Community Support Coach (Swampscott, MA)

Community Support Coach

Location: Swampscott, MA and surrounding communities

Job Type: Per Diem, about 2-10 hours per week

Schedule: Flexible schedule based on participant needs, including daytime, after school, evening, and occasional weekend hours

Target Pay: $20.00-$25.00/hour

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, certifications, and internal equity.

Job Summary

Northeast Arc is seeking compassionate, dependable, and motivated Community Support Coaches to join our Guided Personal Supports (GPS) program. This role provides individualized support to adults with developmental disabilities, including autism, both in their homes and throughout their communities.

Community Support Coaches work one on one with individuals to promote independence, build life skills, increase community engagement, and support personal goals. Through meaningful relationships and person-centered support, Community Support Coaches help individuals develop confidence, strengthen self-advocacy skills, and actively participate in community life.

About Guided Personal Supports (GPS)

The Guided Personal Supports (GPS) Program provides individualized services designed to help adults with developmental disabilities achieve greater independence and quality of life. Services focus on skill development, community participation, relationship building, self-advocacy, and achieving personally meaningful goals through customized support and guidance.

Responsibilities

• Provide one on one support to individuals in their homes and within the community.
• Assist individuals in developing and achieving goals related to communication, socialization, recreation, activities of daily living (ADLs), safety awareness, and community engagement.
• Promote independence, self-determination, self-advocacy, and personal growth.
• Support individuals in accessing and participating in community activities, resources, and opportunities.
• Maintain regular communication with families, guardians, program leadership, and other professionals involved in an individual's support network when appropriate.
• Ensure the health, safety, wellbeing, and dignity of individuals served and promptly report concerns as required.
• Complete all required documentation, including progress notes, incident reports, time records, and Department of Developmental Services reports.
• Attend mandatory trainings and participate in ongoing professional development.
• Perform other duties and special projects as assigned.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma, GED, or equivalent required.
• Associate's or Bachelor's degree in Human Services, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
• One to two years of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities, intellectual disabilities, and/or autism preferred.
• Previous experience in direct support, behavioral services, recreation, education, caregiving, or community-based services is a plus.

Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

• Strong interpersonal, communication, and relationship building skills.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Basic technology proficiency and ability to complete electronic documentation accurately and timely.
• Ability to maintain professional boundaries and confidentiality.
• Understanding of developmental disabilities, autism, and community based supports preferred.
• Ability to adapt to changing participant needs and schedules.
• Dependable, reliable, and professional in both home and community settings.

Driving Requirements

• Valid driver's license required.
• Reliable transportation required.
• Ability to safely travel within the community and transport between participant locations.
• Clean driving record
• Mileage reimbursement available in accordance with agency policies where applicable.

Physical Demands

• Ability to actively participate in community activities alongside individuals served.
• Ability to assist and support participants in achieving goals related to recreation, physical activity, cooking, arts and crafts, shopping, and other community experiences.
• Frequent walking, standing, and movement within community settings.
• Ability to safely access community locations, local businesses, public venues, and participant homes.
• Must successfully complete and pass all required background checks as a condition of employment.

Work Environment

• Work is performed primarily in participant homes and community settings.
• Community locations may include grocery stores, libraries, restaurants, recreational facilities, movie theaters, retail locations, and other public venues.
• Position requires independent travel throughout assigned service areas.
• Responsibilities vary based on the unique interests, goals, and support needs of each individual served.

Benefits & Perks

At Northeast Arc, we offer a competitive and comprehensive benefits package that supports your well-being and growth. It is 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:

• Medical, dental, and vision coverage (for employees working an average of 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 and training opportunities
• eAcademy online learning platform
• Mileage reimbursement (where applicable)
• Employee discounts and additional workplace perks

About Us

Northeast Arc is a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping children and adults with disabilities live, work, engage in civic life, and participate fully in their communities. 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 is the individuals we serve or the employees who support them, we recognize that every person brings unique strengths and valuable contributions.

Northeast Arc is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does 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 characteristic protected by law.

Keywords: Community Support Coach, Direct Support Professional, DSP, Developmental Disabilities, Autism Services, Human Services, Community Inclusion, Life Skills Coaching, Independent Living Skills, Behavioral Support, GPS Program, DDS Services, Direct Care, Social Services, Caregiver, Community-Based Support.