Autism Life Skills Coach

$1000 sign-on bonus (1/2 disbursed at 3 months, 1/2 disbursed at 6 months) 
SHIFTS: various days needed for 7a-9a, 9a-5p, 5p-10p

About 29 Acres: 29 Acres is a residential community designed to support adults with neurodiversity in living as independently, safely, and joyfully as possible. We focus on person-centered planning, real-world skill building, and meaningful community inclusion so that our residents can thrive.

Position Summary

The Life Skills Coach provides direct, hands-on support to adults with neurodiversity as they learn and practice daily living skills at 29 Acres and in the community. The coach works side-by-side with residents to build confidence, independence, and self-advocacy in a respectful, supportive, and fun environment.

Position Qualifications

• Preferred: A minimum of an associate degree or credits equivalent to Junior in College (at least 60 hours)

• Required: High school diploma or GED 

• Required: Some experience working with individuals with ASD or intellectual disabilities.

• Required: Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test.

• Required: Must hold a valid Texas driver’s license and possess an acceptable driving record.

• Required working conditions include:

  • Environments include indoor (e.g. office, house, classroom), and outdoor with resultant climate variations.

  • May include required strength/endurance (e.g. lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, etc.), exposure to injury (e.g. biting, hitting, kicking) and/or other hazards (e.g. bodily fluids)

  • Must have the physical ability to respond appropriately to situations that require first aid or CPR

  • Must be able to assist adults in emergency situations.

Key Responsibilities 

• Teach and model daily living skills (cooking, cleaning, personal hygiene, laundry, room organization, etc.) in real-time.

• Support residents with community-based skills (shopping, ordering in restaurants, using transportation, money management, and social communication).

• Actively engage with clients during leisure-time activities to build rapport, social skills, and meaningful routines.

• Implement individualized plans by helping develop and carry out personalized goals based on assessments and team input.

• Administer skill-building sessions that function like therapy-style coaching to help clients improve functional, social, and emotional skills.

• Promote independence in life skills, social engagement, and navigating the greater community.

• Increase communication skills and support generalization of those skills across settings and people.

• Implement behavioral strategies to decrease maladaptive behaviors and increase calming strategies, self-regulation, and emotional regulation.

• Maintain accurate, timely records of client progress, goals, daily notes, and any incident or treatment updates.

• Document each client’s day by providing shift notes and daily data collection for families and the clinical team.

• Collect data on client progress to monitor the effectiveness of interventions and adjust strategies when needed.

• Collaborate with clients’ clinical team to ensure a cohesive, consistent approach.

• Support crisis management by calmly assessing and responding to behavioral or emotional crises, following established safety and support protocols.

• Promote safety, dignity, and choice while encouraging residents to do as much as possible for themselves.

• Use positive reinforcement, coaching, and prompting to help residents achieve and maintain independence.

• Help maintain a clean, safe, and welcoming home and campus environment.

Personal Characteristics 

• Compassionate and empathetic approach when working with individuals with ASD.

• Patience and understanding in assisting with personal care and skill development.

• Adaptability to address the unique needs and challenges of each individual.

• Excellent communication skills to effectively interact with ASD adults and provide clear instructions.

• Resilience and calm demeanor, especially in potentially challenging situations.

• Responsible and attentive to ensure the safety and well-being of individuals during recreational activities.

• Team player mindset, collaborating with colleagues to create a supportive environment.

• Flexibility to adjust caregiving strategies based on individual preferences and goals.

• Cultural sensitivity and respect for diversity, recognizing and valuing the unique qualities of each person.

• Genuine commitment to enhancing the quality of life for individuals with ASD.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties, responsibilities, or activities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. 

*29 Acres is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status. 29 Acres is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We encourage candidates from different backgrounds to apply.