Autism Support Outreach Manager

Vinfen•Boston, MA

About The Position

Responsible for the overall administration and clinical operation of the Autism Support Center, including all activities related to the daily operations of an autism support center setting. Oversees and remains involved with the Autism Waiver Program while supporting the Autism Broker Supervisor. Responsible for supports around IEP/ISPs (when appropriate), quality and safety standards, supervision of outreach workers and the Autism Broker Supervisor (ABS) and contact with persons served and families. Monitors, schedules and promotes all groups, trainings, and recreational opportunities for persons served and families. Provides leadership to staff and ensures supports to enhance independence, self-advocacy, and promotes choices that contribute to living a good and meaningful life for individuals served. Promotes safe, secure, and clean environments. Assists individuals and family members in developing and maintaining friendships and strengthens family engagement and partnerships. Assists individuals and families in becoming full participants in their communities when appropriate.

Requirements

Ability to provide leadership and team management to staff
Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues
Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
Knowledge and use of different communication styles
Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills
Knowledge of available equipment, therapies, and service providers
Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
Knowledge of required household management skills
Ability to balance many competing priorities
Ability to provide a positive role model
Ability to work in a professional and confidential capacity
Knowledge of developmental disabilities and autism
Knowledge of both the IEP and ISP process
Knowledge of community services and entitlement programs
Knowledge of legal, human, and civil rights
Effective oral and written communication skills with a diverse group of individuals
Knowledge and respect for cultural differences
Organizational skills
Progressive and flexible attitude towards the empowerment of families and people served
Ability to make work independently and make decisions
Ability to think creatively
A minimum of three years experience working with children and/or adults with autism and in human services required.
A minimum of two years prior management experience required.
Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.
Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position.
Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift.
Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer.
Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.
Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.
Ability to remain in a stationary position 50% of the time as needed.
Ability to bend, reach, file, sit, stand, and move around the facility.
Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.
CPR within 2 weeks of hire, First Aid within 2 weeks of hire, New Employee Training (NET), Autism Waiver Program Specific training required within 90 days of employment.

Nice To Haves

Multilingual abilities strongly preferred.
Master’s degree strongly preferred.
In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Responsibilities

Directs and manages the activities of the program outreach staff and ABS. This includes involvement in the hiring, scheduling, training, and evaluating staff.
Conducts regular staff meetings.
Ensures staff are trained on all necessary plans, procedures, and practices.
Provides extended navigation services, such as attending medical appointments, assisting with paperwork, planning, organizing, and attending social and recreational gatherings.
Develops Family Support Plan with extended navigation participants and assists in developing and meeting goals within that plan.
Ensures compliance with all internal quality and external licensing as well as program specific policies and procedures.
Maintains open communication with the Director of Family Support Services, outreach workers, autism broker supervisor, autism brokers, families, drivers, service coordinators, other service providers and relevant parties, as needed.
Attends case conferences and other relevant meetings with funding source.
Completes comprehensive assessment for persons served, upon request.
Ensures compliance with all aspects of the IEP/ISP process, develops (as appropriate), implements, reviews, and trains staff on autism support and related family support programs.
Supports individuals and families in their homes with access to assistive technology and adaptive equipment as a means to augment communication, access their communities, and generally live more independently.
Supports adult individuals in securing, maintaining and growing in work, volunteering, and other community engagement opportunities.
Supports individuals in their homes to be more independent, be self-advocates, and make choices that define the direction and their vision for living a good life.
Encourages and supports individuals and their involved families in maintaining strong partnerships with staff and other interested parties.
Oversees the agenda and completion of person served and family trainings, social recreation opportunities, and collaborative events
Develops new standing group opportunities based on individuals expressed interests and needs
Provides outreach and creates environments in which family, friends, and established relationships of the person served can be fostered and supported.
Serves as a resource for program staff, family, and friends of persons served, neighbors, public officials, and other providers.
May provide crisis intervention resources, and outreach care, as needed.
Ensures compliance for self and staff to community support skills standards.
Performs other related duties, as required.