PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer the questions accompanying this ad in full, your application will not be considered.
The family of two young men (aged 7 and 13) with autism/special needs is looking for a shadow at home and in the community (90604 area.) While providers for both boys are being sought, the provider will only be responsible for one child at a time. Part time schedules are available (12-20 hours per week; Monday through Friday, ideally in the afternoon and evening, with some Saturdays; there is a possibility for some morning hours in the future as well.) The family would like a provider who can commit to a minimum of one year to ensure consistency.
The ideal candidate is someone with passion for working with people with special needs, Occupational Therapy, and/or child development, including but not limited to an undergraduate or graduate student who wants to work as a team with other professionals. You will be provided with some training to manage the children’s specific needs.
Child #1 is a twice-exceptional seven-year-old who is very bright with advanced verbal skills, but struggles with anxiety with perfectionism. His stress responses can be intense and loud, and his provider must maintain both safety and joy in their relationship. The shadow needs to be playful and spontaneous, yet consistent and sturdy when setting boundaries. You will be supporting him with hands-on learning, including the scaffolding of educational projects, and your role will be to co-regulate with him while remaining calm and supportive.
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Child #2 is a 13-year-old with a good sense of humor who loves art and music, though he suffers from anxiety and may perseverate and cycle regarding time and rituals that are important to him. His provider must maintain both safety and joy in their relationship, being playful and spontaneous yet consistent and sturdy when setting boundaries, particularly during periods of high anxiety. If you know and love Disney characters, music, and stories, you will be a natural fit. As part of your role as a shadow, you will both drive the child to community activities and support him during therapies and activities, including speech and occupational therapies, as well as summer camp. Your role will be to co-regulate with him while remaining calm and supportive.
Due to the childrens’ autism, they receive funding from the Eastern Los Angeles County Regional Center (https://www.elarc.org/) to meet their needs and for this service and staff. They are part of the Self-Determination Program (https://www.elarc.org/consumers-families/self-determination) which is why their family can select their own staff. Specifically, you will be hired by a Financial Management Service (FMS), Acumen Fiscal Agent, as a W-2 employee paid hourly at a rate of up to $30.00 per hour depending on experience and qualifications; payment will be twice per month. You must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, able to pass a background check and have a driving record acceptable to the FMS to qualify for this position, as well as reliable transportation to be able to drive the children as needed. The family serves as your employer of record, and you will receive tax documentation each year that you need to report.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: Up to $30.00 per hour
Schedule:
- 4 hour shift
- 8 hour shift
- Evening shift
- Overnight shift
- Weekends as needed
- Weekends only
Application Question(s):
- PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer this question in full, your application will not be considered.
This is a part-time position, for approximately 12 to 20 (consistent) hours per week. Please indicate your availability and what shifts/days/times you could work.
- PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer this question in its entirety, your application will not be considered.
This position requires a background check (LiveScan) and being paid through a Financial Management Service (FMS). Please confirm that you are willing and able to go through this process prior to hire.
- PLEASE NOTE: If you do not answer this question in its entirety, your application will not be considered.
The family is looking for people who have a passion for working with children, autism, mental health, and/or special needs. What interests you about this position? What specific skills or experience do you bring that you believe will make you a good fit?
License/Certification:
- driver's license and car, with acceptable driving record (Required)
Work Location: In person
