Job Overview
Position Summary
We are seeking a patient, safety-conscious, and enthusiastic individual to teach woodworking, basic construction, and power tool skills to youth and young adults with autism and other developmental disabilities. This role focuses on developing practical life skills, vocational readiness, executive functioning, confidence, and independence through hands-on projects in a structured and supportive environment.
Working collaboratively with our ABA team, the instructor will create meaningful learning experiences that combine technical skills with communication, problem-solving, teamwork, and safe work habits.
ResponsibilitiesInstruction
- Teach the safe use of common hand and power tools.
- Demonstrate proper tool handling, maintenance, and storage.
- Develop step-by-step woodworking projects appropriate for varying skill levels.
- Teach measuring, marking, cutting, sanding, drilling, fastening, assembling, and finishing techniques.
- Adapt instruction to meet individual learning needs.
- Use visual supports, task analyses, and modelling to promote success.
Life Skills Development
Embed instruction in important life skills including:
- Following multi-step directions
- Planning and organization
- Problem-solving
- Time management
- Perseverance
- Flexibility
- Self-monitoring
- Asking for help appropriately
- Working independently
- Teamwork
- Communication skills
- Workplace etiquette
- Responsibility for equipment
- Cleaning and organizing workspaces
Safety
- Maintain a safe workshop environment at all times.
- Complete daily safety inspections.
- Ensure all participants use appropriate personal protective equipment (PPE).
- Conduct safety demonstrations before each activity.
- Maintain first aid supplies and incident documentation.
- Monitor participants closely during tool use.
- Ensure equipment is maintained and stored properly.
Collaboration
- Work closely with Behaviour Analysts and therapists to support individual goals.
- Modify activities based on learner abilities.
- Participate in team meetings when appropriate.
- Provide feedback on participant progress.
- Assist in developing individualized vocational opportunities.
Documentation
- Record attendance.
- Document participant progress.
- Track skill acquisition.
- Report safety concerns immediately.
- Maintain equipment inventory.
- Assist with ordering workshop materials.
Example Projects
Participants may learn to build:
- Birdhouses
- Toolboxes
- Step stools
- Planter boxes
- Shelves
- Wooden games
- Picture frames
- Storage crates
- Simple furniture
- Outdoor garden projects
- Holiday decorations
- Community service projects
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in woodworking, carpentry, cabinetry, construction, or skilled trades.
- Strong knowledge of power tools and workshop safety.
- Experience teaching or mentoring youth is an asset.
- Experience supporting individuals with autism or developmental disabilities is considered an asset.
- Excellent communication skills.
- Patient, encouraging, and adaptable teaching style.
- Strong organizational skills.
- Ability to break complex tasks into manageable steps.
Preferred Certifications
- First Aid & CPR
- WHMIS
- Workplace Health & Safety Training
- Valid Driver's Licence (asset)
- Criminal Record Check with Vulnerable Sector Screening
- Experience using common woodworking equipment
Equipment Knowledge
Experience using:
- Tape measures
- Speed squares
- Levels
- Hammers
- Screwdrivers
- Clamps
- Hand saws
- Circular saws
- Mitre saws
- Jigsaws
- Drills and impact drivers
- Drill press
- Orbital sanders
- Belt sanders
- Routers (advanced)
- Nailers (where appropriate)
- Shop vacuum and dust collection systems
Personal Qualities
The ideal candidate is:
- Calm under pressure
- Safety-focused
- Reliable
- Positive and encouraging
- Creative
- Flexible
- Organized
- Patient
- Collaborative
- Passionate about teaching practical life skills
Our Philosophy
At Superior Life Skills, we believe life skills are learned best through meaningful experiences. Building a project is about much more than using tools—it teaches planning, communication, persistence, flexibility, problem-solving, responsibility, and pride in one's accomplishments.
Our goal is to help youth develop confidence and independence by creating opportunities to learn practical skills they can use throughout their lives.
Pay: $32.00-$38.00 per hour
Benefits:
- Casual dress
- Flexible schedule
- Mileage reimbursement
- On-site parking
- Wellness program
Work Location: In person
