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- Life Skills Coach I
Description
If you are someone who brings energy, curiosity, and compassion to your work, this could be a great opportunity to start a meaningful career in human services. As a Life Skills Coach I, you’ll support adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD) through hands-on, community-based experiences that help people build independence, confidence, and stronger connections to the world around them.
This role is especially well-suited for new graduates, people exploring a path in human services, or anyone with experience in mentoring, coaching, volunteering, caregiving, recreation, or community involvement who is ready to turn that energy into meaningful work. If you enjoy being active, thinking creatively, building relationships, and helping others grow through real-life experiences, this could be a great fit for you!
In this role, you’ll support adults with ASD in our Life Skills Community Based Day Services Program (CBDS) through engaging, active, and intentional community experiences. You will get to:
- Explore and plan unique community-based activities and skill-building opportunities that are fun, purposeful, and person-centered
- Help build engaging monthly group calendars and make sure each activity is set up for success with the right resources, transportation, and preparation
- Teach and model real-life skills like social communication, community safety, independence, and confidence in everyday settings
- Create positive experiences that help people grow, connect, and feel successful in their communities
Duties and Responsibilities
- Provide direct support to adults in the Life Skills CBDS Program through engaging, community-based groups and meaningful skill-building activities.
- Help individuals set personal goals and build skills in areas such as independent living, executive functioning, health and wellness, social skills, community safety, self-advocacy, coping, and accessing community resources.
- Identify, plan, and lead creative community outings, groups, and learning experiences that are enjoyable, purposeful, and aligned with individual goals.
- Prepare for groups by organizing transportation, tickets, parking, materials, and other logistics so activities run smoothly and successfully.
- Teach and model practical life skills, social communication, and community safety using patience, encouragement, flexibility, and creativity.
- Create a positive, inclusive, and supportive group environment where individuals feel respected, motivated, and empowered to participate.
- Monitor safety and wellbeing during all activities while supporting individuals to take appropriate risks, try new things, and build confidence.
- Communicate clearly with the Lead Coach and team members about needs, changes, concerns, and opportunities for growth.
- Complete required documentation in a timely and accurate way and help ensure activities support progress toward ISP-related goals.
- Build positive relationships with individuals, families, community partners, and DDS personnel to support strong collaboration and person-centered care.
- Advocate for individuals and support them in building the most independent, connected, and fulfilling life possible.
- Participate in team meetings, supervision, accreditation reviews, and other responsibilities that support the mission and growth of the program.
Requirements
Required Skills and Abilities:
- Interest in and commitment to supporting adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder and related developmental disabilities
- Strong communication and relationship-building skills
- Energy, creativity, and enthusiasm for planning engaging community-based activities and trying new ideas
- Ability to motivate and encourage individuals in a patient, respectful, and strengths-based way
- Comfort working with individuals, families, and team members in a flexible and collaborative way
- Ability to stay organized, prepare for groups, and complete documentation
- Knowledge of local community resources or willingness to research and connect individuals to meaningful opportunities
- Foundational understanding of ASD, mental health, executive functioning, or behavior support is helpful, but we also welcome candidates who are eager to learn
- Patience, reliability, professionalism, and a good sense of humor
Education and Experience:
- Experience supporting people with ASD, ID/DD, or related needs is valued and may come from paid work, internships, volunteering, caregiving, mentoring, coaching, or personal/lived experience
- Experience leading groups, working in community settings, or planning activities is helpful
- Candidates who enjoy active, hands-on work
- Valid driver’s license required with acceptable driving record
- Must be able to pass CORI and fingerprinting background checks
- We welcome applicants with diverse backgrounds, identities, and life experiences
