Job Purpose:

This position works with ADT Program Manager to develop, plan, implement, and assess programs for adults with autism and related developmental disabilities. The instructor will plan and teach activities that enable participants to increase independent living, communication, and pre-vocational skills in preparation for paid employment. Lessons may take place at The Els Center of Excellence or in community-based settings.

Typical Duties and Responsibilities:

• Create spaces and procedures in the classroom, on the campus, or in the community that will keep participants safe during all activities and addresses any safety concerns immediately with ADT Program Manager.
• Create groupings and natural support systems to fit the needs of each participant (i.e., employee mentors, pairs, one-on-one).
• Utilize explicit and systematic instruction (i.e., preview, breaking down tasks, building on skills, review).
• Utilize Applied Behavior Analytic principles within instructional and behavior management procedures.
• Utilize a system of systematic prompting from most to least for new skills and least to most for learned skills and fading strategies during skill acquisition, practice, and maintenance.
• Develop visual, behavioral and communication supports for program participants and complete a referral for clinical services (BCBA, SLP, MHC) and support as needed.
• Create and/or implement group activities related to recreation and independent living, such as fitness, grocery shopping, meal preparation, and pre-employment.
• Collaborate with ADT Program Manager to conduct applicant interviews, screenings, and orientation.
• Work with ADT Program Manager to review individual support plans for each program participant; perform document reviews and review the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) for each participant frequently to ensure delivery of instruction matches individualized goals.
• Assist ADT Program Manager to administer assessments and collect data, as required by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and organized client notes, attendance records and reports in accordance with requirements set forth by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities, funding agencies, or regulatory agencies.
• Attend support meetings for participants as scheduled by the ADT Program Manager.
• Attend meetings and training offered by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities as assigned by the ADT Program Manager.
• Ensure self-determination activities are embedded as a foundation for services and supports within the Day Program for all participants.
• Adhere to HIPAA standards while collecting, storing, and sharing electronic personal health information.
• Remain actively engaged supporting participants directly, modeling appropriate behaviors, and collaborating with community partners.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Education, Rehabilitation, Therapeutic Recreation, Social Work or other related field.
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching/coaching adults with autism and related developmental disabilities.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience in curriculum development for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.
• Experience in community-based instruction for individuals with autism and related developmental disabilities.
• Training in Applied Behavior Analysis.
• Training in Professional Crisis Management (PCM) Certification.    
• BLS Certification
• Bilingual English/ Spanish
• Experience with APD/ Medwaiver funded programs.

Other Requirements:

• Valid Florida driver’s license and reliable transportation.   
• Ability to adhere to ethical standards and maintain confidentiality (HIPAA).    
• Ability to pass a Level 2 Background Clearance.  
• Must be able to lift and carry clients up to 50 pounds.    
• Must be able to assume and maintain a variety of postures (e.g., kneeling, squatting, crawling, sitting, and standing) for extended periods.  
•  Display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for the Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family.
•  Complete training required/offered by APD as a MedWaiver provider and additional training, as assigned.

Work Environment:

• Work is performed on campus and in community-based locations.
• Required to sit, kneel, stand, or bend in support of clients’ needs.
• Work is normally performed on campus in a typical classroom environment and visually engineered vocational labs, and in community-based locations.
• Responsible for transporting clients as needed to community-based locations using a company van.
•  Wear comfortable casual business attire, adhering to uniform requirements set forth by the worksite, and wear Els for Autism name badge in the community.

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.

Job Purpose:

Collaborate with highly skilled professionals and highly experienced staff to develop, plan, implement, and assess programs for transition aged youth and adults with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. Employment Specialist/Job Coach will utilize evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (“ASD”) to plan and teach activities that enable participants to increase independent living, communication, and pre-vocational skills in preparation for paid employment. The tasks may take place at The Els Center of Excellence or in community-based settings. Approximately 20 hours per week.

