About AJ Residence
AJ Residence supports adults with developmental disabilities in Northern Virginia and Richmond through group homes, day programs, and community-based services. Our community coaches help the people we support live fuller, more independent lives in their own communities.
About the Role
We are looking for a patient, upbeat Community Coach to spend weekdays out in the community with one adult who wants to explore new places, build friendships, and grow her independence. She loves taking walks, shopping, dining out, visiting libraries and museums, going to the movies, and spending time with friends and family. You will plan each day with her, go to the places she chooses, and coach her through real-life skills along the way. This is one-to-one work, so you will get to know her well and see her progress week by week.
What You Will Do
• Explore options together and help her choose where she wants to go each day
• Coach community safety, following directions, and finding her way around
• Help her plan trips and practice using transportation
• Help her approach people, start conversations, and build friendships and community connections
• Encourage her to try new activities at her own pace while respecting her interests and choices
• Coach everyday skills like shopping, ordering food, budgeting, and staying calm when plans change
• Follow her support plan and health and safety instructions, including planning outings around restroom access
• Drive her to and from home and community activities in your own vehicle
• Write a short daily note on what you did, the skills you coached, and how the day went
What You Need
• Experience as a Direct Support Professional (DSP) or in ABA (behavior technician or similar)
• High school diploma or GED
• Your own vehicle, in good condition, that you will use to transport the individual. It must be reliable, clean, safe, and currently registered, inspected, and insured.
• A valid driver’s license and a clean driving record. We run a driving record check, and applicants without a clean record will not be considered.
• Ability to pass criminal background checks, a central registry check, and a TB screening
• Comfortable walking and spending most of the day outdoors and in public places
• Reliable and on time. The person you support counts on a steady routine.
Nice to Have
• Job coaching or Community Coaching experience
• Experience supporting someone with anxiety or someone who uses hearing aids
• Knowing your way around Richmond, Henrico, and Hanover County
What We Offer
• $20 to $23 per hour, depending on experience
• Gas and mileage reimbursement for using your vehicle
• Paid training, including DSP orientation, CPR and First Aid, and person-specific training before you work on your own
• Consistent weekday daytime hours with no nights or weekends
• Meaningful one-to-one work where you can see the difference you make
Workplace Rules
This is a smoke-free position. No smoking or vaping while on duty or in the vehicle you use to transport the individual.