Young Adult Support Specialist - Independent Living Skills (Part-Time)
We are seeking a reliable, supportive, patient, and warm individual who enjoys building connections to help a young adult woman in her 20s build confidence, independence, and everyday life skills while participating in community and educational activities.
This is a Community Habilitation position funded through an OPWDD Self-Direction program. The employee will be hired and paid through AIM Services.
This position focuses on supporting independent living skills, executive functioning, transportation planning, community participation, organization, problem-solving, and individualized goals while encouraging independence and self-advocacy.
The ideal candidate enjoys building a trusting relationship with young adults and helping them develop confidence, independence, and life skills. The right person will be comfortable working at the individual's pace while gently encouraging engagement, participation, and growth. They provide calm, predictable support while naturally introducing ideas, choices, and opportunities for skill-building in a way that feels supportive rather than demanding.
The right person understands that trust and connection come first. They are patient, flexible, and able to respond calmly to different emotions, communication styles, and comfort levels. They enjoy helping someone feel successful, heard, and supported while encouraging independence and self-confidence.
Transportation Location & Schedule Requirements
This position requires reliable transportation and availability primarily between Middle Island and Riverhead passing through Ridge, Manorville, and Calverton. Candidates who live in or near these areas are strongly preferred due to the transportation schedule. Early morning availability is required one day per week.
Support is needed on the following schedule:
Wednesdays
- Transportation from the individual’s home to college. Departure time will be approximately 2:00 PM or earlier if needed to ensure arrival by 2:30 PM.
- If the individual participates in a scheduled community activity, music class, or planned outing in the area, transportation may be needed earlier.
- Pickup from college at approximately 8:30 PM and transportation back to the individual’s home (approximately a 30-minute drive).
Thursdays (Early Day)
- Morning transportation from the individual’s home at approximately 6:30 AM to arrive at college by 7:00 AM.
- Pickup from college at approximately 2:30 PM and transportation back to the individual’s home. If the individual chooses to remain in the community for an activity or interest, departure time may be later.
Additional hours may become available based on the individual’s goals, schedule, and approved support needs.
Responsibilities may include:
- Providing transportation while supporting community navigation, errands, planning, problem-solving, and independence
- Supporting independent living skills and progress toward individualized goals
- Helping develop planning, organization, scheduling, and routines that support independence
- Supporting executive functioning skills, including problem-solving and task completion
- Assisting the individual in exploring personal interests, hobbies, and future goals while developing skills to research, plan, and participate in meaningful activities
- Providing encouragement while supporting independence and personal choices
- Building rapport and creating natural opportunities for participation based on the individual's interests, strengths, and comfort level
- Supporting decision-making by offering choices, encouragement, and collaboration rather than pressure
- Supporting community-based independent living skills such as grocery shopping, planning meals, purchasing needed items, and developing confidence with everyday routines
Qualifications:
- Reliable transportation required
- Valid driver’s license and safe driving record
- Patient, dependable, and comfortable working one-on-one with a young adult
- Comfortable with different levels of interaction and able to maintain a calm, supportive presence during both quiet moments and times when additional reassurance or encouragement may be needed
- Able to encourage independence while providing support when needed
- Experience with disabilities, ASD, ADHD, anxiety, selective mutism, OPWDD, education, psychology, social work, mentoring, or related fields is a plus
- Warm, emotionally steady, and able to build trust through patience, consistency, and respectful communication
Position Details:
- Part-time position
- Approximately 6–8 hours per week
- $30 per hour
- Paid training provided
- Mileage Reimbursement
- Schedule based on the individual’s college schedule and approved support needs
Employment Requirements
- Completion of required New York State and agency background screenings
Pay: From $30.00 per hour
Application Question(s):
- Do you have reliable transportation and a valid driver’s license?
Work Location: In person
