Purpose of Position:
Reporting to the Clinical Manager, the Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) Service Navigator will deliver child, youth and family-centred services to children and youth with ASD and/or suspected ASD and their families. The ASD Service Navigator 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 Service Navigator 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 and Children’s Treatment Centre located in Northwestern Ontario. 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 the supports for ASD.
· Engage with different cultural groups (e.g. Indigenous, Francophone) to discuss how to best meet the 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.
· Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screen that is free of any offences is required upon hire
· Must respect and actively promote the health and safety policies of the Agency.
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 as well as paid time off between Christmas and New Year's Day.
Paid sick leave accrued monthly up to a maximum of 30 days.
Additional paid days off: Wellness Days (3 total per fiscal year) and Community Service and Cultural Days (3 total per fiscal year).
Option to work towards a self-funded leave (i.e. 4 over 5).
Flexibility within the 35 hour workweek to meet the needs of the client and yourself. Opportunity to bank overtime to be used as additional vacation.
Excellent benefit plan with coverage including health, dental, vision, travel, life insurance and critical illness with 100% of the premiums paid by FIREFLY.
Short and long term disability coverage paid by employee.
Ability to join, contribute, and learn from a multitude of team members and committees that support your progressive attitude including neurodiversity, inclusion, ethics, family engagement, wellness, truth and reconciliation.
A supportive team and great workplace culture.
