Starting Rate: $28.50/hour

Schedule: Flexible schedule with some weekends and evenings as needed.

The Lead Community Autism Specialist is a community-based professional dedicated to advancing the Autism Welcoming Center’s mission of inclusion, equity, and responsive support for autistic individuals and their families. This role provides advanced resource navigation, daily dependable information and referral services, and maintains the Center’s resource directory. As a collaborative team leader and the primary Advocates for Autism Massachusetts (AFAM) staff representative, the Specialist helps ensure a welcoming environment, strengthens community partnerships, and leads advocacy and outreach efforts. The position also coordinates events that promote autism acceptance and visibility.

This role is based at the Autism Welcoming Center at the Natick Mall, with services delivered throughout the designated service area and surrounding communities. Hours vary based on Center needs and may include weekdays, evenings, weekends, and event‑based schedules.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. 

We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. 

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

• Coordinate DDS funded programming and Center initiatives serving families and children.
• Incorporate family feedback to ensure programs remain participant‑centered and responsive to evolving needs.
• Serve as a central contributor providing on-site support for family events, community inclusion activities, trainings, and public-facing events that foster autism acceptance, strengthen community engagement, and raise visibility for the Center and its services.
• Assist in planning and delivering diverse trainings, workshops, and guest speaker events aligned with program goals and community interest.
• Adhere to established budget guidelines for all programmatic activities and resource allocations.
• Identify and address barriers to program access with an emphasis on equity, cultural humility, and universal design.
• Maintain a welcoming, organized, and accessible Center environment; facilitate support and skills‑development groups that promote inclusion.
• Maintain open drop-in hours to ensure all community members feel respected, supported, and empowered.
• Provide comprehensive, accurate, and timely information and referrals to families seeking assistance with public benefits, local/state/federal resources, and community supports.
• Manage day‑to‑day inquiries, offering informed, dependable support to families and individuals.
• Update and manage resources within the Center’s directory to ensure current information is available for navigation support.
• Represent the Center and agency in public forums and collaborative initiatives promoting autism acceptance and systems change.
• Participate in agency‑approved advocacy and government affairs efforts, monitor policy developments, and elevate family and community needs.
• Track participation, document activities, and report on program outcomes to support continuous quality improvement.
• Attend training as assigned and maintain all necessary certifications (e.g., CPR, First Aid, Safety Care).
• Attend and actively participate in supervision and staff meetings.
• Ensure that all individuals are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy.

• Bachelor’s degree required; master’s degree preferred in human services, social work, psychology, education, public health, or a related field.
• Three years of relevant professional experience preferred; candidates with a relevant master’s degree may qualify with reduced experience.
• Maintains a high level of professionalism, sound judgment, and discretion in a fast-paced, public-facing environment.
• Strong organizational skills
• Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
• Ability to communicate effectively in writing and ability to use good judgment.
• Must have sensitivity to the needs of the population.
• Basic computer proficiency.
• High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
• Valid driver’s license, car insurance, and access to a vehicle for transporting individuals.

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 promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.