Independent Living Case Manager

Job Description

Job Description

Independent Living Case Manager

Position Type: Full-Time (40 hours per week, or prorated pay and benefits at 32-35)
Location: Hybrid of Community-based/work from home/office*

*Client visits are typically within 20–60 minutes of Watertown, MA; there are periodic events at AANE’s Watertown office; many responsibilities are suitable for remote use of a home office or optional use of AANE’s Watertown office

About the Role

AANE’s LifeNet program is seeking a skilled, compassionate, pro-active, and collaborative occupational therapy, social work, or similarly trained clinician to serve as Independent Living Case Manager & Direct Support Specialist. This provider will join our mission-driven team and support autistic adults in living independently and thriving in their communities. The LifeNet program offers a variety of services including case management, facilitated social activities, and supportive 1:1 home and community based visits - all with the aim to contribute to an adult’s support network and safety net as they navigate adulthood.

This dynamic role combines direct in-home and in-community support, case management and advocacy, group leadership, and peer collaboration. Independent Living Case Manager & Direct Support Specialists work on a team to co-create individualized LifeNet Support Plans with clients and provide ongoing, flexible assistance tailored to each adult’s needs.

Key Responsibilities

Direct Client Support

• Provide one-on-one, strengths-based support to LifeNet adults in their homes and communities.

• Accompany and empower adults to participate in independent living responsibilities, which in a given visit may include home organization, meal preparation, healthcare appointments, bill payments, social engagement, recreation, and/or transportation.

• Build professional, trusting relationships while maintaining appropriate boundaries.

• Support emotional regulation, executive functioning, and problem-solving in everyday tasks.

• Observe and respond to changes in health, safety, or well-being, raising concerns to the team and problem-solving collaboratively.

Advocacy & Case Management

• Lead and complete intake and assessment processes, contributing to client-centered, individualized, and strengths-based support plans authored by the adult clients.

• Collaborate with partner team members to design, implement, and adapt LifeNet Support Plans and associated supportive activities facilitated by the team.

• Coordinate with family members, clinicians, and other service providers in the adult’s support network when appropriate, and seek new connections and referrals for an adult when needed.

• Facilitate team meetings to elevate the client’s voice on topics related to their priorities and their future.

• Engage in regular check-ins (in-person, by phone, or virtually) to sustain connection and track progress.
  
  

Teamwork & Administration

• Participate in weekly team meetings, offering case updates and input into collaborative planning.

• Track time, mileage, case notes, and progress in the secure case management system.

• Schedule client engagements in accordance with duration/frequency outlined in their service tier, managing one’s own schedule and overseeing client engagement

• Contribute to program-wide initiatives such as resource research, small-group event facilitation, and/or community partnership building.

• Rotate into shared responsibilities such as peer supervision, occasional evening events, and (for an additional stipend) monitoring an after hours phone for time sensitive, remote client problem solving.

Qualifications

• Licensure in occupational therapy, social work, counseling, or similar field.

• Experience supporting autistic adults OR transferable experience in human services, case management, or related fields.

• Demonstrated ability or transferable skills to provide both direct support and case coordination.

• Valid driver’s license, clean driving record, and reliable vehicle.

• Strong interpersonal, organizational, and time management skills.

• Patience, flexibility, and problem-solving skills.

• Ability to work independently while also collaborating as a peer team member and/or team leader.

• Proficiency with technology (Google Suite, Zoom, Microsoft Word, case management tools).

• Willingness to undergo state and federal background checks
  
  

Compensation & Benefits

• Hourly wage commensurate with experience for full-time (80-100% of 40) hours

• 12+ annual paid holidays + paid time off for vacations and sick time

• Access to health insurance, FSA, and/or DCA accounts for qualifying employees

• Employer match for IRA contributions

• Mileage reimbursement at the federal rate

• Paid drive time between client visits; commuting time compensated per LifeNet policy

• Employment verification for PSLF program participants

• Supervision, peer collaboration, and professional development opportunities

• A supportive, mission-driven team environment

Organization Description: Association for Autism and Neurodiversity (AANE) helps Autistic and similarly Neurodivergent people build meaningful, connected lives. We provide individuals, families, and professionals with education, community and support, in an inclusive atmosphere of validation and respect.

AANE’s Commitment to Recruiting and Retaining Racially Diverse Professionals: As a global leader in promoting neurodiverse environments in all aspects of society, AANE is deeply committed to the values of diversity, equity, and inclusion in the communities we serve and in our own workplace. We are dedicated to hiring and supporting a racially diverse team, and we encourage professionals of color to apply for this and other job opportunities with our organization. Please consider joining us.