Autism Day Program Assistant

ChildServe; Cedar Rapids (IA); On-site; USD 17,000 - 24,000; Full time

Job summary

Child Serve is seeking an Autism Day Program Assistant in Cedar Rapids to support children aged 2-6 in health, skill development and retention through play-based activities. You will work with therapists to meet individualized goals and assist with daily care within a 1:3 ratio, promoting independence and school readiness.

You will join a multidisciplinary team, document progress, and communicate with families while maintaining a calm, flexible demeanor in a dynamic environment.

Qualifications

• Must communicate effectively in reading, writing and speaking English.
• Two-year degree in human services or education preferred.
• Must complete and pass background checks and fingerprint processes prior to hire.

Responsibilities

• Support children in achieving independence and school readiness through individualized care, learning, and play.
• Collaborate with occupational, speech and physical therapists to follow care plans and meet therapy goals.
• Maintain a safe, consistent environment while assisting with daily needs such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using PECS and communication devices.
• Accurately document care and communicate professionally with families and team members.

Skills

English proficiency

Education

Two-year degree in human services or education

Job description

Join Child Serve as an Autism Day Program Assistant, where you will contribute to the lives of children ages 2-6 by supporting their health, skill development and retention in our Autism Day Program. You will provide and assist with the care of children with varying functioning levels across the autism spectrum. Through direct collaboration with occupational, speech, and physical therapists, and a play-based environment, you will assist with developmental goals as designated by each child’s individualized care plan.

Schedule and Compensation

Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week between hours of operation: 7:30 AM - 5:30 PM

The starting pay rate for this role is between $15.06/hour.

How You’ll Make an Impact

• Support children in achieving greater independence and school readiness through individualized care, learning, and play in a 1:3 ratio.
• Collaborate with behavioral health professionals, therapists, and other team members to follow care plans and meet therapy goals within scope of practice.
• Maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment while assisting with daily needs such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS, communication devices, and guided behavioral support.
• Accurately document care, follow change-of-shift procedures, and communicate professionally with families, staff, and community partners.

What You’ll Need

• Two-year degree in human services or education preferred; experience working with children with special healthcare needs preferred.
• Must complete and pass the National DCI fingerprint process, child/adult abuse and criminal background checks, and child abuse affidavit prior to hire and every two years thereafter.
• Must be able to pass a physical examination at commencement of employment and as regulations require; lift up to 35 lbs, be mobile within clinic areas, and frequently bend, lift, reach, and stand.
• Maintain a calm demeanor in an environment that can change quickly with elevated behaviors and different demands, and communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking the English language.

Make a Difference Every Day at Child Serve

• Child Serve partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.
• Child Serve is a leading pediatric healthcare provider with Iowa’s only children's specialty hospital, offering a variety of services and programs to meet each child’s unique needs.
• Child Serve’s four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community-based services. With a coordinated approach to care delivery, services are interwoven and streamlined, so families can address their child’s needs in one location.
• Established in 1928, Child Serve proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

Child Serve is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email [e-mail]. Child Serve is an Equal Opportunity Employer.