Skills Instructor - Autism

Advocates • Ashland, MA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

The Skills Instructor position is a hands-on, entry-level role working with adults who have an intellectual or developmental disability, autism, or a brain injury. In this role, you will work with a larger team at Advocates’ Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment Coaches, and Program Managers. You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills training through recreational and therapeutic services, and encourage community integration. You will assist in developing and following Service Plans for those we support, as well as teaching and role modeling daily living skills and positive behaviors. Serving as a skills instructor is a rewarding way to begin a career in education and/or human services.

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges. We’re a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated. At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of experience in a training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills with individuals, families, funding sources, consultants, the community at large, program and administrative team.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a team and perform job duties with minimal supervisory intervention.
• Must hold a valid drivers’ license.
• Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

Nice To Haves

• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to identify and develop goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
• Provide ongoing support, through personal care, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Collaborates with the Case Manager to provide developmental skills training including training in self-care, self-preservation, receptive and expressive communication, self direction, activities of daily living, hygiene, grooming and first aid.
• Collaborates with case manager to create and implement a comprehensive written therapeutic service plan (DHSP) for all assigned individuals.
• Complete all documentation which supports DHSP plan.
• Initiate a proactive approach towards focusing on individual advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED