The Classroom Facilitator delivers a group-based program focused on developing independent daily living skills for young adults with autism. Responsibilities include implementing ABA teaching strategies, creating lesson plans, and supervising participants in classroom and community settings.
Requirements summary
Candidates must have an undergraduate degree or diploma in social services, psychology, or ABA, and at least one year of experience working with youth or adults. Proficiency in behavior management strategies and a satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check are required.
About SAAAC Autism Centre The SAAAC Autism Centre is a Toronto-based charity whose mission is to make autism services equitable for all Canadians. The Centre provides culturally responsive autism services targeting culturally and linguistically diverse families. Using a multi-disciplinary approach, our Centre offers a dynamic range of services that support the development of individuals on the autism spectrum at all life stages, along with their caregivers. Your Role on Our Team The Living’N’Learning program supports young adults living with autism by helping them to learn new and meaningful skills that encourage independent living. Through an engaging curriculum and supportive instructors, our program encourages students to create greater connections to the people and community around them. The Living’N’Learning program places an emphasis on the following domains of learning:
Independent Living
Recreational and Physical Activity
Building Community and Social Skills The Living’N’Learning program provides students with fun, challenging, and meaningful daily activities with the goal of preparing them for life outside the classroom. The Classroom Facilitator will be responsible for working in classroom to deliver a group-based program focused on developing independent daily living skills (communication, play, social interactions, functional routines, behavioural self-management, and academics, learning and attention). Main Responsibilities
Supervising clients in a classroom setting within the centre and during outdoor excursions
Implementing appropriate learning activities and strategies designed to help the participant reach their individual and group goals
Effectively use ABA related teaching strategies such as Reinforcement, Verbal and Physical Prompts, Shaping, Chaining, Modelling and Fading
Monitor participant behaviour for challenges and problem solving to teach functional and appropriate behaviour
Address personal care requirements of the participant during each session
Build rapport with participants to support progress
Maintain materials and equipment and a tidy classroom
Preparing and creating lesson plans and materials
Keep supervisor and fellow classroom facilitators informed of program concerns and participant progress (e.g. flagging exceptional circumstances and need for program change)
Assist the Program Supervisor in the following:
Assessing individual participant’s skills, abilities, interests, strengths and needs
Preparing and implementing activities as per curriculum
Evaluation of participant’s progress toward program goals
Participate in classroom and full team meetings; collaborate with other team members
Develop and maintain positive relationships with families, care givers, partner agencies, internal team and volunteers
Create a positive environment for the participants and team as well as engage in participation with enthusiasm
Review available information pertaining to all participants in the classroom on a regular basis
Ensures overall health and safety of participants enrolled in the program by maintaining a sanitary and safe environment and identifying participants who are unwell.
Preparing and creating lesson plans and materials
Discuss and report client progress to caregivers
Minimum Qualifications
Undergraduate degree or diploma from a recognized university or college in a field related (i.e., social services, psychology or ABA).
Minimum one (1) year working with youth or adults (preferable post-graduation)
Experience working as an Instructor Therapist in an ABA setting is an asset
Experience working with individuals with ASD is an asset
A combination of experience and education may be considered
Knowledge of program planning and case management for individuals with development disabilities, including knowledge of atypical development preferred
Knowledge of behaviour management strategies
Ability to implement, and evaluate activities and experiences to meet individual and group needs of all participants
Strong interpersonal skills to gain trust and respect of participants and their families
Effective ability to interact with others and deal with situations in ways that respect diverse backgrounds, experience and styles
Demonstrated reliability (punctual and responsible)
Ability to manage participants with challenging behaviors and communicate effectively with families in a positive way
Ability to work effectively in a team environment as well as independently
Ability to work with multi-disciplinary teams
Proficient with MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint and Outlook)
Satisfactory current Vulnerable Sector Check Working Conditions
Classroom setting with occasional outdoor excursions
Must be able to wear a mask and protective gear throughout their shift
Must be willing to do cleaning duties
Ability to spend most of the day at the participant’s level, (e.g., standing or walking along with clients for hours at a time)
Able to move furniture or equipment to prepare room for programming needs.
