Adaptive Skills Specialist

Jay Nolan Community Services•Los Angeles, CA

3d•$28 - $32

About The Position

Jay Nolan Community Services (JNCS) is hiring an Adaptive Skills Specialist to provide individualized, hands-on support to people with autism and other developmental disabilities. The role uses one-on-one coaching and personalized, person-centered skill development to help individuals build confidence, self-advocacy, and independence, and to participate more fully in their homes and communities. The specialist partners with individuals and their support teams to implement skill-building plans based on each person's strengths, preferences, and goals. Instruction covers practical daily living and adaptive skills, including personal care, safety, community navigation, communication, social functioning, technology use, household management, and decision-making. The specialist uses positive, respectful support strategies, helps individuals apply learned skills across settings, and monitors progress through measurable data and accurate service documentation. The role collaborates with families, Service Coordinators, supervising professionals, and interdisciplinary teams; participates in IPP meetings and trainings; and offers ongoing professional development. JNCS describes the position as an opportunity to build a human-services career while supporting greater independence, inclusion, and community participation. The position is located in Sunland, California, and the listed schedule is Monday through Saturday, 1:30 p.m. to 7:30 p.m. The listed pay is $28.00–$32.00 per hour.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Education, Psychology, Counseling, Nursing, Social Work, Applied Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Medicine, Speech and Language, Rehabilitation, Marriage and Family Therapy, or a comparable human services field.
Knowledge of positive, person-centered, and non-invasive behavioral support practices.
Strong verbal and written communication skills.
Excellent interpersonal, time-management, planning, organization, and conflict-resolution abilities.
Ability to collaborate with individuals, families, colleagues, and community partners from diverse backgrounds and cultures.
Proficiency with technology, including smartphones, mobile applications, and electronic documentation systems used for service delivery.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) principles and practices.
Professional or personal experience supporting individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities.
Depending on assignment, a valid driver's license, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.

Responsibilities

Partner with individuals and their support teams to implement personalized skill-building and independence plans based on each person's strengths, preferences, and goals.
Teach practical life skills using evidence-based, person-centered instruction and adaptive skills training.
Support safety skills and community navigation.
Teach or support personal hygiene, dressing, grooming, toileting, and feeding skills, including support for picky eating and sensory-based food challenges.
Support housekeeping, food purchasing, meal preparation, and home management.
Support technology access and digital literacy.
Develop communication, social functioning, and relationship-building skills.
Support choice-making, self-advocacy, and decision-making.
Help individuals establish routines and participate in meaningful, age-appropriate activities at home and in their communities.
Apply positive, respectful, individualized strategies that address behavioral, physical, communication, and other support needs.
Help individuals generalize learned skills across environments, relationships, and life situations.
Foster independence, self-confidence, inclusion, and community participation.
Monitor progress, collect measurable data, and maintain accurate service documentation, including daily notes, incident reports, and Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements.
Collaborate with families, Service Coordinators, supervising professionals, and interdisciplinary teams to ensure consistent, high-quality support.
Participate in IPP meetings, trainings, and ongoing professional development opportunities.