Volunteer PEERS Program Assistant

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Summary

The ASD Adult Achievement Center is seeking a Program Assistant to assist with our PEERS Program. PEERS for Young Adults (Ages 18-35) is a 14-week, evidence-based social skills training for motivated young adults with ASD who are interested in learning skills to develop friendships and romantic relationships. We provide a nurturing environment and are seeking Program Assistants who have a strong desire to support our program participants with patience, empathy and understanding. This is a great opportunity for individuals who want to gain experience working with young adults with ASD, improve their communication and professional skills, and help facilitate our mission of empowering adults with ASD with knowledge and skills for successful living. Responsibilities

• Duties include participating in role-play exercises, assisting young adults with behavioral rehearsals, and assisting with social coaching and peer review during sessions.
• Instruction takes place in-person at our center in Altamonte Springs.
• The volunteer must be able to communicate and interact effectively and respectfully with high-functioning adults with ASD.

Skills and Abilities

• Experience working with young adults with autism or special needs is preferred but not required.
• Must demonstrate empathy, patience, and friendliness while working with high-functioning adults with autism.

Lessons within PEERS Listed below is a snapshot of the potential lessons within PEERS. Please be advised that you will be participating in role-play and behavioral exercises for these topics.

Please note, this schedule may be altered at the discretion of the instructor to accommodate the 14-week program; lessons may be combined, omitted, etc. Session 1: Trading Information and Starting Conversations Session 2: Trading Information and Maintaining Conversations Session 3: Finding a Source of Friends Session 4: Electronic Communication Session 5: Appropriate Use of Humor Session 6: Entering Group Conversations Session 7: Exiting Conversations Session 8: Planning & Hosting Get-Togethers Session 9: Dating Etiquette - Letting Someone Know You Like Them Session 10: Dating Etiquette - Asking Someone On a Date Session 11: Dating Etiquette - Going On Dates Session 12: Dating Etiquette - Dating Do’s and Don’ts Session 13: Handling Disagreements Session 14: Handling Teasing, Bullying & Embarrassing Feedback Session 15: Handling Cyber Bullying, Rumors & Gossip Session 16: Moving Forward: Putting It All Together