Family Support Provider Sussex County

POSITION SUMMARY

The Family Support Provider (FSP) is a parent or guardian of a child, youth, or adult with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) who brings lived experience, leadership, and partnership skills to help other families and the systems that serve them.

The FSP provides confidential, one-on-one support and coaching to families of individuals with ASD, assisting them in navigating educational, therapeutic, and social service systems. FSPs help families develop positive advocacy skills, make informed decisions, and address challenges related to caring for their child or youth.

FSPs follow Autism Delaware’s family support empowerment and family-driven model of care, providing community-based peer-to-peer support. This position requires an understanding of service systems and resources for individuals with autism, and the ability to share that knowledge effectively in family meetings. Training and ongoing professional development are provided.

EMPLOYEE PHILOSOPHY STATEMENT

At Autism Delaware, we believe in supporting those who support our mission — and that begins with the way we show up for one another every day. We ask every employee to be the person you want to work with: respectful, kind, collaborative, and professional.

MISSION

Autism Delaware's mission is to help people and families affected by autism.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS and RESPONSIBILITIES

Understand The Agency’s Mission & Treatment Philosophy

• Understands and models Autism Delaware’s mission, vision, commitments, and family-driven philosophy of support
• Maintains confidentiality of service recipients at all times
• Participates actively in meetings, demonstrating self-awareness, responsibility, initiative, and professionalism
• Provide support to other services as needed, participate in agency functions, initiatives and fundraising events

Family Support & Coaching

• Provides 1:1 support and coaching to assigned families navigating educational, therapeutic, and social services systems
• Meets with families face-to-face or via videoconference
• Shares lived experience when appropriate to benefit clients
• Supports families in advocacy skill development and resource identification
• Assists with navigating the IEP/504 process and participates in service team meetings as needed
• Maintains up-to-date knowledge of Delaware services and supports

Collaboration & Representation

• Works collaboratively with other professionals supporting families
• Represents Autism Delaware with professionalism
• Contributes information on local resources to Autism Delaware

Documentation & Compliance

• Maintains accurate and timely client records, case notes, and service documentation in the appropriate database
• Submits all documentation within 48 hours of appointments
• Maintains an up-to-date training log
• Adheres to HIPAA privacy and security requirements

NON-ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Maintains a safe, hazard-free work environment
• Monitors facilities and equipment for cleanliness and safety, raising concerns when necessary
• Identifies potential program risks and alerts the appropriate staff immediately
• Ensure confidentiality of all business and client information, including compliance with state and federal laws and regulations, including HIPAA

WORKING CONDITIONS & PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

This is a part-time position (15–29 hours/week) meeting families in the community, at Autism Delaware offices, or via telehealth (video conferencing). Travel to various locations is expected.  Must be able to participate in meetings, training, and events that require prolonged sitting, standing, and occasional lifting of materials.

QUALIFICATIONS

Minimum Requirements

1. Must self-identify as a parent or legal guardian of an adult with autism spectrum disorder
2. Minimum age 21
3. High school diploma or GED required
4. Successfully pass background checks and a drug screening 
5. Valid Driver’s license, auto insurance and favorable driving record; reliable transportation
6. Ability to use lived experiences to assist and support other families
7. Knowledge of adult autism service systems, including special education, DDDS/DVR, and Medicaid
8. Ability to work effectively with multidisciplinary teams
9. Dependable with a positive attitude
10. Strong time management skills and ability to meet deadlines for documentation
11. Excellent oral and written communication skills
12. Ability to use and/or learn a variety of computer software applications
13. Commitment to Autism Delaware’s core values and options policy
14. Bilingual English/Spanish a plus
15. Evening availability a plus

Requirements for Continued Employment

1. Adherence to Autism Delaware policies and procedures
2. Punctual and regular attendance at staff trainings and bi-weekly supervision meetings
3. Ability to work cooperatively with clients, coworkers, funders, and community partners
4. Willingness to adapt to evolving service needs and organizational priorities