Behavior Support Specialist - Austin, United States - Adults Independent and Motivated

Description

Adults Independent and Motivated (AIM) is a growing non-profit community of active
adults with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities such as Down syndrome and
autism who live independently with appropriate support in an apartment complex near Austin.

AIM is seeking a part-time support specialist to promote appropriate and effective behavior and social skills among AIM participants (AIMers).

The support specialist will have a flexible schedule from week to week and meet with AIMers individually, in pairs or small groups (if conflict resolution is required), and as a whole group for enrichment activities 2-4 times per month.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities of Support Specialist:

• The position will require approximately 10-15 hours per week, the majority of which will be in person in the Bee Cave/Lakeway area of Texas
• Provide guidance to individual AIMers to ensure successful and ongoing integration into the AIM community
• Assist individual AIMers with developing strategies to mitigate behavior problems if they develop (examples might include inappropriate texting, safety issues, etc.)
• Provide small group conflict resolution support if needed
• Communicate, coordinate, and serve as a liaison between AIMers, parents, the BehaviorSupport Committee, and the Monday Night Group Coordinator, alerting appropriatestakeholders if issues arise
• Track progress of individuals over time as strategies are implemented
• Plan and execute group enrichment and teambuilding activities open to all AIMersapproximately 24 times per month, modeling and encouraging appropriate social skills (examples might include volunteer opportunities in the community, seasonal activities, cooking lessons, exercise opportunities, etc.)

Required Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Must have a thorough understanding of behavioral characteristics associated with autism, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, etc.
• Have good communication skills, both written and verbal
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills
• Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations
• Professional written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to write progress notes, memos, letters, various reports
• Ability to use technology tools such as databases and communication/collaboration toolssuch as Google docs and Slack
• Ability to work with considerable latitude and exercise discretion and independentjudgment, including skills in problem solving
• Willingness to acquire and use new skills as the job requires

Education and Experience

• Experience working with individuals with special needs
• Bachelor's degree required
• Masters Degree in Special Education, counseling, psychology, or social work preferred.

Other Requirements/Working Conditions

• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must have and maintain a valid TX driver's license, a clean driving record, currentvehicle insurance, and reliable transportation
• Must be energetic and maintain professional behavior/confidentiality
• Schedule may vary from week to week, and occasional evenings and weekends will be required.

Physical Requirements

• While performing the duties of this position, the employee is regularly required to talk,hear and see
• Capable of lifting up to 30lbs
• Capable of viewing computer monitors for long periods

Environmental Demands

• Continuous indoor activity and exposure to fluorescent light
• Outdoor activities and exposure to weather
• Work some nights and weekends, as needed
• Frequent work under stress and under pressure of deadlines

Adults Independent and Motivated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities of this position.


Job Type:
Part-time


Pay:
$ $35.00 per hour


Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Medical specialties:

• Home Health

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (preferred)
• Night Shift (preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Austin, TX (required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Austin, TX: Relocate before starting work (required)

Work Location:
In person