Autism Day Program Assistant

Join Child Serve  as an Autism Day Program Assistant, supporting children ages 2-6 in health, skill development, and program retention. Provide care across varying autism spectrum functioning levels. Collaborate with occupational, speech, and physical therapists in a play‑based environment to meet individualized developmental goals.

Monday‑Friday, 40 hours per week, 7:30 AM – 5:30 PM. Starting pay $16.04 per hour.

• 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 team members to follow care plans and meet therapy goals within scope of practice.
• Maintain a safe, consistent, and engaging environment while assisting with daily needs such as feeding, diapering, and toilet training.
• Promote communication and social‑emotional development using tools like PECS, communication devices, and guided behavioral support.
• Accurately document care, follow change‑of‑shift procedures, and communicate professionally with families, staff, and community partners.

• Two‑year degree in human services or education preferred; experience working with children with special healthcare needs 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.

Not sure if you hit 100% of the position expectations? Let’s talk! Reach out to our Talent Acquisition team by emailing careers.

Make a Difference Every Day at Child Serve.

• Child Serve partners with families to help children with special healthcare needs live a great life.
• Child Serve 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.
• Child Serve’s four key specialty areas include: complex medical care, pediatric rehabilitation, autism and behavioral health, and community‑based services.
• Established in 1928, Child Serve proudly provides more than 30 pediatric specialty services to nearly 6,000 children in Iowa each year.

Child Serve is committed to working with and providing reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. To request assistance with the application process, please email careers. Child Serve is an Equal Opportunity Employer.