The Autism Outreach Worker MA DS (“AOW”) contributes to high quality case management services for persons served providing direct case management services to children and young adults with Autism Spectrum diagnosis (“ASD”) living at home with their families. The AOW will develop and investigate recreational opportunities, specialized funding sources, grants and educational tools for persons served, as well as assist families to apply and research needed and applicable benefits such as SNAP, MassHealth, SSI etc.

SIGN ON BONUS: $1K

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

•Implements service plan interventions with persons served who include children and young adults, ages birth to 22, with an autism spectrum disorder diagnosis, both with and without intellectual disorders or cognitive delays.

• Provides direct training and support (instruction, assistance, modeling and reinforcement) for persons served in developing and enhancing their daily living skills (i.e. symptom, medication and money management, cooking, cleaning, recreational activities, personal hygiene, social and interpersonal skills, etc.)

• Maintains and updates documentation in individual and program records.

• Acts as an advocate for persons served.

• Communicates verbally and in writing with co-workers, supervisors, and other service providers, including funding agency personnel.

• Escorts persons served into the community using public transportation, company or personal vehicle, as necessary.

• Monitors status of persons served, provides crisis intervention and counseling, as needed. • Reports incidents to on-call manager or supervisor, as required.

• Performs housecleaning tasks, as assigned.

• Attends in-service trainings and staff meetings, as assigned.

• Adheres to established policies and procedures of the program and company as well as internal and external standards and regulations.

• May provide outreach to persons served living in their own homes.

• Performs other duties, as assigned.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues

• Knowledge of different clinical interventions and resources for individuals with ASD, and competency in assessing individual and family needs, and utilizing a variety of planning and problem-solving approaches.

• Knowledge of trauma-informed service delivery and experience working with families who face a variety of social and economic challenges, such as substance use disorder, housing instability, etc.

• Knowledge of public benefits, entitlements, and generic resources available in the geographic areas in the Greater Boston Area, which are relevant to families at different life stages.

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques

• Knowledge and use of different communication styles

• Participatory skills, collaborative skills, teaching skills

• Knowledge of human, legal, civil rights, community, and other resources

• Knowledge of available equipment, therapies, and service providers

• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques

• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices

• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques

• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills

• Knowledge of required household management skills

• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques

• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,200 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in 318 programs throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit www.vinfen.org/careers

My Vinfen. My Community. My Job.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Job Requirements:

At least two years of work experience in human services with children with autism and co-occurring physical, behavioral, and mental health challenges, and their families.

Education Requirements:

A high school diploma or equivalent is required, Bachelor’s degree in counseling psychology, human services, or related field preferred. In some cases, experience may be substituted for academic training.

Driving Requirements:

Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age, have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months, and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort:

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways. Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living. Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. For positions in day programs or group residences, the ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications:

CPR is required within two weeks of hire

First Aid is required within two weeks of hire

Safety Care is required within 90 days of hire (No Restraints) 

Other training, as assigned

Required Credentials/Licenses:

N/R