Transition Academy Coordinator in Denton, Texas at 29 Acres Inc

About 29 Acres: 29 Acres is a nonprofit organization that enhances the lives of adults with Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). 29 Acres focuses on using research-based practices and programming to make meaningful and measured progress. At 29 Acres, we prioritize individualized programming, setting specific goals and outcomes tailored to the unique needs of our clients.

29 Acre’s living community is located in Crossroads Texas approximately 30 miles north of Dallas. Located near the shores of Lake Lewisville, 29 Acres is a quiet community yet is only minutes away from the University of North Texas and all the major services and activities of the Dallas metroplex. It is easily accessible from several highways serving the North Texas area.

In addition, our Transition Academy is just minutes away from the University of North Texas and Texas Woman's University who we closely partner with. We have various different research projects continuously happening with UNT while TWU provides the bulk of our support and joint programs!

Position Summary

The Transition Academy Coordinator is to support Student Specialist and Life Skills Coaches with students and their planned goals, recreational activities, vocational opportunities, life skills and personal care. The Coordinator for Transition Academy works with staff and students to improve student independence. This is accomplished by support of weekly goals, teaching life skills, vocational skills, social skills, healthy habits, budgeting, and meal planning, providing cooking assistance and assisting with any other skills to help students become more independent.

Position Qualifications

• Preferred: Bachelor's degree in psychology, Education, Special Education, Sociology, Social Work or a related field

• Preferred: RBT Certification

• Required: Certifications in:

  • Company training must be completed in the first 30 days of employment (First Aid, CPR, Safety Care, Medication Delegation, HIPAA, ANE)

• Required: Must be able to pass a criminal background check and drug test.

• Required: Must hold a valid Texas driver’s license and possess an acceptable driving record.

• Required working conditions:

  • Environments include indoor (e.g. office, house, classroom), and outdoor with resultant climate variations.

  • May include required strength/endurance (e.g. lifting, carrying, pushing, pulling, etc.), exposure to injury (e.g. biting, hitting, kicking) and/or other hazards (e.g. bodily fluids)

  • Must have the physical ability to respond appropriately to situations that require first aid or CPR.

  • Must be able to assist adults in emergency situations.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Operational Responsibilities

• Meet with the TA Director for student planning and professional development.

• Assist classroom instructor with classroom behaviors, accommodations, and learning.

• Run small group lessons with students.

• Will attend weekly meetings with the Life Skills Coaches and Student Specialists for updates and collaboration on an as needed basis.

• Help in the onboarding process for new hires through overlapping training sessions and assisting in 29 Acres 101 with leadership.

• Provide support to staff in daily operations of life skills training to assist students in planning activities, vocational training, daily life skills, budgeting, cooking, social and other programs, including evening and weekend staff.

• The Freshman TA Coordinator will be in charge of overseeing timecard approvals and corrections on a bi-weekly basis while the Sophomore will oversee the TA extension program.

• Meet with Student Specialists weekly to ensure progress towards set program goals and work toward living a self-determined life based on programming goals and each student’s personal goals.

• Assist students with medication refills, scheduling personal appointments, and scheduling transportation.

• Assist students and staff with finding jobs, scheduling interviews, prepping, and attending employment in conjunction with the Vocational Services Team

• Collect data, observe and evaluate as directed towards goals.

• Ensure safety and welfare (e.g. assist students taking medication on schedule, administering CPR and first aid if necessary)

• Serve as an advocate for students.

• Engage in ongoing professional development and staff training.

• Collaborate with other professionals while maintaining a “can do” attitude to ensure a proactive approach to all situations.

• Perform other assignments as delegated by the Director of Transition Academy

• Work with the Director and direct staff proactively on student problem behavior until resolved.

Behavioral Responsibilities

• Cultivate a collaborative and supportive culture among Student Specialist, Life Skill Coaches, and other staff, fostering open communication and teamwork.

• Advocate for a client-centered culture, ensuring that support and guidance provided align with individualized plans for students' skill development and independence.

• Encourage a positive and inclusive atmosphere, recognizing and valuing the diverse strengths and backgrounds of both staff and students.

• Promote a culture of continuous learning, providing mentorship and support for Student Specialist and Coaches to enhance their effectiveness in supporting student goals.

• Uphold ethical standards and confidentiality in providing assistance for life skills, vocational skills, and personal care, ensuring the well-being of students.

Personal Characteristics

• Strong leadership qualities, providing guidance and mentorship.

• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, facilitating effective interactions among team members, staff, and students.

• Compassion and empathy, recognizing and understanding the unique needs and progress of each student, while offering support to Student Specialist and Life Skill Coaches.

• Adaptability and flexibility, adjusting support strategies to accommodate diverse learning styles, preferences, and individualized goals.

• Organizational skills, managing support for weekly goals, lesson plans, and activities to ensure a structured and effective learning and development environment.

• Positive attitude, creating a motivating and encouraging atmosphere that boosts the confidence and self-esteem of staff and students alike.

This job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of duties, responsibilities, or activities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

*29 Acres is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applications will be considered for employment without unlawful discrimination based on race, color, creed, national origin, sex, age disability, marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity and expression, military status, prior record of arrest or conviction, or current employment status. 29 Acres is deeply committed to diversity, equity, and inclusion. We believe social change happens when people with a wide range of backgrounds, experiences, and identities come together with a common purpose. We encourage candidates from different backgrounds to apply.