*Starting at $20/hour

The Support Specialist supports children and young adults with autism and their families in the community. They provide office support, family supports to families and individuals, and facilitate support groups and recreation activities.

Are you ready to make a difference?

• Provide information and referral by answering and responding to phone and email inquiries.
• Provide support/training to families on accessing government entitlements/programs, school supports, transition planning, social services, and community resources.
• Attend family clinics either in person or use of teleconference (Zoom).
• Facilitate monthly support groups.
• Develop and coordinate family focused social recreation events.
• Engage in community outreach opportunities.
• Organize, gather, and maintain the online Resource Directory information on a regular basis.
• Remain current and knowledgeable in the field of autism and stay informed about the needs and areas of concern with the caregivers/families and individuals served.
• Provide support to caregivers/family members as identified by supervisors.
• Maintain productive internal and external communication with supervisors, individuals and caregivers/families regarding planning, programming, scheduling and any individual issues or areas of concern.
• Ensure all families are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy.
• All Advocates staff are expected to understand the influence/impact of multicultural values and beliefs on workplace behaviors, communication, teamwork, service delivery and organizational success.
• Perform all duties in accordance with the agency’s policies and procedures.

• Bachelor’s Degree preferred
• 2 years’ experience working with individuals with autism and their families
• High School Diploma or GED acceptable with the approval of Senior Vice president.
• Personal family experience with autism may substitute for some educational requirements.
• Strong organizational and interpersonal skills.
• Valid Driver’s license and willingness to travel throughout service area.
• Must be able to flex working hours to meet the needs of families served – this may include evenings, weekends, and school vacations.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. Women, minorities, individuals with disabilities, veterans, and intersectional individuals are strongly encouraged to apply.

Why Should I Consider a Career in Human Services?

Our Team members are dedicated to engaging and empowering individuals by forming lasting relationships, collaboratively achieving personal goals, offering creative solutions to everyday and complex situations, and actively listening.  We exercise independent judgement and contribute to the overall success and benefit of the Team.

Is Human Services a Fit for Me?

Successful Team members are open-minded, eager and compassionate, and will exercise solid, independent judgement while fostering trustworthy relationships with the individuals that we serve.  We put the individual first.

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