Parent Support Specialist

Company Overview

The Cope Center for Autism is a non-profit organization aimed at supporting autistic children and their families. We operate a medical practice accepting both commercial and NJ Medicaid insurance that evaluates children to determine if they meet the criteria for autism and provides follow-up care. Our parent education team is there to support families and answer questions about autism treatment and services. In addition, we offer an enrichment program for tweens and teens on the autism spectrum.

Job Overview

We are seeking a compassionate and detail-oriented Parent Support Specialist who will provide families of autistic children with information, support, and services to guide them through the challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism. They will provide accessible information about parents about next steps after an autism diagnosis, provide information about social services and other therapies, and be a kind, welcoming presence to overwhelmed families.

Qualifications & Experience

• Master’s degree in social work or a related field preferred (relevant experience may be considered instead of a degree).
• Five years of experience supporting families with children with autism spectrum disorder in a clinical, educational, or community-based setting is strongly preferred.
• Demonstrated understanding of autism, including neurodiversity-affirming and family-centered care approaches.
• Ability to provide empathetic, practical guidance to parents navigating diagnosis, services, and care planning.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to build trust with families from diverse backgrounds.
• Highly organized, with the ability to manage multiple clients and follow up consistently.
• Familiarity with local and regional autism resources, early intervention systems, and school-based services is preferred.
• Experience facilitating parent coaching, support groups, or resource navigation is preferred.
• Lived-experience with autism (e.g., as a caregiver, family member, or self-advocate) is valued but not required.
• Commitment to compassionate, inclusive, and family-centered care.
• Bilingual Spanish is valued, but not required

Key Responsibilities

• Offer compassionate support, education, and resources to empower parents to manage the unique challenges and rewards of raising a child with autism.
• Work seamlessly with the medical team and other staff to provide information to parents of newly diagnosed children.
• Being a resource for families about government services, including SSI, PPP, Perform Care, and other programs available to children with disabilities.
• Research and maintain lists of therapeutic providers and other local resources.
• Create and deliver virtual and in-person workshops or clinics for families.
• Work well in a team to provide comprehensive support to families.
• Must be able to work independently to create new programs as needs arise.
• Represent the Cope Center for Autism at various councils, committees, and exhibitions, according to program needs.
• Assist families in navigating school systems, therapies, and community resources.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of parent interactions and follow-ups.

Our mission-driven, growing organization is excited to expand our team. If you are a motivated individual passionate about having a direct impact on families navigating services and supports for their autistic children, we encourage you to apply for this rewarding opportunity as a Parent Support Specialist at the Cope Center for Autism.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $65,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Paid time off

Application Question(s):

• Do you have lived experience with autism, whether professionally (e.g., in a clinical, educational or community-based setting) or personally (e.g., as a caregiver, family member or self-advocate)?
• The position is full-time (9am-5pm) Monday through Friday. Are you also able to occasionally work in the evenings and/or on the weekends?

Education:

• Master's (Preferred)

Language:

• Spanish (Preferred)

Ability to Commute:

• Ridgewood, NJ 07450 (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $65,000