Organization Description: The Asperger/Autism Network (AANE) is a non-profit human service organization based in Watertown, Massachusetts with a LifeNet satellite office in Wallingford, Connecticut. 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.
Position Description: AANE is seeking a trustworthy direct support professional who’ll embrace the opportunity to join our growing team at LifeNet, an independent living support program for adults on the autism spectrum, based out of our Wallingford, CT office. As a LifeNet Support Partner, 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 (depending on the status of the COVID-19 pandemic), the LifeNet Support Partner works closely with our Clinical Case Managers to monitor each LifeNet adult’s overall health, safety, and well-being, while providing direct care and accompaniment in the life skill areas prioritized in the adult’s LifeNet Support Plan. Ideally, candidates will have direct care experience working with adults with Asperger/autism profiles.
Primary responsibilities:
- Work closely with Clinical Case Manager(s) to implement each adult’s strengths-based LifeNet Support Plan, which outlines specific independent living support activities in areas such as:
- home organization and housekeeping
- meal prep, nutrition, and food safety
- healthcare appointments and medication reminders
- mail, bills, benefits, and money management
- companionship and social engagement
- recreation and exercise
- personal hygiene and self-care
- shopping and errands
- travel and transportation support
- Travel to and perform scheduled in-person, home- and community-based visits with each assigned LifeNet adult, offering support and accompaniment in the various aspects of adulthood (with appropriate precautions and remote modifications during the pandemic)
- Build a professional, trusting relationship with each LifeNet adult, while setting and maintaining appropriate boundaries
- Carefully observe the status of, and changes in, a LifeNet adult’s personal health and living environment, and communicate issues back to the respective Clinical Case Manager
- Organize and facilitate small-group social/recreational events for LifeNet adults to encourage social engagement and peer-to-peer relationships
- Track time and case notes in the secure LifeNet case management system
- Participate in (limited) on-call rotation, providing evening and weekend support and crisis management for LifeNet adults and families as needed
- Perform additional duties as assigned
Requirements:
- Minimum 3-5 years personal or professional experience with providing in-person support to adults on the autism spectrum
- 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
- Excellent interpersonal and communications skills
- Excellent organizational and time management skills
- Ability to collaborate and work as part of a team, including the ability to ask for help when needed
- 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
- Must have a valid Connecticut driver’s license, clean driving record, and a reliable vehicle (mileage reimbursed at the federal rate)
- Must agree to state and federal background checks
Salary & Benefits: Competitive and commensurate with experience and education.
Submit resume, cover letter, and two professional references to:
Jay O’Brien, AANE LifeNet Program Director, at jay.obrien@aane.org.