TA Student Specialist

29 Acres; Denton (TX); On-site; USD 21,000 - 29,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Vision insurance

Dental insurance

401(k) & 401(k) matching

Paid holidays

Paid time off

Paid training

Flexible Scheduling

Travel reimbursement

Job summary

29 Acres is a nonprofit in Texas serving adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder. We seek a Student Specialist for the Transition Academy to guide students toward independence, setting weekly goals and teaching life, vocational, social skills, budgeting, and meal planning.

The role involves cooking support, activities promoting independence, and collaboration with the TA Coordinator and Director. Competitive benefits include health and 401(k) with matching, paid holidays, and flexible scheduling.

Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, Sociology, Social Work, or related field and 2–3 years of ASD or intellectual disability experience.
• Working conditions include indoor and outdoor environments with varying climates.
• Must pass a criminal background check and drug test, hold a Texas driver's license, and have a clean driving record.

Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training and assist with daily activities and planning of vocational and social programs.
• Meet weekly with students to set and work toward goals for independent living.
• Understand and implement Behavior Intervention Plans for clients.
• Assist with medication refills, scheduling, and transportation arrangements.
• Offer job coaching as students seek internships and employment.
• Collect data and evaluate progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with TA Coordinator and Director for planning and development.
• Support instructors by managing behaviors and accommodations.
• Ensure safety and well‑being, including medication management and emergency response.

Skills

Patience

Effective communication

Adaptability

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, Sociology, Social Work, or related field

Job description

Type: FULL TIME

Shift Times: 8a-5p

Location: Little Elm, TX

Starting at $18/hr

About 29 Acres

29 Acres is a nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Our mission is to foster meaningful progress through research-based practices and individualized programming. We focus on setting specific goals tailored to each client's unique needs.

Located in Crossroads, Texas, about 30 miles north of Dallas, 29 Acres offers a serene living community near Lake Lewisville. Despite its peaceful setting, the community is conveniently close to the University of North Texas (UNT) and the services of the Dallas metroplex. Our Transition Academy, just minutes away from UNT and Texas Woman's University (TWU), partners closely with these institutions to enhance our programs and research efforts.

Position Summary

The Student Specialist for the Transition Academy supports students in achieving greater independence. This is accomplished by setting weekly goals and teaching life skills, vocational skills, social skills, healthy habits, budgeting, and meal planning. The Specialist also assists with cooking and other activities to promote student independence.

Position Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Education, Special Education, Sociology, Social Work, or a related field, and 2-3 years of experience working with individuals with ASD or intellectual disabilities.
• Required working conditions include indoor (e.g., office, house, classroom) and outdoor environments with varying climates.
• The role may involve physical activities (e.g., lifting, carrying) and exposure to injury or other hazards.
• Must have the physical ability to respond to emergencies and assist adults in such situations.
• Required: Must pass a criminal background check and drug test, hold a valid Texas driver's license, and possess an acceptable driving record.
• Competitive Compensation
• Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• 401(k) & 401(k) matching
• Clear and Defined Career Progression
• No Cost Clinical Skills Training Including
• No Cost Professional Development Training
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Paid training

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Responsibilities

• Provide life skills training, assist with daily activities, and support students in planning activities, vocational training, and social programs.
• Meet weekly with students to set and work toward goals for living a self-determined life based on programming and personal goals.
• Understand and implement Behavior Intervention Plans for clients.
• Assist students with medication refills, scheduling personal appointments, and arranging transportation.
• Offer job coaching and training as students volunteer, secure internships, and gain employment.
• Collect data, observe, and evaluate progress toward goals.
• Collaborate with the TA Coordinator and Director for student planning and professional development.
• Support classroom instructors by managing behaviors and accommodations.
• Ensure student safety and well-being, including medication management and emergency response (e.g., CPR, first aid).
• Advocate for students and participate in ongoing professional development.

Behavioral Responsibilities

• Cultivate a culture of empowerment and independence, aligning weekly goals with individualized skill development plans.
• Promote a supportive and inclusive environment, teaching life, vocational, and social skills to enhance student independence.
• Encourage healthy habits and responsible budgeting through interactive and practical lessons.
• Demonstrate cultural sensitivity by respecting the diverse backgrounds and abilities of each student.
• Uphold ethical standards in teaching and mentoring, ensuring student well-being and confidentiality.
• Foster collaboration with students, adapting teaching methods to meet their unique needs and enhance overall independence

Personal Characteristics

• Patience and empathy in recognizing and addressing the individualized needs and progress of each student.
• Effective communication skills to foster clear, supportive interactions and facilitate skill development.
• Adaptability to accommodate diverse learning styles and preferences.
• Organizational skills to manage weekly goals, lesson plans, and activities, ensuring a structured and effective learning environment.
• Passion for education and skill development, inspiring students to commit to lifelong learning and independence.

Benefits

• Competitive Compensation
• Dental insurance
• Vision insurance
• Health insurance
• Flexible Scheduling
• 401(k) & 401(k) matching
• Clear and Defined Career Progression
• No Cost Clinical Skills Training Including
• No Cost Professional Development Training
• Collegial & Collaborative Environment
• Paid holidays
• Paid time off
• Paid training
• Travel reimbursement

29 Acres Inc is an Equal Opportunity/ Aff­irmative Action employer. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, religion, sex, age, marital status, national origin, sexual orientation, citizenship status, veteran status, disability or any other legally protected status. We prohibit discrimination in decisions concerning recruitment, hiring, compensation, benefits, training, termination, promotions, or any other condition of