Community Support Specialist (Autism & Developmental Disabilities)

Customizedoptions; Minnesota; On-site; USD 40,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

A nonprofit organization seeks a Community Support Specialist to assist adults with autism and developmental disabilities in community settings. You will play a vital role in fostering independence and supporting personal goals. Flexible hours and a starting wage of $20/hour make this an impactful opportunity with potential for growth.

Benefits

Paid onboarding and annual training

Medical & Dental Insurance

Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay

401(k) with company match

Car Repair Assistance Fund

Qualifications

• Experience working with autism or developmental disabilities is a plus.
• Comfortable working independently in community settings.
• Ability to pass a background check.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with personalized goals in education and social skills.
• Encourage independence and community engagement.
• Work one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities.

Skills

Compassionate

Energetic

Dependable

Communication skills

Education

High School diploma or equivalent

Job description

Community Support Specialist (Autism & Developmental Disabilities)

Community Support Specialist (Autism & Developmental Disabilities)

1 week ago Be among the first 25 applicants

Get AI-powered advice on this job and more exclusive features.

Job Description

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals and Community Support Specialists to work with us and support our patients with Autism & Developmental Disabilities.

Job Description

We are seeking Direct Support Professionals and Community Support Specialists to work with us and support our patients with Autism & Developmental Disabilities.

Schedule: Weekday, daytime hours (10–30 hours/week). Additional hours up to full-time and overnight shifts may be available.

Pay: Starting at $20/hour + Benefits (see below)

Make a Difference Every Day

Are you a former teacher, teaching assistant, paraprofessional, tutor, or someone with a passion for helping others thrive? Join our team and support adults with autism and other developmental disabilities to live full, active lives in their community.

We have multiple openings in the Oakdale, Twin Cities area for individuals who are compassionate, energetic, and looking for meaningful work that has a direct impact. Whether you're guiding someone through a volunteer experience, helping them build communication skills, or simply encouraging daily activity, you’ll play a vital role in their growth and success.

What You’ll Do:

• Work one-on-one with adults with developmental disabilities in community-based settings
• Support individuals with personalized goals in education, physical activity, paid work, volunteering, and social skills
• Encourage independence, self-expression, and community engagement
• Provide support with behavioral and communication skills as needed
• Maintain consistent weekday daytime hours (with opportunities for additional or overnight shifts)
  
  

Who We’re Looking For:

• Friendly, dependable, and committed to helping others succeed
• Great fit for former educators, paraprofessionals, behavior techs, and caregivers
• Comfortable working independently with a single participant in community settings
• Experience working with individuals on the autism spectrum or other developmental disabilities is a plus, but not required — we provide paid training
• Must have:
• A High School diploma or equivalent
• Reliable vehicle, valid driver’s license, and a good driving record
• Ability to pass a background check
• Access to a cell phone
  

Why Join Us?

• Starting wage of $20/hour
• Flexible weekday hours (10–30 hours/week)
• Opportunities to grow into full-time roles and leadership positions
• Paid onboarding and annual training
• Full-time employees (36+ hours/week) receive:
• Medical & Dental Insurance
• Paid Time Off & Holiday Pay
• 401(k) with company match
• Car Repair Assistance Fund
  

Help build a more inclusive, empowered community — one person at a time. Apply today and start making a difference.

Related Experience & Keywords:

Ideal for those with experience or interest in:

• Education, Teaching, Substitute Teaching
• Special Education (SPED), Teacher’s Aide, Paraprofessional
• ABA Therapy, Behavior Technician, Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Youth Programs, After-School Programs, Summer Camps
• Social Work, Human Services, Case Management
• In-home Care, Personal Care Assistant (PCA), Caregiver
• Community Outreach, Nonprofit Work, Volunteer Coordination
• Autism Support, Developmental Disabilities, Mental Health Services
  
  

Company Description

Customized Options Non-Profit was founded as an alternative day program in 2005 to provide greater opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities like autism.

Vision: Our vision is a vibrant engaged community with expanded opportunities, where everyone can achieve their dreams and potential.

Mission: Customized Options, Empowering individuals, Enriching Community

Core Values:

Challenge - Growth and belief in potential We invest in the potential of individuals through (providing opportunities)

for continued challenge and growth.

Individuality - We welcome the uniqueness of being different.

Respect - We will treat each individual, ourselves, and the community with respect and understanding.

Celebrate Success - We highlight success along the path towards our ultimate goal.

Stewardship - We strive to be the best stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our clients and the people we serve.

Innovation - We are open to new and creative ways of accomplishing goals.

Customized Options Non-Profit was founded as an alternative day program in 2005 to provide greater opportunities to adults with developmental disabilities like autism. Vision: Our vision is a vibrant engaged community with expanded opportunities, where everyone can achieve their dreams and potential. Mission: Customized Options, Empowering individuals, Enriching Community Core Values: Challenge - Growth and belief in potential We invest in the potential of individuals through (providing opportunities) for continued challenge and growth. Individuality - We welcome the uniqueness of being different. Respect - We will treat each individual, ourselves, and the community with respect and understanding. Celebrate Success - We highlight success along the path towards our ultimate goal. Stewardship - We strive to be the best stewards of the resources entrusted to us by our clients and the people we serve. Innovation - We are open to new and creative ways of accomplishing goals.

Seniority level

• Seniority level

  Entry level

Employment type

• Employment type

  Full-time

Job function

• Job function

  Other

• Industries

  Health and Human Services

Referrals increase your chances of interviewing at Customized Options Nonprofit by 2x

Sign in to set job alerts for “Community Support Specialist” roles.

Community Support Para - 25/26 School Year

Peer Specialist - Community Support Program

Community Recreation & Program Support Intern (Seasonal, Summer)

Support Specialist (Reentry Support Services) - Part time

RTI Career Fair – June 18, 2025 | Now Hiring in Residential & Community Programs APPLY AHEAD

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area 2 weeks ago

Certified Family Peer Specialist - Part-Time

Minneapolis, MN $59,773.00-$65,243.00 1 week ago

Support Specialist (Recovery Support Services) - Part-Time

Support Specialist-Front Desk Associate (Housing Support Services) - Full-time- Overnight

Bilingual (English/Spanish Speaking) Adolescent Mental Health Case Manager I

Minneapolis, MN $46,000.00-$50,000.00 2 months ago

Withdrawal Management, Peer Recovery Specialist - Part-Time

Oakdale, MN $60,004.41-$69,478.79 3 days ago

Child and Adolescent Mental Health Case Manager

City Inclusion and Behavior Support Specialist (Seasonal, Spring or Summer)

Child and Family Support Behavior Specialist

In Home Care / Community Support Staff / Caregiver

We’re unlocking community knowledge in a new way. Experts add insights directly into each article, started with the help of AI.