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.

Job Coach Responsibilities            

Instruction

• Create spaces and procedures that will keep participants safe during all activities and address any safety concerns immediately with the supervisor/Program Director
• 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 strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) within instructional and behavior management procedures
• 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
• Collaborate with clinical services team (i.e., BCBA, SLP, MHC) when designing and planning supports
• Schedule meetings with employer, participant, and participant’s support network when participant is having a challenge on the job
• 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
• Attend all staff meetings, as assigned

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.

Additional Requirements and Work Environment 

Professionalism:

• Dress code is comfortable business casual attire. 

• Comply with Els for Autism Brand Standards
• Display a high standard of integrity and conduct while serving as a representative and ambassador for Els for Autism, its mission, and the vision of the Els family.

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
• Experience implementing strategies based on Applied Behavior Analysis

Additional Requirements 

• Level 2 Background Clearance (Els for Autism, AHCA, and School District of PB County)
• Ability to pass the Employment Specialist Training and Supported Employment certification
• Complete Els for Autism required training programs
• Flexible schedule for evenings and weekends required

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.

Title: Personal Care Aide (PCA) with C-N-A certification

This position is Part time – 29 hours per week: Monday-Friday Day Shift

Why join our team?
We impact the lives of individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and their families daily. We influence and support autism acceptance and appreciation worldwide. Come join our dedicated, and passionate team in delivering and facilitating innovative programs and services.

Importance of Role
This position serves as a Personal Care Aide (“PCA”) with a Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) Certification to work with other experienced staff in a team atmosphere to support individuals with (ASD) and related developmental disabilities to facilitate program and individual goals.

The PCA will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants and program volunteers during volunteer projects, physical activities, and instructional classes, both on-site and out in the community. 

In addition to the responsibilities of a PCA, the CNA will also provide guidance and support in medical related instances to ensure high-quality service delivery and client safety and care within the Adult Day Training (ADT) program.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Direct support

• Provide continuous direct supervision and support to program participants with daily living skills through coaching, modeling, and hands-on instructional support
• Assist program participants with individual needs including activities of daily living, personal care, feeding and hygiene as needed
• Document services delivered in accordance with Els for Autism Foundation® policies and procedures.
• Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, mealtimes, instructional classes, lessons with special guests, volunteer projects, transition to and from locations, loading and unloading into vehicles either on campus or while out in the community to ensure participant safety and well being. 
• Report all concerns, accidents and/or incidents as directed; completing written reports as needed/assigned  
• Collect, document, and maintain participant data including daily progress reports

Personal Care Aide

• Maintain knowledge of all program participants’ medical, physical, communication, and behavioral needs/concerns
• Assist participants with activities of daily living as needed
• Help prepare, set up, maintain, clean and break down program spaces, supplies, and equipment to ensure a safe and organized environment 

Certified Nursing Assistant Responsibilities

• Monitor participant’s health conditions, including implementing seizure protocols and provide care during medical events
• Administer medications and document treatments following all state and APD requirements
• Administer standard precautions and infection control standards
• Observe and document any client physical and/or behavioral changes in addition to documenting health observations and care provided

Required Qualifications and Experience

• HS diploma or equivalent and must be a Certified Nursing Assistant with a valid Florida certification 
• At least 1 year experience as a CNA working with youth and/or adults with Autism or other developmental disabilities
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• 2 years of experience in a paid position working with adults with Autism or other developmental disabilities
• PCA certification
• Experience working as a behavioral assistant or technician with individuals with ASD
• Demonstrated ability to support verbal and non verbal participants
• Bilingual (Spanish/English)
• PCM (Professional Crisis Management) trained 

Work Environment

• Potential exposure to accidents, illness or injury
• Interact indoors or outside – in office or program environments across campus
• Subject to frequent interruptions and changing priorities 
• May require flexible scheduling 

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 utilize evidence-based practices for individuals with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and related developmental disabilities to assist participants and carry out the goals of the program. The PCA will need to be able to actively participate and assist participants in a variety of physical activities such as fitness, swimming, and golf both on campus at The Els Center of Excellence® and off- campus during outings across community-based settings.

Duties: 

• 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
• Provide direct and continuous supervision of program participants during activities, instructional classes, lessons special guests, volunteer projects, either on campus or while out in the community
• Communicate with participant parents, guardians, and/or caregivers under the direct guidance of the Adult Services Program Coordinator or Associate Director of Adult Services
• Assist Program Coordinator and Instructor with planning, implementing and facilitating program activities and outings including assisting program volunteers as needed
• Create a safe space for participants, staff, and volunteers by monitoring and maintaining of the physical environment to include set up and break down physical environment for program activity
• Collect, document, and maintain participant data for programs

Team
Successful applicant will be working with a program team of 30 graduate/doctoral level professionals and highly experienced staff in a team atmosphere to facilitate programs, provide direct supervision, and support participants in daily living skills.

Required Qualifications and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent and some experience in a caregiver role
• Current Basic Life Support (BLS) and CPR certification
• Valid Florida Driver’s License and reliable transportation
• Must complete and receive a certificate in the professional crisis management (PCM) program upon hire

Preferred Qualifications and Experience

• 1+ years’ experience working with children, youth, and/or adults with ASD or related developmental disabilities

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.