We're looking for a part-time Peer Support Specialist to work one-on-one with a young adult with autism (low support needs) in building communication skills, emotional regulation, and greater independence in everyday life.
This role is ideal for someone who considers themselves a natural born teacher and has a strong intuitive understanding of healthy communication and emotional regulation. The individual is supported by a clinical team that develops therapeutic goals and skill-building exercises. Your role is to help bridge the gap between clinical sessions and everyday life by reinforcing these skills through consistent practice in real-world situations.
The long-term goal of this role is to help the individual become more confident and independent in navigating everyday situations with less support over time.
What You’ll Do:
- Accompany the individual at home and on community outings (e.g., going for walks, grabbing coffee, shopping, running errands, etc.), using everyday interactions as opportunities to practice communication and emotional regulation skills.
- Incorporate exercises and strategies recommended by the clinical team into everyday activities in a way that feels engaging, practical, and natural.
- Provide consistent support and accountability to help ensure new skills are practiced between clinical sessions and develop lasting habits.
- Gradually build confidence and independence by providing the right level of support—offering guidance when needed while encouraging the individual to take ownership and problem-solve independently.
- Create a calm, non-judgmental environment where mistakes are treated as opportunities for learning while still maintaining expectations and accountability.
About You:
- You are someone who naturally models healthy communication and emotional regulation in your own interactions
- You have experience working with neurodivergent individuals—or you’re excited to learn.
- You have a reliable vehicle, a valid driver’s license, and are comfortable transporting the individual to community activities (e.g., errands, walks, coffee outings, and other activities).
- You enjoy getting out into the community and using everyday experiences as opportunities for connection, learning, and growth.
- You remain calm and steady when challenges arise.
- You are warm and encouraging while also comfortable maintaining structure and follow-through.
- You can turn everyday situations into short, teachable moments without making them feel like lessons
Bonus Points:
- Prior experience as a paraprofessional, aide, tutor, camp counselor, mentor, or in another hands-on teaching or support role.
- Background in psychology, child development, speech and language studies, education, or a related field.
- You bring positive, encouraging energy and can make learning feel relaxed, approachable, and enjoyable.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- What is your experience level working with adults with developmental disabilities? If you don’t have direct experience in one of these areas, what draws you to working with an adult with disabilities?
- What is your weekly availability?
- Do you have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license?
Ability to Commute:
- Palo Alto, CA 94306 (Required)
Work Location: In person
