BFT Aspire Transitions Specialist - Teen Summer Program

Overview

Job Summary:

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.

Transitions is a six-week weekday summer program, based in Lexington, that offers participants ages 16-22 opportunities to take part in experiences, developing and practicing skills that help with the transition to work and college environments. Social skills and self-awareness education are integrated throughout the program curriculum.

Essential Functions (Key Roles & Responsibilities)

The Transitions Specialist is responsible for leading a small group of participants through their weekly activities and program offerings. Two days a week, this includes supervising the group at a designated volunteer work site providing oversight, job coaching, social support and career skill training. The remaining three days are spent with participants at the program base, in Lexington, co-facilitating activities, implementing Aspire curriculum and facilitating interventions, supports, and strategies.

The Transition Specialist also supports participants though weekly field trips and transition activities including college exploration.

We invite neurodivergent candidates to apply

• Lead a group of young adults through daily work site responsibilities, supporting them in the areas of communication, social competency, stress management, self-awareness and specific job site skills. In collaboration with your supervisor and the individual, 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.
• Collaborate with Aspire leadership staff to create and implement therapeutic interventions and problem-solve social, behavioral, and programmatic challenges.
• Use Aspire-taught therapeutic strategies to support social competency across settings and social connection amongst participants throughout the program.
• Respect the rules and regulations set forth by collaborating agencies and support participants in their understanding of these rules; this includes work sites, other community spaces that Aspire shares and visits.
• 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.
• Attend and participate in all staff meetings, supervision, and planning sessions as relevant to the role, including 40 hours of pre-program training. Attend all required participant and family meetings, including orientation and leading parent conferences.
• Be an active participant in your supervision process; this includes setting goals in discussion with your supervisor and incorporating feedback provided.

Education

Degree:
Bachelor's Degree Required

Degree:
Master's Degree Field of Study:
Enrolled in or graduate of a graduate program in psychology, social work, occupational therapy, speech and language pathology, or other mental health field.

Licenses and Certifications

Work Experience:

Prior experience working with neurodivergent children and/or adolescents

Type of experience:
Have current First Aid/CPR certification. Training can be accessed through Aspire. Required or Preferred

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Physical Requirements

• Standing (67-100%)
• Walking (67-100%)
• Sitting Constantly (67-100%)
• Lifting Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Carrying Occasionally (3-33%) 20lbs - 35lbs
• Gross Manipulation (Handling) Constantly (67-100%)
• Fine Manipulation (Fingering) Frequently (34-66%)
• Feeling Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Far Constantly (67-100%)
• Vision - Near Constantly (67-100%)
• Talking Constantly (67-100%)
• Hearing Constantly (67-100%)

The General Hospital Corporation is an Equal Opportunity Employer. By embracing…