Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Program – Facilitator Department: ABA Caregiver Mediated Reporting to: Clinical Supervisor Hours: 37.5 hrs per week; Ability to work weekday evenings and some weekends Temporary 15 Month Contract Location: Hybrid (Some Travel Required) Salary: $48,000 T7 L2 Published: August 2026
About SAAAC Autism Centre SAAAC Autism Centre is committed to making autism services equitable for all families, especially those facing systemic barriers. Through culturally responsive, accessible programming, we empower families to support their child’s development while fostering inclusion and community resilience.
What is Caregiver Skills Training (CST)?
The Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Program, developed by the World Health Organization (WHO) and Autism Speaks, is an evidence-based initiative designed to empower caregivers of children with developmental delays or disabilities. CST is particularly vital for families struggling to access diagnostic services, those experiencing long wait times, or those seeking guidance on their child’s development.
The program consists of nine group sessions and three individual home visits, where caregivers learn how to use everyday play and home routines as opportunities for enhanced interaction, communication, and learning. By participating in CST, families gain the tools to support their child while building connections with others facing similar challenges.
SAAAC is not only delivering CST in Canada but is also working toward international capacity-building, with plans to expand CST to other countries. This role offers professionals the opportunity to contribute to a globally recognized initiative, potentially engaging in future projects abroad.
Main Responsibilities• Deliver the Caregiver Skills Training (CST) Manualized program to families and caregivers
- Facilitate virtual or in-person group training workshops (30+ caregivers) and coaching-based home visits (in-person or virtual) as structured in the program.
- Create a safe and inclusive learning environment for caregivers by: o Presenting training materials through PowerPoint and live demonstrations.
o Leading discussions and encouraging participation across diverse cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. o Providing clear, compassionate coaching tailored to each family’s needs.
- Conduct home visits to: o Build rapport with families. o Identify goals and routines with caregivers. o Observe and support play and daily routines. o Model and reinforce CST strategies. o Collect data and document caregiver progress.
- Support families without formal autism diagnoses, ensuring they receive early intervention strategies for children ages 2-9.
- Serve up to 30 families per 3-month service block.
- Cover key training topics: Communication, Shared Engagement, Daily Living Skills, Teaching New Skills and Routines, Understanding Behaviors, and Caregiver Coping Strategies.
- Provide regular updates to SAAAC’s CST Master Trainer.
- Participate in ongoing training and professional development, including: o Didactic lessons, online modules, shadowing sessions. o Submitting videos for feedback and attending supervision meetings.
Assist in the intake process, including:
o Screening applicants, determining eligibility, and ensuring program enrollment. o Maintaining caregiver communication (email, phone check-ins, scheduling home visits). o Problem-solving concerns and providing additional resources.
- Maintain accurate program records, including pre/post data, surveys, and attendance tracking.
- Ensure client privacy, safety, and well-being, adhering to SAAAC’s health and safety protocols.
- Engage in broader organizational efforts, which may include supporting other programs, mentoring students or volunteers, and contributing to program development.
- Identifying and developing individualized resources to support families’ current and ongoing needs.
- Connecting families with appropriate community supports and resources.
- Participating in meetings with caregivers and other professionals, as requested.
What We’re Looking For
We seek passionate and empathetic professionals dedicated to equity in developmental services. If you believe that all families deserve access to high-quality autism support, regardless of financial, geographical, or cultural barriers, this role is for you.
Minimum Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s degree or diploma in behavioral sciences, social services, psychology, early childhood education, or a related field.
Understanding of autism, applied behavior analysis (ABA), early childhood development, and adult learning.
- At least one year of experience providing 1:1, dyad, or group ABA services to children and youth.
- Experience facilitating caregiver training or parent workshops is an asset.
- Strong interpersonal skills - able to communicate with caregivers clearly and confidently while respecting diverse backgrounds and lived experiences.
- Ability to manage challenging behaviors in children and guide caregivers with patience and compassion.
- Available to working evenings and weekends as required.
- Interest in professional development and advancing clinical skills.
- Strong time-management, organization, and communication skills (both verbal and written).
- Access to a reliable means of transportation (e.g., TTC, personal vehicle); Access to personal vehicle is preferred; Ability to work both independently and collaboratively in a multidisciplinary team.
- Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
- Satisfactory Vulnerable Sector Check and Criminal Records Check.
The SAAAC Autism Centre welcomes and encourages applications from individuals with disabilities. We are committed to providing accommodations upon request to candidates participating in all stages of the selection process. If you require accommodation, please contact Sandrine Theva at [email protected].
Please Note: SAAAC Autism Centre may use AI-powered tools to assist in the initial screening of applications. These tools are designed to evaluate qualifications based on the requirements outlined in the job posting. We encourage all candidates to carefully review the qualifications and ensure their resumes reflect their relevant skills and experiences.
