We’re looking for a 1:1 aide for an engaging young man with Prader-Willi syndrome, to support him at his home and in the community in his activities, exercise, and chores, and to engage him in productive, interesting pursuits. He enjoys learning, reads a lot of political news, writes postcards to voters, loves to hike (up to 5-7 miles or more), participates in Special Olympics golf, softball, and soccer, is taking swimming lessons, and is currently enrolled in a birdwatching class. He likes board games, is a docent at the Oakland Zoo, and is a high school graduate with some community college coursework in US History, Political Science, Environmental Science, Spanish, etc. He also currently spends too much time on his computer and not quite enough time keeping his room tidy or following his daily plan.
PWS is a complex disorder with a variety of symptoms and behaviors, including: learning disabilities (issues with attention, short-term memory, reading, receptive language, and poor auditory processing), behavioral challenges (anxiety, cognitive rigidity, OCD, emotional lability), deficits in social cognition (challenges with reciprocal communication, recognizing others' emotions, empathy skills, and accurate interpretation of social cues), and the unique one- hyperphagia (characterized by a lack of satiety, a high interest in food, and a mild to intense drive to find and consume food). No one person with PWS is the same, but most exhibit many of the classic symptoms to varying degrees.
Our son lives in a supported living home in Novato with three other young adults with Prader-Willi syndrome. The greatest staffing need for our son is for weekdays, but there is some flexibility, and additional evening and weekend shifts are very likely to be available, as well as opportunities to work with the other residents. You would be part of a team of 1:1 staff supporting the individuals in the home.
Supporting our son in his activities and responsibilities would provide an amazing professional development opportunity for anyone considering a career in education, special education, psychology, medicine, nursing, or behavioral science, social work, etc. Past aides have included recent college grads seeking experience before diving into their long-term professional careers.
You will ideally be able to:
o Provide at least 30 hours of support per week
o Participate in training and staff meetings
o Walk, hike, and enjoy participating in other outdoor activities
o Have interests you’d enjoy sharing
o Drive to activities
o Show lots of initiative
You are:
o Positive, creative, patient, flexible, observant, and energetic
o Ambitious
o Enjoy using humor and distraction to redirect and maintain focus
o Comfortable setting firm but kind limits
o Eager to learn about PWS and implement strategies shared by experts, managers, and family
You ideally:
o Have experience working with people with special needs and/or are interested in or studying education, special education, behavioral science, psychology or other related field.
If interested, please respond with resume and cover letter.
Pay: $26/hour plus benefits
License/Certification:
Driver's License plus 2 years driving experience (Required)
A vehicle and car insurance