Job description

Support Specialist (Autism, neurodiverse)

COVID-19 Vaccination Policy

First Place requires employees to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 or have a qualified exemption, approved by our organization and consistent with applicable state laws.

About First Place AZ

We are a nonprofit charitable organization, representing home for individuals who live here, peace of mind for family and friends, and an inspiring and enriching workplace environment for employees.

The Opportunity

Under the direct supervision of the Director of Support Services, and in collaboration with key members of the team, the Support Specialist staff will work together to meet the support needs and promote the independence of First Place Phoenix residents.

Your team

• Core Support team: six members who provide support to our residents in their daily living skills (cleaning, meal planning, navigating public transportation, etc.).
• Vocation, Community Life & Wellness: these teams aid our residents in finding employment, volunteering in the community, social activities and taking charge of their health.
• Administration: Finance, HR, Marketing, Transition Academy & Global Leadership Institute employees work behind the scenes to promote First Place and provide support to all the staff.
• Property Management: consists of our Concierge team and maintenance.

Who you are

You have experience working with individuals with a neurodiversity. Specifically modeling and/or prompting individuals with autism or other neurodiversities when performing independent living skills. Experience with supportive decision making and developing task lists for residents. Familiarity with documenting resident progress and communicating with families/guardians. You are kind, possess high integrity and excellence to promoting a positive organizational culture.

You can work in a fast-paced environment while remaining flexible, organized, proactive, resourceful, and efficient, with a high level of professionalism. Collaboration, demonstrated commitment to high professional ethical standards, achieving established organizational outcomes and promoting a diverse workplace. You are open to direction and supervisory feedback; committed to high-quality job performance; comfortable and confident in sharing and receiving ideas and feedback within a team.

What you’ll do

• Provide residents with one-on-one individualized support in the areas of activities of daily living and life skills training (i.e., scheduling, household management, developing social support networks, identifying, and participating in recreation opportunities, promoting activities related to overall health and wellness, meal planning, budgeting, grocery shopping, career development, advocacy, etc.).
• Conduct scheduled check-ins with residents to provide support in independent living skills.
• Assist with identifying, organizing, and facilitating resident participation in Community Life events and activities (on property and in community).
• Fulfill requirements of safety sensitive position through transporting multiple residents in company vehicle to and from off-site community life activities.
• Demonstrate a positive attitude when working as a team and in working with residents to create an atmosphere of mutual respect, trust, and acceptance within the organization and the local community.
• Facilitate proper communication and protocols with the appropriate parties to promptly address onsite (including within apartment units) and offsite issues.
• Interact and communicate with co-workers, residents and their family members, visitors, and/or community supports in a professional manner.
• Work directly with supervisor to report and address all issues, concerns and conflicts related to the First Place-Phoenix team or residents in a timely manner.
• Complete shift activities and required documentation within identified time frame and in adherence with organizational expectations.
• Attend all mandatory internal and external meetings and trainings.
• Display punctuality for all meetings, shifts, and trainings.
• Communicate all schedule changes in advanced to direct supervisor, as established in Employee Handbook.
• Always maintain resident confidentiality and according to established organizational policy.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

N/A

What you’ll bring

• Associate degree in social service or related field (i.e., social work, psychology, special education, sociology, human services, etc.) or experience working in social service or related field preferred. High school diploma with relevant experience (3+ years) AND applicable certification (BCBA, ABA, etc.) may be substituted in lieu of Associate’s degree.
• Minimum 2 years’ experience working with individuals with ASD and/or intellectual disabilities (preferred but not required).
• Valid Driver’s License. (Safety sensitive position)
• Outstanding references from previous employers.
• Excellent interpersonal skills.
• Proficient computer skills and knowledge of software/programs including but not limited to Microsoft, Excel, Word, and Outlook.
• All potential employees of First Place will be required to complete a thorough criminal background check and drug screening.
• Valid driver’s license – safety sensitive position.
• Clean MVR report.

*All potential employees of First Place will be required to pass a thorough criminal background check, drug screening and any other offender/registry clearances as identified and deemed appropriate by the organization.

What to expect

The position takes place in both an office environment and within residents’ units and within the community. Exposure to varying temperatures and weather elements can apply. The noise level ranges from quiet to moderate.

Physical Demands:

The position may require the following physical demands:

• Ascending/descending stairs
• Moving self in different positions to accomplish tasks in various environments.
• Remaining in a stationary position, often standing. or sitting for prolonged periods.
• Moving about to accomplish tasks or moving from one worksite to another.
• Communicating with others to exchange information.
• Repeating motions that may include the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• Operating a motor vehicle
• Assessing the accuracy, neatness and thoroughness of the work assigned.
• Lifting objects up to 25 lbs.

First Place is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All applicants will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran or disability status.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Phoenix, AZ 85014: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Education:

• Associate (Preferred)

Experience:

• working with ASD and/or intellectual disability individuals: 2 years (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Preferred)

Work Location: One location

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