Autism Spectrum Coordinator

Autism Spectrum Coordinator

Autism Coordinator

Child Development Service | Palmerston North Hospital

0.5 FTE | Permanent | Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora

Make a difference for children and whānau living with autism

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is firmly grounded in the principles of Te Tiriti o Waitangi and is committed to building a health system that serves all New Zealanders.

Are you passionate about supporting children and young people with autism and helping families navigate the services and support available to them?

We have an exciting opportunity for an Autism Coordinator to join our Child Development Service (CDS) at Palmerston North Hospital. This 0.5 FTE role will play an important part in supporting families whose child or young person, under 19 years of age, has been newly diagnosed with autism within the previous 12 months.

You'll work alongside children, young people and whānau to provide information, connect families with appropriate services and support, and help coordinate pathways across health, education and community services.

About the Role

As Autism Coordinator, you will:

• Provide autism coordination across the MidCentral rohe in line with Ministry of Health service specifications.
• Support children and young people who meet the inclusion criteria for the ASD coordination service.
• Work alongside families to increase their understanding of autism and connect them with relevant information, resources and support.
• Help families access appropriate community services, support groups and other resources.
• Coordinate and facilitate connections between health, education and community services.
• Work collaboratively with the Child Development Service multidisciplinary team to achieve the best possible outcomes for children and young people.
• Build strong relationships with whānau, schools, community agencies, GPs and other key services.
• Provide information, education and support to families.
• Contribute to the ongoing development of the ASD coordination function and service improvement.
• Promote equitable, person-centred and whānau-centred care, with a strong commitment to Te Tiriti o Waitangi.

This is a role where your ability to connect people, navigate services and make a genuine difference for families will be highly valued.

About You

We're looking for someone who is passionate, self-motivated and confident working with children, young people and their families.

You will have:

• A relevant degree, professional registration and current Annual Practising Certificate.
• Experience working in the paediatric health sector.
• Knowledge of paediatric and developmental disability, including autism.
• Experience working effectively within a multidisciplinary team.
• Knowledge of community networks, disability support services and resources relevant to children and young people.
• Excellent written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• The ability to work independently, use initiative and exercise sound judgement.
• A commitment to cultural safety and equitable health outcomes.
• Knowledge of privacy requirements and relevant legislation.
• A current New Zealand driver licence.
• Good computer literacy and a commitment to ongoing professional development.

Experience working within a Child Development Service, with neurodivergent individuals and families, or in the rehabilitation of young children with disabilities would be advantageous. Experience in counselling, service development or continuous quality improvement would also be valued.

About the Location

Manawatū is known for its effortless blend of city and rural living; here you can choose your ideal lifestyle, from peaceful rural villages, to bustling townships, or city life.

It's a family-friendly place that's easy to live and work, with easy access to an array of outdoor activities – beaches, ski fields, lakes, mountains, as well as fantastic mountain biking and hiking tracks. No traffic and an easy commute to work, really help with a true work-life balance. Our fantastic central location means exploring other parts of New Zealand is easy as a drive or a short flight. We are well served with excellent schooling options, as well as two tertiary institutes – Massey University and the International Pacific College.

Discover more hidden gems that Manawatū and Palmerston North have to offer here: Manawatū & Palmerston North - Visit | Live | Study | Business (manawatunz.co.nz) . Check out our careers site here for more information about Palmerston North hospital.

We actively encourage a life work balance and appreciate flexibility can be important, so we are open to discuss options!

Working at Health New Zealand

Health New Zealand | Te Whatu Ora is dedicated to ensuring excellent healthcare for the people of New Zealand. We embrace a workforce that is diverse and inclusive so that we are better positioned to understand and service our community.

How to Apply

To apply please click "apply now." All applications must be submitted through our online careers' portal. If you have any questions about the role, please contact Tara Penketh, Recruitment Advisor (Allied Health) at Tara.Penketh@tewhatuora.govt.nz

Whilst Health New Zealand is undergoing change, affected employees will be given preference and priority for this position.

We are looking to fill this position as soon as possible so may withdraw the advert if the perfect candidate is found before the expiry date. We strive to be a place where people love to work and learn. We aim to develop a diverse team that reflects the communities that we serve, and we welcome people of all ethnicities, genders, sexual orientations, religious and political beliefs, socio-economic situations and accessibility needs. MidCentral actively seeks Māori into our workforce to reflect the community we serve. Some positions are defined as a Core Children's worker under the Children's Act and require full safety checks completed before employment commences.