BFT Aspire Group Leader - Saturday Teen/Adult Programming

Mass General Brigham•Lexington, MA

9d•$18 - $24•Onsite

About The Position

Aspire, a Massachusetts General Hospital program, specializes in helping children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum achieve success. Our programming is uniquely designed to help participants with Asperger profiles develop positive self-awareness, stress management and social competency skills so they can succeed at home, school, work and in community settings. Aspire offers year-round programming for individuals aged 5 years to adult, including weekly social groups, adventure summer camp for children, six-week summer programs for teens and young adults, and special events. For over thirty years, Aspire has championed individuals on the spectrum. We are dedicated to understanding and serving this population of exceptional individuals. Our structured therapeutic programming is guided by our comprehensive knowledge of who our participants are and our mission to best support them. Explorations is a Saturday program, based in Newton, where teens, aged 14-22 years old, participate in supported recreational and social activities while learning a variety of practical life skills out in the community. Community trips take place throughout the metro Boston area and typically utilize public transportation. Prior experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum is preferred and the position requires a commitment to lead the group(s) for all sessions during the semester to ensure structure and consistency for participants. We invite neurodivergent candidates to apply.

Requirements

Staff in the Explorations program support teens during community outings and structured program activities, facilitating participation within the group.
Implementing interventions, supports, and strategies for program participants.
Supporting teens in conversations/small talk.
Monitoring teens and overall safety in the community.
Supporting teens in paying/budgeting.
Completing daily notes.
Setup/cleanup of the space.
Independently responsible for a small group of 3-4 teens in the community.
Commitment to lead the group(s) for all sessions during the semester to ensure structure and consistency for participants.

Nice To Haves

Prior experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum is preferred.

Responsibilities

Lead neurodivergent teens/adults in planning outings, taking public transportation, budget management and safety in the community.
Support neurodivergent teens/adults in the areas of social competency, self-awareness and stress management as they navigate trips and outings throughout Boston.
Maintain the health and safety of program participants and staff at all times.
Complete evaluation forms, incident reports, end-of-program reports, and other assigned paperwork in a timely manner. Maintain records and documentation outlined in the Policies and Procedures manual.
Maintain the rules of confidentiality and all HIPAA expectations.
Collaborate with Aspire leadership staff to problem-solve social interaction, behavioral, and programmatic issues.