BFT Aspire Explorations Group Leader - Teen Summer Program

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 adult, 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.

Leads a group of approximately 6‑8 teens during community outings and structured program activities, facilitating participation within the group. Tasks of the role include leading program activities; implementing interventions, supports, and strategies for program participants; managing communications with families; working in collaboration with an assistant group leader; maintaining accurate timekeeping and record keeping; managing communication with families, and complying with program goals, policies and procedures.

We invite neurodivergent candidates to apply.

• Lead 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.
• In collaboration with your Assistant 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.
• Prioritize the health and safety of program participants and staff at all times.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, supervision, and planning sessions as relevant to the role, including 40 hours of pre‑program training.
• Complete 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.
• Maintain the rules of confidentiality and all HIPAA expectations.
• Collaborate with Aspire leadership staff to create and implement therapeutic interventions and problem‑solve social, behavioral, and programmatic challenges.
• Be an active participant in your supervision process; this includes setting goals in discussion with your supervisor and incorporating feedback provided.

Degree
:
Bachelor's Degree preferred;
Enrolled in or graduate of undergraduate program in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, or other mental health field.

Have current First Aid/CPR certification, required. Training can be accessed through Aspire.

• Desire to work in a team environment
• Desire and ability to work in an outdoor setting
• Ability to work independently
• Ability to solve problems collaboratively with staff
• Desire to help participants feel safe, succeed, and have fun
• Ability to demonstrate a calm demeanor with children, caregivers, and staff

• Standing Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Walking Occasionally (3‑33%)
• Sitting Constantly (67‑100%)
• Lifting Occasionally (3‑33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Carrying Occasionally (3‑33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Pushing Rarely (Less than 2%)
• Pulling Rarely (Less than 2%)
• C…