College Navigator (Lowell, MA)

Empower students with Autism to achieve their academic dreams! We are looking for College Navigators to join our Guided Personal Support Team and support college students in the Lowell Area!

The Guided Personal Support (GPS) Program is made up of a combination of SSQUAL contracts (Enhanced Family Support for Adults) from the Massachusetts Department of Developmental Services (DDS) that focus on preparing individuals on acquiring skills in different aspects of their lives to be more independent and live their best life. All of the referrals in this program come from DDS.

College Navigators are supports that are intended to help individuals transition to college life and be able to access college supports so that they are able to successfully navigate college life.

Job Summary: The College Navigator assists individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder navigate the college experience. They act as a knowledge expert regarding college campuses and available services, and assist the client with accessing accommodations, organizational and study skills, and accessing opportunities for socialization. They collaborate with other service providers as needed and submits weekly documentation of progress. Services may be in person and remote, as needed.

Major Responsibilities

• Assists the individual to interpret and respond appropriately to social cues and other situations encountered in the community milieu.
• Teaches specific skills and behaviors, in accordance with the goals, objectives and strategies identified in the individual’s plan.
• Creates a schedule of appointments and meetings, as determined by the ISP, with the individual that focus on the outlined goals.
• Provides clinical oversight of caseload using individualized supports to individuals with autism spectrum disorders for the purpose of fostering community inclusion, community building, personal independence and decreasing challenges or behaviors within the home, work, school or other community setting.
• Collaborates, as appropriate, with other providers and natural supports of families and individuals served.
• Submits weekly documentation on goal progress and maintains a log of contact/outreach as needed/ determined by the ISP/contract.
• Completes all other necessary paperwork (time sheets, mileage sheets, incident reports) in a timely manner and submits in accordance with agency policies.
  
  

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in related field required. Master's preferred.
• Knowledge and experience with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Mental Health diagnoses.
• Desire to help those who struggle with social pragmatics develop and maintain social-emotional competence and confidence.
• A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are required.
  
  

Work Environment: In-home and community-based environments, including college campuses. Ability to travel for work-related events.

Schedule: 2-6 hours per week. Work hours are determined by individual needs and agreement (Flexible with candidates’ availability).

Pay: $25-$28 per hour