United States onlyDuring the transition and program changes in the new Ontario Autism Program (OAP), parents/caregivers will require essential support and guidance. AccessOAP, as a crucial partner, will directly assist families by providing comprehensive information, orientation, and practical assistance to access the newly available supports, pathways, and programs. Moreover, AccessOAP will work closely with families to determine their child/youth's strengths, needs, and priority goals, utilizing a well-defined process. This dynamic role necessitates individuals who possess creativity, flexibility, solution-oriented thinking, and a collaborative approach.
Program 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 service options in the OAP.
- Make informed choices on how to receive funding.
- Find and select qualified service providers.
- Feel supported in connecting to available resources and services in their local communities.
Key Responsibilities
- 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 families 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
- Ensure the “no wrong door” approach to families coming into the OAP through our services and seamlessly working with our inter-agency partners
- Ensure that applicant information in the database is current and accurate
- Remain knowledgeable and informed on the various program offerings with community partners within your region (Foundational Family Service, Priority Pathways, and more)
- Support families to locate qualified, experienced and trained local service providers and refer families to the OAP Provider List to aid in their provider selection as required
- Supporting families’ informed choices about next steps for Core Clinical Services
- Be the main point of contact for an assigned caseload of families
- Support families to locate qualified, experienced and trained local service providers
- 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
- 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
Along with, Supporting the organization’s operational goals including other aspects of the business.
Skills, Knowledge and Expertise
- Diploma or Bachelor's Degree in a relevant field with a minimum of 3 years of experience in human services, social services, or a clinically related discipline, which includes providing support to families of children with ASD and/or developmental disabilities. An equivalent combination of education and similar experience will be considered.
- Strong commitment to a family-centered and person-directed approach to support.
- Flexibility in engaging with families and adept at navigating challenging conversations with compassion and empathy.
- Proven experience working with children and youth on the autism spectrum and their families.
- Sound understanding of the challenges faced by individuals with autism, intellectual or developmental disabilities throughout their life course.
- Excellent critical thinking skills.
- Proficient in conducting interviews and assessments.
- Ability to communicate effectively with families using family-friendly language, while also understanding clinical terminology used by other providers.
- General knowledge of typical child development.
- Thorough understanding of the developmental services sector and familiarity with community-based resources.
- Fluency in written and oral French is strongly preferred. Additional languages and experience working with Indigenous families are considered assets.
- Demonstrates sound professional judgment and problem-solving skills.
- Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities while exhibiting flexibility and accountability.
- Proficiency in various computer programs, including database management, email, Microsoft Office applications, and familiarity with social media and other technology tools and approaches.
- Detail-oriented with the ability to accomplish administrative tasks in a fast-paced environment with tight deadlines.
- Up-to-date police reference check.
Canada
AU, CA + 3 more
QA, SA + 1 more