Autism Employment Coach & Advocate

Vista Autism Services; Hershey (PA); On-site; USD 38,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

Vista Autism Services is seeking an Employment Specialist to build relationships with individuals on the autism spectrum and assist them in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. The role collaborates with community partners to assess skills and market the hire to managers, while supporting acclimation to employment and nurturing relationships with supervisors and coworkers.

The position emphasizes direct job-site support, accommodations, data monitoring, and ABA-informed strategies

Qualifications

• Minimum High School diploma required (from job posting)
• 1-3 years of experience working with the autism population
• ACRE certificate within 9 months of hire
• Clean driving record and PA driver’s license and vehicle requirements
• Vista’s crisis intervention training required
• Community Participation Support Training within 60 days of hire
• Passing pre-employment regulatory and safety-sensitive requirements (PPD, physical, drug tests)
• Bachelor’s degree desired; ACRE/CESP/Certified Employment Specialist Provider certifications are highly desirable

Responsibilities

• Serve as primary staff to support customers in job settings using teaching strategies to navigate workplaces
• Identify need for accommodations and implement them
• Develop job support plans and fade to natural supports
• Facilitate interactions between customers and supervisors/coworkers
• Notify team of events or policy changes
• Coordinate transportation with guardians as needed
• Monitor customer performance and report data
• Use ABA principles to reduce undesired behavior and document incidents
• Document billing and complete required paperwork
• Debrief challenging situations with businesses
• Pursue professional development through literature/webinars and training
• Other duties as assigned

Skills

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related service field

ACRE certification

CESP certification

Certified Employment Specialist Provider

Job description

Vista Autism Services is seeking an Employment Specialist to build relationships with individuals on the autism spectrum and assist them in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. The role collaborates with community partners to assess skills and market the hire to managers, while supporting acclimation to employment and nurturing relationships with supervisors and coworkers.

The position emphasizes direct job-site support, accommodations, data monitoring, and ABA-informed strategies