Employment

We are seeking warm-hearted, compassionate individuals to join our team as Community Coaches. Ideal candidates are open to learning teaching strategies and committed to understanding the complex sensory challenges faced by the neurodiverse community. Our approach is lighthearted and welcoming—we enjoy laughing together and teaching flexible thinking by showing that when projects (like cooking or arts and crafts) don’t turn out perfect, it’s okay. It’s all about the process and creating positive, uplifting experiences where everyone leaves the day feeling happier.
Click here for our Coach Application

Join Our Team: Neurodiversity Community Coach

Operational Hours:

  • Monday, Wednesday, Friday: 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM

  • Occasional Saturdays: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM

Start Date: Summer 2025


Current Programming (1:1 Support)

Community-based excursions focused on daily outings, social engagement, and real-world skill application. Participants receive individualized support to navigate and integrate into the community successfully.

Future Possible Programming (1:3 Support)

Small group activities centered around socialization, skill-building, and community integration, ensuring ratios do not exceed one staff member to three participants. This model would provide structured opportunities for participants to develop independence in a supportive group setting.

About the Opportunity

ACA offers a paid work and/or internship that may meet the criteria for a college-accredited work internship. We are happy to collaborate with your professor to ensure eligibility. This position is ideal for individuals interested in developmental disabilities services, behavioral health, nursing, social work, special education, or related fields.

ACA coaching will offer approximately 15-20 hours of work per week. ACA may connect coaches with families interested in independently hiring coaches for additional work outside ACA's programming hours—families typically reimburse at $17 or more per hour.

Compensation:

  • Training Period: $12.50/hour

  • Direct 1:1 or 1:3 Support: $18-20 per hour after successful completion of initial training

Training topics include:

  • Understanding neurodiversity

  • Basic support strategies and life skills coaching

  • Person-centered planning

  • Safety protocols and crisis prevention

  • DBHDS competencies and standards

Responsibilities:

  • Provide individualized or small group coaching to assigned participants

  • Implement skill-building and habilitation activities

  • Foster independence and community integration

  • Maintain participant safety and well-being

Enhanced Eligibility Criteria:

  • Preference given to candidates interested in year-round part-time employment (may qualify for a higher hourly rate)

  • Own mode of transportation to transport participants during operating hours is preferred

  • Current CPR and First Aid certification (training can be arranged if needed)

  • Work and/or personal experience with neurodivergent individuals

  • Some post-secondary education

Minimum Qualifications:

  • Must be at least 18 years old

  • Ability to pass a criminal background check

Additional Details:

  • Work and/or internships are for a minimum of 3-4 months or one academic semester

  • Employee performance will be reviewed regularly based on:

    • Timeliness

    • Work ethic

    • Comprehension and application of training material

    • Communication and interpersonal skills

    • Responsiveness to feedback

    • Reliability and consistency

    • Demonstrated growth and development

  • Employees will undergo an assessment within 90-180 days

  • Successful completion of training is required for continued employment

  • Opportunities for ongoing employment and possible promotion as ACA grows