Community Development Support

Community Development Support (CDS)$30 Per Hour | DMV Area | Full-Time Preferred | Part-Time Considered

We are seeking a dependable, patient, compassionate, and engaging Community Development Support (CDS) professional to work one-on-one with a 26-year-old autistic adult in the DMV area.

This is a self-directed position, meaning the individual receiving services and his family are directly involved in selecting a CDS who is the right fit for his needs, personality, goals, and lifestyle.

The purpose of this position is to help him experience and participate in the community, build independence, practice life skills, develop social awareness, and feel included in the world around him.

This is an opportunity for someone who genuinely enjoys working one-on-one with an individual, exploring the community, teaching through everyday experiences, and helping another person build confidence and independence.

SCHEDULEFull-Time Preferred

Monday–Friday

• 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

Part-Time Considered

Monday, Wednesday & Friday

• 8:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m., or
• 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m.

We strongly prefer a candidate who can make a consistent, dependable commitment to the full-time schedule, but we will consider a qualified candidate seeking part-time hours.

Because consistency and routine are important to him, applicants must be able to reliably maintain their agreed-upon schedule.

WHAT THIS POSITION LOOKS LIKE

The CDS will spend one-on-one time with him in the community and help him participate in activities that are meaningful to him.

A typical day may include:

• Visiting the Zoo and other attractions
• Exploring museums
• Visiting comic book stores
• Going to libraries
• Exploring different shopping malls and walking
• Going to the gym and exercising
• Going to the movies
• Going out to lunch or restaurants
• Exploring new community activities and destinations
• Going to the laundromat to practice using washers and dryers
• Practicing purchasing items and learning how to pay independently
• Practicing counting money
• Practicing credit/debit card use
• Supporting his ongoing learner's permit studies
• Practicing appropriate social interactions and community skills
• Encouraging independence and decision-making
• Including him in decisions about his activities and daily experiences

The goal is not simply to take him places. The goal is to help him experience the world, participate in it, and become as independent and confident as possible.

UNDERSTANDING HIM IS IMPORTANT

He is a personable young man who enjoys attention, food, video games, exercise, exploring new places, and having someone genuinely engage with him. Once he becomes comfortable with someone, he can be very talkative and enjoys conversation.

He is also very sensitive to tone, body language, personal space, and how people communicate with him.

He does best with someone who:

• Speaks to him respectfully and never talks down to him
• Explains what is happening rather than making decisions for him without explanation
• Gives him time to process information and does not rush him
• Includes him in decisions whenever possible
• Listens when he is explaining something and acknowledges what he is saying
• Understands that he may interpret tone and facial expressions strongly
• Can calmly redirect him when needed
• Is comfortable with frequent questions and conversation
• Respects his personal space
• Does not force physical contact
• Understands that he generally prefers a fist bump rather than a handshake
• Understands and respects his strong cleanliness sensitivities
• Maintains a clean and orderly vehicle and work environment
• Avoids unnecessarily loud environments when possible
• Does not play music containing excessive profanity or derogatory language around him

He can be very honest and direct. Building trust is important. When he feels respected, heard, and comfortable with someone, he can develop a very positive working relationship with that person.

INDEPENDENCE & LIFE-SKILL DEVELOPMENT

An important part of this position is helping him prepare for greater independence.

Current areas of practice include:

• Counting money
• Paying for purchases
• Using a credit/debit card
• Making appropriate purchasing decisions
• Using a washing machine and dryer
• Community navigation
• Social interaction
• Understanding different behaviors and personalities in the community
• Learner's permit preparation
• Making choices about activities and outings
• Developing confidence with everyday community experiences

The CDS should be comfortable teaching through real-life experiences rather than simply completing tasks for him.

TRANSPORTATION REQUIREMENTS

Reliable transportation is required.

The CDS must have:

• A valid driver's license
• A properly insured vehicle
• Reliable transportation
• A clean and well-maintained vehicle

Mileage reimbursement: $0.72 per mile

MetroAccess may also be utilized when appropriate, at no cost to the CDS.

CERTIFICATION

First Aid/CPR certification is required.

Reimbursement of up to $100 is available toward the cost of obtaining the required certification.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

Pay: $30.00 per hour

Benefits include:

• Paid Time Off: One week of PTO available after completing six months of employment, subject to the terms discussed at hire.
• Paid Holidays: Paid holidays may be available. Specific holidays and eligibility will be discussed during the interview.
• Mileage Reimbursement: $0.72 per mile for eligible work-related mileage.
• First Aid/CPR: Reimbursement of up to $100 toward certification.

Additional Benefits Information

This is a self-directed position and does not include medical, dental, or vision insurance benefits.

The position does offer a competitive hourly rate, PTO, potential paid holidays, mileage reimbursement, and a meaningful opportunity to work one-on-one with an individual while helping him develop greater independence and community participation.

RELIABILITY IS ESSENTIAL

We are looking for someone who can make a consistent and dependable commitment to an agreed-upon schedule.

Applicants should have reliable transportation and be able to consistently report to scheduled shifts.

This position may not be a good fit for someone whose availability changes frequently or who cannot commit to a predictable schedule.

THE PERSON WE ARE LOOKING FOR

The ideal candidate is:

• Patient
• Dependable
• Kind and respectful
• Comfortable working independently
• Energetic and willing to get out into the community
• Comfortable teaching life skills
• A good communicator
• Respectful of personal boundaries
• Comfortable working with an autistic adult
• Flexible while still providing structure
• Someone who genuinely enjoys helping another person experience new things

A Meaningful Opportunity

This position is about much more than supervision.

It is about connection, inclusion, independence, confidence, and helping him participate in the community in a way that is meaningful to him.

If you believe you would enjoy this type of one-on-one work, can build a positive relationship with him, and can make a dependable commitment to the position, we would love to hear from you.

Benefits:

• Paid time off

Work Location: In person

Salary : $30