Autism Day Program Assistant (Full-Time)

ChildServe; Des Moines (IA); On-site; USD 33,000 - 36,000; Full time

Job summary

ChildServe in Des Moines, IA seeks an Autism Day Program Assistant to support children aged 2-6 with health, skill development, and health maintenance within a play-based environment. You will work closely with therapists to help children progress toward individualized goals.

The role involves assisting with feeding, diapering, toilet training, and ensuring a calm, engaging setting while documentation and family communication are maintained.

Qualifications

• Two-year degree in human services or education preferred.
• Experience working with children with special healthcare needs preferred.
• Must complete and pass background checks and fingerprint processes every two years.

Responsibilities

• Assist children in achieving independence and school readiness through individualized care and play in a 1:3 ratio.
• Collaborate with therapists and other professionals to follow care plans and meet therapy goals.
• Maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment while assisting with daily needs such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Support communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS and communication devices.
• Accurately document care and communicate with families, staff, and partners.

Skills

Communication

Education

Two-year degree in human services or education

Job description

Join ChildServe 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.

Scheduleand Compensation

Monday-Friday, 40 hours per week between hours of operation: 7:30 AM – 6:00 PM

The starting pay rate for this role is $16.04/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 ChildServe

• ChildServe partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.
• ChildServe 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.
• ChildServe’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, ChildServe proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

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