Autism Day Program Lead (Full-Time)

Childserve; Johnston (IA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 28,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, and vision insurance

403(b) retirement plan with company 2%

Employee Assistance Program (EAP)

Paid Time Off (PTO)

Health Savings Account (HSA) and FSA

Job summary

ChildServe in Johnston, IA seeks an Autism Day Program Lead to support children ages 2-6 across the autism spectrum through a play‑based approach, in collaboration with therapists to meet individualized goals.

You will work 40 hours per week, Monday through Friday, 7:30 AM–6:00 PM, with a starting wage of $17.50/hour and a benefits package including health insurance, a 403(b) plan, PTO, and EAP. ChildServe is committed to accessibility and equality of opportunity.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or education preferred.
• Must complete and pass the National DCI fingerprint process, background checks, and affidavit.
• Must pass a physical examination and lift up to 35 lbs; must be mobile in clinic areas.
• Must communicate effectively in reading, writing, and speaking English.

Responsibilities

• Support children in achieving independence and school readiness through individualized care and play.
• Collaborate with therapists and team members to follow care plans and goals.
• Oversee a safe, consistent, and engaging environment; assist with daily needs.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS and devices.
• Plan and prep age-appropriate learning activities.
• Document care accurately and communicate with families and staff.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Experience with autism

Education

Bachelor’s degree in human services or education

Tools

PECS

Job description

Join ChildServe as an Autism Day Program Lead, 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 care to 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

40 hours per week, Monday - Friday between the hours of 7:30 AM and 6:00 PM.

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.
• Oversee and maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment, ensuring daily needs are met, such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social-emotional development using tools like PECS, communication devices, and guided behavioral support.
• Plan and prep age-appropriate learning activities.
• Accurately document care, follow change-of-shift procedures, and communicate professionally with families, staff, and community partners.

What You’ll Need:

• Bachelor’s degree in human services or education preferred; experience working with children with special healthcare needs and autism 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.

Compensation and Benefits

The starting wage for this role is $17.50hour.

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings Account (HSA) and Flexible Spending Account (FSA) options
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• 403(b) retirement plan with company match
• Life and disability insurance
• Paid Time Off (PTO)

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. ChildServe is an Equal Opportunity Employer.