Job Coach Responsibilities: 

Instruction

• Develop visual and communication supports for program participants and complete a referral for clinical services (BCBA, SLP, MHC) and support as needed
• Utilize a system of least prompts and fading strategies during skill acquisition, practice, and maintenance

Planning

• Assist in the development and implementation of career support inventory
• Conduct an environmental assessment of worksite and develop visual supports for participants prior to their first day of employment
• Collaborate with supervisor/Program Director to conduct applicant interviews, situational assessments, and orientation
• Perform document reviews for each client before the start of program
• Ensure all client documents are completed and uploaded to Central Reach prior to providing services

Collaboration

• Collaborate with host worksite staff and management to ensure program fidelity
• Provide sensitivity training to employer partners and staff to ensure they learn effective strategies in supporting employees with autism and related developmental disabilities prior to client start
• Work with employers and worksite staff to ensure they take responsibility for onboarding, supervision, provision of accommodations, and ongoing communication with client/employee
• Serve as a liaison between participants, their families, Els for Autism staff, and host worksite
• Ensure weekly communication with clients and their support networks during job exploration in order to ensure timely employment placement
• Communicate all progress updates for VR clients to ensure the participant, participant’s support network, and participant’s VR counselor are kept apprised of all relevant information

Job Placement

• Actively assist in acquiring paid employment leads in the community
• Ensure meetings and conversations with potential employers support the desires of clients, adhere to HIPAA standards, and display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for the Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family
• Actively assist in matching participants to available positions in the community, as driven by their employment goal stated in their Individualized Plan for Employment
• Assist participants in resume writing, completing job applications, interviews, orientation, and on-the-job support

Assessment

• Use Central Reach to document meeting notes and daily progress notes for clients every week in a timely manner
• Perform daily, weekly, and pre/post assessments, as instructed by supervisor/Program Director
• Assist supervisor/Program Director in disseminating surveys to clients, families, and employers pre- and post- program.

Work Environment

• This job requires flexibility in schedule (with a need for working during evenings and weekends) and commuting between worksite locations in support of clients.
• Office work is completed on campus and may include shared office space.
• May be responsible for transporting clients as needed to community-based locations using a company van.

Qualifications

Required

• Associate’s Degree in Education, Rehabilitation, Applied Behavior Analysis or related field
• Minimum 2 years of experience teaching/coaching individuals with ASD and other developmental disabilities
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation

Preferred

• Experience teaching adults with developmental disabilities
• Experience teaching job skills in community-based settings
• Experience securing paid employment opportunities for adults with developmental disabilities

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.

Job Purpose:

The Personal Care Aide (“PCA”) will work with other experienced staff in a team atmosphere to support individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities to facilitate program and individual goals.

The PCA will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants during volunteer projects, physical activities and instructional classes, both on the campus and off-campus during outings across community-based settings.

Direct Support: 

• Provide continuous direct support to program participants through coaching, modeling, and hands-on instructional support  
• Assist program participants with all specific needs including activities of daily living, personal care, and hygiene as needed
• Document services delivered in accordance with Els for Autism Foundation® policies and procedures.
• Maintain knowledge of all program participants’ medical, physical, communication, and behavioral needs/concerns; monitoring as required  
• Follow behavioral and safety program procedures to ensure safety 
• Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, instructional classes, lessons special guests, volunteer projects, transition times to and from locations, while crossing the street, loading, and unloading vehicles and mealtimes, and public restrooms.
• Communicate with participant parents, guardians, and/or caregivers under the direct guidance of the Adult Services Program Coordinator or Associate Director of Adult Services
• Report all concerns, accidents and or incidents; completing written reports as directed
• Help set up, maintain and breakdown program spaces, equipment and supplies to ensure a safe and organized environment

Professional Development & Professionalism

• Complete and receive a certificate in the professional crisis management (PCM) program
• Adhere to HIPAA standards while collecting, storing, and sharing electronic personal health information
• Complete training required/offered by Agency for Persons with Disabilities (APD) as a MedWaiver provider, and additional training, as assigned
• Must always be alert and aware to respond to participant needs.

Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent 
• 1+ years’ experience working with children, youth, and/or adults with ASD or related developmental disabilities
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation

Work Environment

• Interact with clients indoors or outside across campus and in the community
• Subject to frequent interruptions and changing priorities
• Must always be alert and aware to respond to participant needs.
• May require flexible scheduling
• Work hours are Monday-Friday

Els for Autism is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Els for Autism is committed to fostering a safe and inclusive workplace, where diversity is valued and all individuals, regardless of background, identity, or ability, are respected and provided equal opportunities for success. To learn more, please visit elsforautism.org.