Organization Description: The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is a non-profit human service organization based in Watertown, MA. AANE helps people with Asperger’s or similar autism spectrum and neurodiverse profiles build meaningful, connected lives. We provide individuals, families, and professionals with information, education, community, support, and advocacy — all in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect. AANE is collaborating with Autism Services & Resources Connecticut (ASRC) to offer LifeNet, a case management/independent living support program for adults with Asperger/autism profiles, beginning in early 2021.
AANE’s Commitment to Recruiting and Retaining Racially Diverse Professionals: As a global leader in promoting neurodiverse environments in all aspects of society, AANE is deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities we serve and in our own workplace. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a racially diverse team, and we encourage professionals of color to apply for this and other job opportunities with our organization. Please consider joining us.
Job Description:
AANE is seeking a licensed occupational therapist (OTR/L), clinical social worker (LCSW), or similarly motivated clinical professional who’ll embrace the opportunity to join our growing team at LifeNet, an independent living support program for adults on the autism spectrum. As a Clinical Case Manager/Personal Advocate, you’ll bring your experience, energy, and passion for working with our population to support their independent living needs and priorities as they navigate adulthood. With a mix of remote and in-community/in-person presence (pending the status of the COVID-19 pandemic), the Clinical Case Manager/Personal Advocate serves as each LifeNet adult’s team leader, is supported by the LifeNet CT Clinical Supervisor, works closely with and helps supervise one or more direct support professionals (called “Support Partners”), and reports to the LifeNet Program Director. Ideally, candidates will bring experience working with adults with Asperger/autism profiles (in personal, professional, volunteer, and/or academic contexts). This key role can be a full- or part-time position.
Primary responsibilities:
- Perform collaborative intake interviews/assessments, including a review of existing supports, diagnostic information, and other evaluations, to identify and prioritize each LifeNet adult’s needs and goals
- Develop strengths-based personal support plans that meet the physical, social, intellectual, and emotional needs of individual LifeNet adults
- Make arrangements, implement strategies, and advocate to meet needs and address priorities of LifeNet adults
- Monitor the health, safety, and well-being of LifeNet adults at home, at work, and in the community
- Hold regularly scheduled check-ins (via video call or phone) with each LifeNet adult in your caseload (average caseload is 15-18 adults)
- Collaborate with the LifeNet team to plan – and oversee scheduling and effectiveness of – community-based visits by LifeNet Support Partners
- Coordinate periodic meetings to review and update LifeNet support plans with input from the adult, the LifeNet team, family members, and/or others in the adult’s support network
- Communicate/coordinate between LifeNet adults and their support network, including family members, clinicians, therapists, job/life coaches, and other providers
- Consult with AANE colleagues and professionals from other agencies to problem-solve and assure necessary supports
- Respond to LifeNet adult questions and issues as they arise
- Track time and case notes in the secure AANE case management system
- Document and evaluate progress towards the LifeNet adult’s short- and long-term priorities, adjusting the support plan as appropriate
- Participate in (limited) on-call rotation, providing evening and weekend support and crisis management for LifeNet adults and families as needed
- Represent AANE and LifeNet at occasional night and weekend meetings and events
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Master’s degree and licensure in occupational therapy, social work, mental health counseling, or related clinical field
- Demonstrated professional and/or personal interest in, and experience with, providing case management or related care for adults with Asperger Syndrome and similar autism spectrum profiles (at least 5 years experience preferred)
- Comfort and competence in supporting LifeNet adults across multiple areas of need, including executive functioning, health/healthcare, employment support, social and cultural engagement, housing transitions, home organization and safety, food and food safety, money management, benefit applications, personal hygiene, recreation and exercise, transportation and travel support, self-advocacy, and more
- Openness and ability to, on any given day, engage in conversations or pursuits with LifeNet adults involving music, theater, dance, art, anime, comic books, animals, nature, sports, science, computers, history, mass transit, aviation, travel, TV shows, movies, games, and more
- For and with LifeNet adults, ability to prioritize responsibilities, design schedules, practice flexibility, and redirect attention when needed
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills, including the ability to delegate and/or ask for help when needed
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to lead and work as part of a team
- Ability to remain calm and solve problems
- Ability to learn and use new technologies/apps in service of LifeNet adults
- In addition to rotating on-call responsibilities, some evening and weekend hours may be required
Salary & benefits: Competitive and commensurate with experience and education.
Submit resume, cover letter, and three professional references to:
Jay O’Brien, AANE LifeNet program director, at jay.obrien@aane.org.