Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS)

SUBSIDIARY: The Center for Autism (CFA)

PROGRAM: Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS)

JOB OVERVIEW:

The Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) provides services for young adults (ages 14-17) and adults with autism to improve their personal wellness and enhance community integration. The Community Autism Peer Specialist reports to the CAPS Supervisor.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Deliver face-to-face services to individuals on the assigned caseload in the community, homes, and schools. Complete travel trainings as assigned.
• Provide in-person services that include supporting skill development across a range of activities (e.g., navigating public transportation, engaging in volunteer or employment opportunities, and/or increasing engagement in leisure or recreational activities).
• Actively partner with participants to gather history, current concerns, basic medical information, other service provider information, previous evaluations, school information, etc. in order to write corresponding intake assessments.
• Review all information provided by the family, including previous evaluations, IEPs, and treatment plans for the purpose of preparing for initiation of services.
• Partner with individuals in the process of exploring what life satisfaction means to each unique person and support the identification and enactment of the action steps required to obtain those goals.
• Help foster a strengths-based, member-driven, and culturally competent CAPS program.
• Meet with CAPS Supervisor for regular, weekly, face-to-face supervision.
• Demonstrate proficiency in computer skills, organizational skills, and timely/accurate documentation skills.
• Participate in and complete all mandatory in-service trainings.

Regulatory

• Ensure program compliance with Department of Public Welfare and Community Behavioral Health regulations, policies, and procedures (HIPAA).
• Ensure program compliance with The Center for Autism’s policy and procedural guidelines.
• Ensure program compliance with all federal, state, and local laws.
• Maintain records in accordance with CFA regulations.

Cultural Competency

• Demonstrate respect for, understanding of, and knowledge of the differences among people as they relate to values, lifestyles, norms, beliefs, and opportunities.
• Demonstrate an awareness of one's own culture and how it impacts one's perspective and interactions with others.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Must have completed a 75-hour Community Autism Peer Specialist (CAPS) training course to provide peer support to individuals on the autism spectrum
• Must meet regulatory requirements for CAPS training, including:
  • Lived experience: Must be 18 years of age or older and have a diagnosis of autism
  • Have a high school diploma or GED
  • Within the past 3 years, have maintained at least 12 months of successful full-time or part-time paid or voluntary work experience OR obtained at least 24 credit hours of post-secondary education

OTHER REQUIREMENTS:

• Participation in and completion of all mandatory in-services
• Act 33 & 34 clearance

PAY GRADE: 13

PHMC is an Equal Opportunity and E-Verify Employer.