Want to make a real difference in the lives of adults on the autism spectrum? Aspiritech seeks an autism specialist to support our employees and trainees with high functioning autism through vocational training, job coaching, counseling and facilitating social activities. Aspiritech is a non-profit organization headquartered in Highwood, IL. Our mission is to provide a path for high functioning individuals on the autism spectrum to realize their potential through gainful employment. We do this by leveraging their unique talents – attention to detail, superlative technical aptitude, ability to thrive in a highly repetitive task-driven work environment – and aligning those talents to the needs of the business community. Specifically, we provide competitively-priced testing services to client software development organizations. Our major services include functional, compatibility and regression testing, as well as test case development.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university in special education, psychology, applied behavior analysis, vocational rehabilitation or related fields. Valid Illinois Driver’s License, clear background check and positive professional references.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS – EDUCATION AND/OR TRAINING:

Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university in special education, psychology, vocational rehabilitation, applied behavior analysis, counseling, social work or related field. Knowledge of positive behavior intervention guidelines, functional analysis procedures. Knowledge of currently accepted educational/intervention/rehabilitation methodology for individuals with autism. Strong technological and computer skills. Basic understanding of software testing.

MINIMUM EXPERIENCE:

Experience working with adolescents or young adults on the autism spectrum.

CREDENTIALS AND/OR SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

Knowledge of current methods and techniques of working with adults on the autism spectrum.

Ability to design appropriate individual job coaching and behavior programs and monitor staff progress.

Ability to communicate effectively both verbally and in writing

Ability to work effectively as a team member

Ability to handle stress and juggle multiple tasks

Strong computer literacy skills

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Under direction of Director of Operations (DOO) and in coordination with other Autism Specialist (AS) the Autism Specialist will:

Help DOO and other AS interview, screen and train individuals on the autism spectrum
Assist staff and trainees when issues arise that impact on their ability to work to their fullest potential at Aspiritech (i.e., tardiness, lack of organization, personal cleanliness, anxiety, depression, communication challenges, etc.)
Help design and implement programs to provide social activities and training to staff members in areas such as teamwork, social skills, problem solving, fitness and health activities, outings, etc.
Communicating with parents and individuals on the autism spectrum inquiring about Aspiritech services
Work with DOO and AS to provide job coaching to help software testers as needed in their work. This might mean modifying test scripts, instructions, work environment, etc.
Network/liaise with other professionals/agencies
Maintain appropriate documentation, records and reports. Keep track of services provided to submit reports to funders
Provide technical assistance and guidance to DOO, executive director and board members

For more information or to apply: Send your resume and cover letter to Brenda Weitzberg at brenda@aspiritech.org. No phone calls please.