Weekend Community Mentor

Weekend Community Mentor – Adults with Autism

Location: Fairfield / Essex County, New Jersey area
Schedule: Part-Time, Weekends
Position Type: Part-Time / Weekend

About the Role

We are seeking a caring, energetic, and dependable Weekend Community Mentor to support adults with autism in participating in meaningful recreational, cultural, social, and community activities.

This is a great opportunity for a college student or recent graduate interested in psychology, social work, special education, occupational therapy, speech-language pathology, recreational therapy, behavioral health, or human services.

The mentor will spend time with an autistic adult in the community, helping them explore activities, build confidence, practice communication and social skills, and enjoy a more active and engaging weekend.

What You’ll Do

Accompany and support individuals during weekend community outings.

Participate together in activities such as sports, walking, movies, bowling, museums, libraries, community events, parks, and cultural activities.

Encourage conversation, communication, social interaction, and appropriate community behavior.

Help the individual explore new interests and become comfortable trying new activities.

Promote independence and confidence while providing appropriate guidance and encouragement.

Serve as a positive role model and mentor.

Maintain a safe, respectful, patient, and supportive environment.

Communicate with the program/team regarding activities, participation, and progress when needed.

Who We’re Looking For

We are looking for someone who is:

Patient, compassionate, friendly, and dependable.

Comfortable working one-on-one with an adult with autism.

Energetic and interested in sports, recreation, cultural activities, and community outings.

A strong communicator who enjoys helping others.

Available on Saturdays and/or Sundays.

Able to travel locally for community activities.

Experience with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities is preferred, but students interested in gaining hands-on experience are encouraged to apply.

Why This Role Is Different

This is more than a traditional support position. You will have an opportunity to build a meaningful mentoring relationship while helping an individual develop communication, social, recreational, and independent-living skills through real-world experiences.

For students pursuing careers in psychology, education, social work, behavioral health, speech therapy, occupational therapy, or related fields, this position provides valuable direct experience supporting an individual with autism in the community.

Interested candidates: Please apply with your resume and a short introduction explaining your interest in working with adults with autism and your weekend availability.