STEP participant communication platform (weekly communication log)

Qualifications

• Must be 18 years of age or over
• Over 2 years of experience supporting individuals on the autism spectrum
• Experience supporting autistic individuals in employment settings is an asset, but not necessary
• Valid BC Driver’s license (an asset)
• Experience working in Canucks  Autism Network programs preferred, but not required
• Consent to a Criminal Record Check and Vulnerable Sector Check

Key Skills & Abilities

• Passionate about Canucks Autism Network (CAN) and its values and vision
• Patient, enthusiastic, collaborative, and adaptable
• Strong communication, interpersonal and teamwork skills
• Strong teaching skills
• Ability to model skills and provide feedback
• Strong knowledge of behaviour support strategies
• Strong ability to problem solve
• Ability to maintain confidential information
• High degree of professionalism: able to represent CAN brand and interact with members and the general public
• Willingness to travel around the Lower Mainland and Fraser Valley

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