Service Navigation Team Lead

About this position

Position Summary:

During a time of transition and significant program changes, parents/caregivers will require support to understand their options in the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP), and their changed role as system navigators and employers. Autism Ontario will play a key role in offering direct support to families who are accessing or interested in accessing the new program through workshops, training sessions, and individualized support. The focus of these family supports will be on providing information about and orientation to the OAP. This position is dynamic in nature and will require leaders who demonstrate creativity and are collaborative, solution focused, and flexible.

Position Objectives:

Provide direct support to families who are accessing or are interested in accessing the OAP by helping families:

• Understand and make informed choices about their services options in the OAP
• Make informed choices on how to receive funding
• Find and select a qualified service provider
• Complete and submit required documentation and reconcile invoices
• Feel supported in connecting to available resources and services in their local communities

Key Responsibilities:

Team Lead

• Provide support to the team of local service navigators within the region through weekly team meetings and individual check-ins
• Assist with staff training, assigning work and assessing work performance
• Analyse training opportunities through data collected by regional staff
• With the regional team, develop an equitable, needs based annual training plan for the region

Support to Families

• Manage and support program applicants as assigned by an Intake Supervisor
• Support families to complete the necessary steps to register for the OAP and complete other OAP related documentation
• Educate families on all relevant details about the program and ensure that they have a complete understanding of the options and services available to them
• Communicate with new applicants in person or on the phone to educate them about the program, to review funding options and guidelines, to provide information about other services and supports
• Support applicants in reviewing and completing required forms
• Ensure that applicants have access to information regarding all available options for use of funding
• Ensure that applicant information in the database is current and accurate
• Ensure that applicant files are current and completed as per Autism Ontario’s policies and procedures
• Assist clients by using knowledge of all relevant services in Ontario and understanding of community inclusion to access the supports and services they require to achieve their goals
• Strengthen the capacities of applicants and communities to value and support Autistic Children and Youth by respecting their strengths, competencies, expertise, resilience and capacities as well as by fostering their inclusion, self-development and participation within communities
• Plan, coordinate and implement events that support families in relation to ASD such as social learning opportunities and workshops for families and professionals – identify suitable venues, schedule activities, create and distribute marketing materials, recruit and secure volunteer support
• Coordinate and support event requests by providing guidance and ensuring proposals include purpose, target audience, and budget
• Contribute to Autism Ontario’s program evaluation
• Ensure that services are accessible, responsive, and respectful of families’ values and needs
• Liaise with parents and families in multiple ways including face to face and via phone,
  email, support group meetings and online conferencing
• Develop collaborative relationships and network with related service providers to strengthen external partnerships to help inform families and connect them to programs, services, and resources available in their local communities
• Engage in outreach initiatives within the region in order to develop relationships with service providers and educate other stakeholders in the sector about the Service Navigation Program
• Host opportunities for families to connect in person and virtually through educational events and parent support groups
• Work with volunteers to grow leadership capacity

Qualifications and Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree with a minimum of 5 years of experience working in a human service, social service or a clinically related discipline including providing support to families of children with ASD and/or developmental disabilities. An equivalent combination of education and similar experience will be considered
• Previous experience as a supervisor or team lead
• Training in group dynamics is an asset
• Fluency in written and oral French is strongly preferred
• Extensive knowledge of the developmental services sector and of community-based resources within the designated region
• Sound understanding of issues faced by people with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities
• Demonstrated excellent relationship building, collaboration and conflict resolution skills within a system-wide environment
• Experience in a person-directed approach to support
• Demonstrated experience with group planning and facilitation
• Must demonstrate sound professional judgment and problem-solving skills, as well as be able to effectively manage multiple priorities, work independently and show flexibility
• Strong interpersonal, verbal, written skills are required as is the ability to speak confidently with the public and media
• Must be proficient with various computer programs including data base management, email, Microsoft Office applications and have familiarity with social media and other technology tools and approaches
• Detail oriented -- able to work with numbers and budgets as well as accomplish other administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines
• Demonstrated commitment to principles of social justice, equity, inclusion and cultural competency
• Up-to-date police reference check
• The role requires the ability to regularly work evenings and weekends. Must be flexible to work out of multiple locations within the assigned region and able to travel regularly within the region and occasionally to other parts of the province. A valid driver’s license and access to a vehicle are required.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter including the region of interest to: https://www.autismontario.com/careers

We thank everyone for their interest in this position; however, only those candidates invited to interview with us will be contacted.

Autism Ontario is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion.  We are pleased to consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, colour, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability, protected veterans status or any other legally protected factors.

Autism Ontario is committed to providing a barrier-free work environment in concert with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act and the Ontario Human Rights Code.  As such, Autism Ontario will make accommodations available to applicants with disabilities upon request during the hiring process.