College Navigator (Lowell, MA)

Location: Lawrence, MA
Schedule: Per Diem, 2-3 hours per week
Target Pay: $23.50 - $31.50 hourly
Please note that the pay range provided is a good faith estimate for the position at the time of posting. Actual compensation will be dependent on multiple factors, including but not limited to, the individual's experience, education, and internal equity.

Job Summary
At Northeast Arc, our mission is to ensure that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life, and play in their communities. The College Navigator plays a meaningful role in bringing that mission to life. Working within the Guided Personal Support (GPS) Program, the College Navigator provides dedicated 1:1 support to adults with Autism Spectrum Disorders as they transition into and navigate college life in Lawrence, Massachusetts. This per diem position is an opportunity for a compassionate and skilled professional to walk alongside individuals as they build independence, develop social-emotional skills, and work toward their personal goals in a college setting and broader community.

Responsibilities

• Provides individualized clinical oversight of caseload to foster community inclusion, personal independence, and address challenges or behaviors within home, school, work, or other community settings
• Assists individuals in interpreting and responding appropriately to social cues and situations encountered in the community
• Teaches specific skills and behaviors in accordance with goals, objectives, and strategies identified in the individual's plan
• Participates in ISPs and progress meetings to support the individual in goal selection
• Collaborates with other providers, natural supports, families, and individuals served as appropriate
• Submits weekly documentation on goal progress and maintains a log of contact and outreach as determined by the ISP and contract
• Uses personal vehicle, when applicable, to transport individuals to goal-related community activities
• Provides mandated reporting consistent with Massachusetts General Laws, Chapter 119, Sections 51A-51G

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in a related field required (e.g., social work, speech therapy, education, counseling, vocational rehabilitation, occupational therapy, or psychology)
• Knowledge and experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorders and Mental Health diagnoses
• Excellent interpersonal, organizational, and team-building skills for working with participants, coworkers, and client families
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to meet deadlines for reports, mileage, and progress notes
• Desire to help individuals who struggle with social pragmatics develop and maintain social-emotional competence and confidence
• Valid driver's license, personal vehicle, and applicable insurance for transportation to community activities
• Ability to stand for 80% of the workday and lift up to 40 pounds
• Must possess current First Aid/CPR certification
• Willingness to follow Universal Precautions at all times
• Ability to maintain confidentiality in accordance with HIPAA
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks as a condition of employment

Benefits & Perks
At Northeast Arc, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and growth. It's our goal as an employer to provide an enriching and supportive environment for our employees and their families.
With that goal in mind, we are proud to offer the following:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees working an average 30 hours per week)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick time, and 12 paid holidays
• Flexible Spending Accounts (health care and dependent care)
• Group Life Insurance
• Additional voluntary insurance options and discount programs
• 403(b) retirement plan with limited company match
• Employee Assistance Program and Mental Health Hub
• Ongoing professional development (trainings, conferences, CEUs, and more)
• eAcademy online learning platform
• Mileage reimbursement (where applicable)
• Additional perks including employee discounts and more

About Us
Northeast Arc is a non-profit organization with the goal of ensuring that children and adults with disabilities are able to live, work, engage in civic life and play in the community. Employment at Northeast Arc is more than just a job. We are a mission-driven agency committed to changing lives and discovering abilities. Whether it's the individuals we serve or our employees who support them, we know that each person has a unique set of skills and contributions to make.
We are an Equal Opportunity employer and do not discriminate on the basis of race, ancestry, color, religion, sex, age, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, medical condition, disability, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law.

Keywords: College Navigator, Autism Spectrum Disorder, Guided Personal Support, Developmental Disabilities, Per Diem