BFT Aspire Explorations Assist Group Leader - Teen Summer Program

About Aspire

Aspire, a Massachusetts General Hospital program, specializes in helping children, teens and adults on the autism spectrum achieve success. Our programming is uniquely designed to help participants with Asperger profiles develop positive self‑awareness, stress management and social competency skills so they can succeed at home, school, work and in community settings. Aspire offers year‑round programming for individuals aged 5 years to adults, including weekly social groups, adventure summer camp for children, six‑week summer programs for teens and young adults, and special events.

For over thirty years, Aspire has championed individuals on the spectrum. We are dedicated to understanding and serving this population of exceptional individuals. Our structured therapeutic programming is guided by our comprehensive knowledge of who our participants are and our mission to best support them.

Explorations is a six‑week weekday summer program, based in Newton, where teens, aged 14‑19 years old, participate in supported recreational and social activities while learning a variety of practical life skills out in the community. Community trips take place throughout the metro Boston area (Faneuil Hall, Prudential Center, movie theater, bowling, museums, and restaurants) and typically utilize public transportation.

The Assistant Group Leader works closely with the Group Leader to lead a group of approximately 6‑8 teens during community outings and structured program activities. Tasks of the role include co‑leading program activities; implementing interventions, supports, and strategies for program participants; supporting the group leader and participants during program activities; maintaining accurate timekeeping and record keeping; and complying with program goals, policies and procedures.

We invite neurodivergent candidates to apply.

• 1. Support a group of 6‑8 teens through daily activities, actively engaging with them during the activities, transitions, and downtime. Model engaged behavior and use Aspire‑taught therapeutic interventions to support your group members to participate in each activity to the best of their abilities. Attend a 40‑hour orientation, all staff meetings, trainings, supervision, planning sessions, and every day of the program as scheduled.
• 2. In collaboration with your Group Leader, supervisor, and the program participant, design clear and appropriate goals for each group member. Review your group members' goals with them daily, assess progress, and design interventions to foster further growth.
• 3. Prioritize the health and safety of program participants and staff at all times.
• 4. Attend and participate in all staff meetings, supervision, and planning sessions as relevant to the role, including 40 hours of pre‑program training.
• 5. Aid in the completion of evaluation forms, incident reports, end‑of‑program reports, and other assigned paperwork in a timely manner. Maintain records and documentation outlined in the Policies and Procedures manual.
• 6. Maintain the rules of confidentiality and all HIPAA expectations.
• 7. Collaborate with your Group Leader and Aspire leadership staff to implement therapeutic interventions and problem‑solve social, behavioral, and programmatic challenges.
• 8. Be an active participant in your supervision process; this includes setting goals in discussion with your supervisor and incorporating feedback provided.

• 1. Interest in working in a team environment.
• 2. Openness to receiving feedback on interactional skills with families, participants, and staff and integrating into behavior.
• . Desire and ability to work in multiple settings.
• 4. Ability to work independently and exhibit a calm demeanor.
• 5. Flexibility to solve problems collaboratively with other staff and participants.
• 6. Desire to help participants feel safe, succeed, and have fun.

Enrolled in or graduate of undergraduate program in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, or other mental health field – required.

Have current First Aid/CPR certification – training can be accessed…