Program Facilitator - Autism Connections (Part-Time - Evenings 3-7 hours/week)

Summary: The Program Facilitator is an Ambassador of Autism Connections, plays a vital role in fostering a safe, welcoming, and engaging environment for participants attending in-person or online group meetings. These programs are inclusive gatherings for individuals with autism, parents, and caregivers, offering a secure space for sharing experiences, insights, and emotions related to living with autism.
 
About Autism Connections:
Autism Connections has proudly served the Southwest Ohio autism community for over 53 years. Our mission is to uplift the Southwest Ohio autism community through education, resources, connections, and lifelong support. We provide essential resources, support, and activities for autistic individuals and their families wherever they are on their autism journey. These include LIFE Skills social skills trainings, social and recreational programs, support groups, educational sessions, and a resource and referral Autism Helpline.
 
Essential Functions:

• Create, maintain, and guide a positive, supportive atmosphere that enhances the program's value for all participants.
• Oversee all program-related activities, including setup and breakdown of equipment, ensuring cleanliness and organization of the meeting spaces before departure.
• Assist in coordinating program activities, as directed.

• Facilitate Group Engagement: Lead group interactions by prioritizing topics of discussion and keeping conversations focused, supportive, and meaningful.
• Participant Support: Engage both new and returning participants, ensuring everyone has an opportunity to contribute and that individual needs are recognized and addressed.
• Guide Group Conduct: Communicate and uphold the group’s code of conduct and guidelines to promote constructive dialogue and interactions.
• Resources: Offer guidance and resources to assist participants with unique challenges.
• Demonstrate Coping Techniques: Model effective de-escalation and coping strategies.
• Documentation and Reporting: Complete end-of-session reports and submit attendance records to the Autism Connections reporting site. Report any participant concerns, incidents, or injuries promptly.
• Event Management: Manage the sign-in process, set up and break down meeting spaces, and ensure all logistical needs are met for optimal group interactions.
• Peer Support: Encourage participants to provide mutual support and understanding.
• Additional Tasks: Fulfill other responsibilities as requested by the senior leadership 

• Professional Experience: Certified and/or licensed practitioner, therapist, paraprofessional, or special education teacher with a minimum of one year’s experience working directly with individuals on the autism spectrum, or equivalent involvement with Autism Connections programs. The ideal candidate is skilled, reliable, energetic, and empathetic.
• Communication Skills: Strong verbal and written communication abilities.
• Interpersonal Skills: Proven capacity to build and maintain positive relationships within a group setting.
• Organizational Skills: Exceptional organizational and time-management capabilities.
• Adaptability: Flexibility and agility to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced environment.
• Alignment with Program Vision: Ability to embody and further the vision set by the senior leadership.
• Reliable Access: Must have dependable transportation for attending in-person programs and a stable internet connection for online sessions.