The Polus Center Autism Supports Training Program is a multi-faceted opportunity for job seekers in central and western MA interested in beginning an exciting and rewarding career in the field of autism support.
Are you not feeling fulfilled in your current job?
Are you unemployed and looking for a new opportunity?
Are you just entering the workforce and looking for a career with the opportunity for growth?
If you enjoy working with others and seeing them succeed, this may be the field for you!
In 2020, the CDC’s Autism and Developmental Disabilities Monitoring Network found that about 1 in 36 children have an autism diagnosis. Only a decade prior, this estimate was 1 in 68.
Supports are available for individuals with autism of all ages, which results in a diverse and saturated job market. While the opportunities are bountiful, some positions professionals may choose to pursue are as paraprofessionals in schools, in-home, school, or center-based therapeutic support professionals, direct support professionals, job coaches, life skills trainers, and transportation providers.
All students enrolled in this course will engage in a five-week intensive curriculum focused on answering the following questions:
- What is autism?
- What supports & professional opportunities exist in the field?
- What are best practices in this line of work?
- How can I be successful in seeking, obtaining, and maintaining employment?
Students interested in becoming paraprofessionals will have the opportunity to extend their education and enroll in a two-week Paraprofessional Training facilitated by Fitchburg State University. Participants who successfully complete this two-week intensive course will earn a badge of completion from Fitchburg State University.
This two-week paraprofessional training will cover topics such as:
- Effective Roles & Responsibilities of Paraeducators
- Social Emotional Development & Positive Behavior Management
- Instructional Strategies
- Building Culturally Responsive Relationships and Effective Communication
It is required that anyone pursuing a paraprofessional position who does not have an associate’s degree or higher pass the Parapro test. Study materials, as well as one week of intensive test preparation led by a licensed educator, will support those in need of this credential.
This is a virtual training program, which meets Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 AM to 1 PM over Zoom and is taught by over a dozen trainers, professionals, and individuals with lived experience.
Participants will receive a certificate of completion following the end of the course. All participants will also have continued support with resume and cover letter development as well as interview preparation from Polus Center staff until a position is obtained.
This is a training-to-work program.
Everyone enrolled MUST COMMIT to seeking employment in the field of autism supports and, once employment is obtained, maintain that employment for a minimum of 30 days. First and 30-day pay statements MUST be submitted to Polus Center to fulfill the commitment made to the course.
Enrollment Criteria
To apply, a candidate must:
- Be a Massachusetts resident
- Be unemployed or underemployed
- Have a high school diploma or equivalent
- Be able to pass standard background checks
- Have access to reliable internet & a computer
- Have access to reliable transportation
- Be ready to start work upon graduation
All interested candidates, neurodivergent and neurotypical, are encouraged to apply!
For more information, please contact:
Katie Moura, Program Director
978-895-3285
kmoura [at] poluscenter.org
This project is funded by the Senator Kenneth J. Donnelly Workforce Success Grant (Workforce Competitiveness Trust Fund FY’24-26 Appropriation) through the Massachusetts Executive Office of Labor and Workforce Development and is administered by Commonwealth Corporation.
