Careers

Support Specialist Job Description

Adults Independent and Motivated (AIM)

About AIM

Adults Independent and Motivated (AIM) is a 501(c)(3) non-profit that empowers adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to live remarkably independent lives. Participants, (“AIMers”) live in typical apartments, socialize, work, and contribute to their community, thanks to AIM's unique cooperative model—one of only two in the country.

AIM was founded over a decade ago by a group of committed parents who dared to dream that their young adults could live independently in apartments, fully integrated into their community. Since the first two AIMers moved into their apartment, the organization has built the necessary scaffolding to support its growing community.

We are entering an exciting growth phase as we scale our program and ensure our ability to support AIMers' independence long-term.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

  • The position will require approximately 8-12 hours per week, the majority of which will be in person in the Bee Cave/Lakeway area of Texas

  • Provide guidance to individual AIMers to ensure successful and ongoing integration into the AIM community

  • Assist individual AIMers with developing strategies to mitigate behavior problems if they develop (examples might include inappropriate texting, safety issues, etc.)

  • Provide small group conflict resolution support if needed

  • Communicate, coordinate, and serve as a liaison between AIMers, parents, and the Monday Night Group Coordinator, alerting appropriate stakeholders if issues arise

  • Track progress of individuals over time as strategies are implemented

  • Plan and execute group enrichment and team-building activities open to all AIMers approximately 2-3 times per month, modeling and encouraging appropriate social skills (examples might include volunteer opportunities in the community, seasonal activities, cooking lessons, exercise opportunities, etc.)

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

  • Demonstrated passion for and commitment to supporting adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities

  • Must have a thorough understanding of behavioral characteristics associated with autism, intellectual disabilities, traumatic brain injuries, etc.

  • Have good communication skills, both written and verbal

  • Must have excellent interpersonal skills

  • Must be able to handle emotionally charged situations

  • Professional written and verbal communication skills

  • Ability to write progress notes, memos, letters, various reports

  • Ability to use technology tools such as databases and communication/collaboration tools such as Google docs and Slack

  • Ability to work with considerable latitude and exercise discretion and independent judgment, including skills in problem solving

  • Willingness to acquire and use new skills as the job requires

Education and Experience

  • Experience working with individuals with special needs

  • Bachelor’s degree required

  • Masters Degree in Special Education, counseling, psychology, or social work preferred.

Other Requirements / Working Conditions

  • Must pass a criminal background check

  • Must have and maintain a valid TX driver’s license, a clean driving record, current vehicle insurance, and reliable transportation

  • Must be energetic and maintain professional behavior/confidentiality

  • Schedules may vary from week to week, and occasional evenings (including 2-3 Monday evenings per month) and weekends will be required.

Physical Requirements

  • Some work will require the ability to reach, push, pull, bend, stoop or stand, as necessary

  • Will occasionally lift office products and supplies weighing up to thirty pounds

  • Normal visual acuity and field of vision, hearing and speaking abilities, finger dexterity and repetitive hand motions for manual manipulation of a keyboard or mouse

  • Ability to read, write, and communicate verbally and in written form to express and exchange ideas and can understand, remember, and communicate routine information

  • Ability to maintain emotional control under stress

  • Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities of this position

Environmental Demands

  • Continuous indoor activity and exposure to artificial light

  • Some outdoor activities and exposure to weather

  • Work some evenings and weekends, as needed (including 2-3 Monday evenings per month)

  • Frequent work under stress and under pressure of deadlines

Important Note: The information contained in this job description is intended to outline the general nature and scope of work being performed by an employee assigned to this position. It is not intended to be construed as a contract, or as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and capabilities required of a person employed in this capacity. Job descriptions are subject to change at the discretion of the AIM Board of Directors. AIM is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages applications from all qualified individuals.

Adults Independent and Motivated is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reasonable accommodations may be made to qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities of this position.

How to Apply

Submit this application, including your resume and a cover letter explaining why you would be the right candidate for this position.

  • Pay Rate: $30.00 - $35.00 per hour

  • Job Type: Part-Time

  • Benefits: Flexible Schedule

  • Ability to Commute: Required - Austin, TX

  • Ability to Relocate: Required - Austin, TX (relocate before starting work)

  • Work Location: In Person