Occupational Therapist at Autism Nova Scotia

About Autism Nova Scotia…

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: Occupational Therapist (OT)

DEPARTMENT: QuickStart Nova Scotia

REPORTS TO: QuickStart NS Director, QuickStart NS Manager

TYPE OF EMPLOYMENT: Full-time, Permanent

LOCATION: Halifax

TRAVEL: Frequent local travel; periodic provincial travel required

Job Summary

QuickStart Nova Scotia is a parent-mediated coaching program that empowers caregivers of toddlers with a suspected, provisional, or confirmed diagnosis of Autism to support their child’s development.

We are seeking a full-time Occupational Therapist (OT) to join our interdisciplinary QuickStart Nova Scotia team. The OT will deliver a combination of in-person across the Central and Northen zones, and virtual services across the province. In-person sessions will take place within a 1.5-hour one-way travel radius from the Central Zone, Halifax, and Northern Zone, Truro, base office.

The OT will support both the primary service QuickStart NS parent coaching program, serving children aged 12-36 months, and the limited-service QuickStart NS ESDM (Early Start Denver Model) program, serving children aged 12-41 months. Both programs are interdisciplinary, routine-based, and grounded in evidence-based practices.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide consultation and coaching to families using parent-mediated, routine-based strategies
• Deliver OT support aligned with the Early Start Denver Model (ESDM) and complete relevant training and fidelity requirements
• Attend weekly team meetings and collaborate across disciplines
• Conduct assessments using the ESDM Curriculum Checklist
• Make OT-informed recommendations based on observation of parent-child interaction and family goals
• Support team members with strategies and referrals grounded in OT best practices
• Travel locally within region for in-person consultations; periodic travel across Nova Scotia required
• Participate in annual and onboarding training sessions

Qualifications

• Graduate of a World Federation of Occupational Therapy (WFOT)-approved Occupational Therapy program
• Licensed or eligible for licensure with the College of Occupational Therapists of Nova Scotia (COTNS)
• Member of the Nova Scotia Society of Occupational Therapists (NSSOT)
• Registered or eligible for membership in the Canadian Association of Occupational Therapists (CAOT)
• Minimum 3 years’ experience working with families and preschool-aged children
• Experience supporting individuals with Autism (3+ years preferred)
• Familiarity with natural environment teaching, including Pivotal Response Treatment and the Early Start Denver Model

Additional Skills and Competencies

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong observation, problem-solving, and independent work capabilities
• Ability to collaborate effectively within an interdisciplinary team
• Understanding of limits of competency and when to seek consultation
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite
• Knowledge of community-based service delivery systems
• Competency in other languages is an asset (Arabic and/or French preferred)
• Ability to fulfill the physical requirements of the role (e.g., lift up to 50 lbs, participating in floor-based activities that require sitting, kneeling, and transition to and from the floor)

Certifications and Requirements

• Current CPR-C and First Aid certification
• Maintain Crisis Management training
• Clear Criminal Record Check
• Valid Nova Scotia Driver’s License and reliable vehicle for travel

Working Conditions

• Halifax-based position with frequent local travel for in-person consultations within a 1.5-hour radius
• Hybrid service delivery model, including in-person and virtual support
• Periodic travel across Nova Scotia for training and team collaboration
• Exposure to varied home and community environments
• Requires frequent lifting (up to 50 lbs) and physical activity during sessions
• Standard working hours with flexibility to accommodate family schedules
• Must be comfortable driving in various conditions, distances, terrains and regions

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.