Life Skills Coach

Description

*Recent grads and BSW or MSW canidates strongly encouraged to apply - clinical supervision provided by an LICSW*

The Life Skills Coach is a highly rewarding opportunity for professionals who desire to provide individualized and tailored support through both 1:1 and small-group sessions. Coaches maintain a small caseload of clients allowing them to build and foster a person-centered relationship with each person they support. The Coach will assist individuals to prioritize and monitor progress on their goals by using a strengths-based approach and an array of appropriate and evidence-based strategies for individuals with ASD. Coaching sessions will be held in individuals’ homes and/or their communities. Coaches also have the unique opportunity to create and facilitate therapeutic groups and social recreational opportunities for individuals based on their own life experiences and interests. Applicants must be very reliable, patient, and able to effectively adapt their approach to each individual’s unique situation and needs.

Duties and Responsibilites:

1. Establish rapport and foster relationships with individuals and their families that are built on trust and a commitment to the individual’s personal growth
2. Assists individuals with identifying, prioritizing, and managing their goals and objectives in the following areas (but not limited to):
   1. Independent living skills (i.e.: planning/shopping for/cooking simple meals, cleaning)
   2. Executive Functioning Skills (i.e.: planning, prioritizing, time management, organizational skills, task initiation, etc.)
   3. Personal health management (i.e.: hygiene, nutrition, routine fitness, arranging & attending appointments)
   4. Budgeting and finances, managing bills
   5. Social skills, community life, and healthy relationships
   6. Community safety and accessing public transit
   7. Self-advocacy skills
   8. Coping skills
   9. Finding and accessing community resources, social/recreational activities
   10. Basic college and employment navigation
   11. Establishing healthy routines
3. Use a variety of methods and modalities to reinforce the acquisition of information and skills including collaborative problem –solving, modeling, apps and technology, social stories and visual aids, etc.
4. Arrange and follow-through on weekly meetings/sessions/interactions with individuals and/or small groups to provide instruction and support
5. Administer general skills assessments to gauge needs, and complete basic data tracking requirements from DDS
6. Submit session notes, monthly progress reports, and annual documentation required by DDS according to deadlines
7. Collaborate with the Director and VP of Autism Services to obtain feedback and recommendations regarding ongoing interventions and actively participates in team meetings and case reviews
8. Create and facilitate therapeutic groups and social recreational opportunities for individuals as needed/able
9. Provide sufficient contact and be actively willing to meet with families, caregivers, residences, and other appropriate programs/agencies regarding individuals’ services, needs, feedback and concerns
10. Advocate for each individual and make recommendations as needed for services and supports that are beyond the scope of the Coach and/or WORK Inc.
11. Attend and be an active participant in all team meetings and weekly supervision
12. Support colleagues in the department as needed with session and/or group coverage, facilitating joint sessions, serving as a staff on group trips
13. Additional duties as assigned

Qualifications

Required Skills and Abilities:

1. Demonstrates a strong background and knowledge of Autism Spectrum Disorders
2. Foundational knowledge of other mental health disorders
3. Strong communication skills with the ability to have positive social interactions with individuals who may be challenging to engage
4. Ability to be creative and utilize unique strategies to help motivate and encourage individuals
5. Knowledge of local community resources, and ability to further research services and activities an individual may be interested in
6. Ability to work with a wide range of individuals, families, and other service providers
7. Ability to make and commit to appointments/sessions with individuals
8. Ability to complete initial assessment of individual and conduct routine progress-measuring tools
9. Patience, flexibility, and a good sense of humor

Education and Experience:

1. Associate or bachelor’s degree in a relevant discipline including Psychology, Social Work, Mental Health Counseling, or Human Services with one-two years’ post college experience working with individuals with ASD preferred.
2. Previous experience in mentoring or coaching preferred
3. Valid driver’s license required with acceptable driving record
4. Must be able to pass CORI and fingerprinting background checks
5. We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds and life experience

Salary : $23 - $24