Day Program Life Skills Coach

About 29 Acres: 29 Acres is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 29 Acres focuses on using research-based practices and programming to make meaningful and measured progress. At 29 Acres, we prioritize individualized programming, setting specific goals and outcomes tailored to the unique needs of our clients. 

29 Acre’s living community is located in Crossroads Texas approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. Located near the shores of Lake Lewisville, 29 Acres is a quiet community yet is only minutes away from the University of North Texas and all the major services and activities of the Dallas metroplex. It is easily accessible from several highways serving the North Texas area. 

This position would be located at our non-residential Day Program Hub in North Dallas off of Highway 635.

Position Summary

The Life Skills Coach for Enrich Dallas helps clients with their planned goals, recreational activities (e.g. lake sports, swimming, rock climbing), vocational opportunities, life skills and personal care. The Life Skills coach supplies clients support for generalizing learned skills and teaching new skills. Additionally, they use company transportation to transport clients and ensure safety at events in the community.  

Position Qualifications

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

• Required: Highschool diploma or GED 

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

• Required: Must complete Company Training within the first 90 days of employment: CPR, First Aid, and CPI

• Preferred: RBT Certification

• 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.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Responsibilities 

• Provide individualized life skills training to assist clients in planning daily activities, daily life skills, budgeting, cooking, social skills, communication skills and other programs to enhance the lives of our clients.  

• Assist clients with summer recreational activities (e.g. lake sports, swimming, rock climbing) and the daily life skills that coincide (applying sunscreen, water intake, packing for the day etc.)

• Provide practice for career readiness skills 

• Provide hygiene skills training, when applicable (nail cutting, teeth brushing, shaving etc.)

• Observe client’ behavior and collect data as directed based on programming and behavior intervention plans.  

• Provide feedback to Coordinators on further programming for clients.

• Provide transportation and ensure safety for all passengers by following individual programming while in route (safety belts, personal space etc.). Teach and maintain clean vehicle procedures (gas, car wash etc.).

• Ensure safety and welfare (e.g. assist clients taking medication on schedule, administering CPR and first aid if necessary)   

• Remain current with Safety Care, CPR/First Aid, Medication Training

• Serve as an advocate for clients and teach clients to advocate for themselves in context.

• Engage in ongoing professional development.   

• Record daily notes summarizing the client’s day. 

• Engage in active participation and active engagement during community and hub activities.  

• Promote healthy lifestyle choices (food intake and physical movement)

• Promote independence across all activities. Collaborate with BCBA to engage in new programs and goal development. 

• Have brief conversations with parents at the end of the day providing basic facts regarding the day, following expectations set by your leadership team. 

• Perform other assignments as delegated by the Enrich Dallas leadership team.

Behavioral Responsibilities 

• Cultivate a supportive and inclusive environment for clients to pursue their planned goals and engage in recreational activities.

• Collaborate with other professionals while maintaining a “can do” attitude.  

• Foster a culture of continuous learning by assisting clients in generalizing learned skills and introducing new ones.

• Prioritize safety and well-being during community events, ensuring a secure and positive experience for all participants.

• Promote a sense of community and teamwork by actively engaging clients in vocational opportunities and life skills development.

• Demonstrate responsibility and care in utilizing company transportation, contributing to a safe and reliable means of client transport.

• Be empathetic when our clients have hard moments/days and have the ability to allow the clients to increase their self-management skills while playing a supportive role in that.

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.

• Have the ability to use rational detachment in crisis situations.

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.