Wellness Groups Coordinator / Case Navigator

Autism Nova Scotia is a community-based organization that builds understanding, acceptance, and inclusion for Autistics/individuals on the autism spectrum and their families through leadership, advocacy, education, training, and programming across the lifespan.

POSITION TITLE: Wellness Groups Coordinator / Case Navigator

POSITION: Part time Position – 1-year Contract
TERM : Commencing: January 2024

LOCATION : Halifax,

DEPARTMENT: Pinwheel Wellness

DIRECT REPORT: Pinwheel Wellness Supervisor

SUMMARY:

The Pinwheel Wellness Centre (PWC) team works as an interdisciplinary community mental health team through Autism Nova Scotia. This team consists of Registered Counselling Therapists, Registered Social Workers, and Registered Occupational Therapists. PWC supports Autistic adults (ages 19 +) who are experiencing co-occurring mental health difficulties, while building capacity for a more expansive professional support system for Autistic individuals through providing professional clinical practicum for students in counselling, social work, occupational therapy, and health promotion programs. PWC addresses the multi-jurisdictional challenge that Autistics have seen firsthand; specifically, the lack of mental health support and service capacity for Autistic individuals. PWC is in Bedford Place Mall, Bedford, Nova Scotia. PWC clients access in-person, video and tele services through PWC.

The Wellness Groups Coordinator/ Case Navigator will coordinate the refinement, implementation and evaluation of various wellness groups offered through Pinwheel Wellness as well as assist in case navigation support for various Pinwheel Clients who may require additional support in navigating access to various support and resources.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Working as part of an interdisciplinary team to establish a well-rounded approach of care for clients.

• Coordination and facilitation of Groups and Workshops offered through PWC including:

• Comprehensive Group Plan (CGP)

• Refinement and Canva slide development

• Curriculum development and/or refinement

• Scheduling and promotion of PWC groups and workshops

• Support and coordinate as needed the navigation and access to various external resources and supports for Pinwheel clients.

• Conducts outreach and professional presentations to community partners, as needed.

• Oversees resource development for PWC’s Free Mental Health Library.

• Establishes a good working relationship with support networks, government resources, and community resources.

• Advocating and raising awareness on behalf of clients and the needs of the community and local services, including:

• Connecting clients to in-house programming and support through Autism NS

• Connecting clients to Government assistance/programs

• Connecting clients to community-based supports

• Demonstrates professionalism, adheres to standards of professional practice, and ethics of the NSCSW.

• Attends team rounds, team meetings, client planning meetings.

Education and Certification Requirements:

• Master of Social Work degree from a recognized university is required.

• Completion of a practicum in a clinical mental health setting is considered an asset.

• Registration, in good standing, with the Nova Scotia College of Social Workers (NSCSW) is required.

• 3 -year experience in clinical mental health setting is preferred.

• Professional liability insurance.

Skills and Competencies:

• Experience and competencies in working from a neurodiversity affirming lens.

• Experience and competencies in the following areas: crisis support and management, case management in a clinical setting, and advocacy.

• Demonstrated knowledge of the mental health and community services offered within Nova Scotia required.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience with assessing risk of harm to self and others required.

• Demonstrated knowledge and experience working with/adhering to the ethical guidelines of the NSCSW.

• Strong facilitation and team-work skills.

• Superior oral and written communication skills. Demonstrated ability to communicate with a variety of stakeholders.

• Ability to develop content, including training materials for a variety of platforms.

• Exceptional interpersonal skills, ability to build and maintain professional relationships

• Action oriented and self-directed

• Demonstrates passion, integrity, positive energy, and attitude, and is mission-driven

• Proficient in videoconferencing/online seminar technologies and MS Office applications

Autism Experience & Competency Requirements:

• 1-2 years' experience supporting Autistic adults is an asset

• Works from a social model of disability perspective

• Experience and familiarity with accessing resources and content created by first voices in the Autistic community

• Demonstrated knowledge of the autism and disability services offered within Nova Scotia required

• Experience and familiarity with creating accommodations and supports

• Experience and competencies in Critical Disability Studies lens is considered an asset

Additional Requirements:

• A Valid criminal record check and a vulnerable sector check is required for this position.

• First Aid certification.

• Non-violent crisis intervention (NVCI) certification, or willingness to acquire.

• Valid Driver’s license and access to reliable transportation for travel.

• ASIST certification is considered an asset (we provide training).

• A flexible schedule to work evening hours is required.

How to Apply

If this role excites you, we’d love to hear from you! Please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing why you are the perfect fit for the position. Only those selected for an interview will be contacted.

Note: Candidates selected for an interview will be required to provide at least three professional references. A clear criminal record check, including a vulnerable sector check, will also be required.

Autism Nova Scotia is an equal opportunity employer and encourages candidates from all backgrounds, including Indigenous peoples, people of color, people with disabilities, 2SLGBTQ+ individuals, and women in non-traditional roles, to apply. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming workplace for everyone.