Our Programs
Employment — General
The Homestead's services consist of four key programs serving both adults and children in full-time and in-home capacities. By offering these varied programs, we're able to provide the best and most appropriate services to many people with autism.
Working or volunteering in these programs is a rewarding experience that often teaches the staff as much as they teach the individuals we serve.
Campus Residential Program
Our Campus Residential Program serves 24 adults with autism on our campus and farm in Pleasant Hill, Iowa. These 24 residents live on campus full time and are paid to work on the campus in a variety of capacities.
Our campus employees work multiple shifts in a variety of jobs. Many of these positions assist individuals served while they learn to work in our agricultural based vocational program. Employees accompany individuals in the greenhouse and the field helping grow a variety of certified naturally grown produce for our customers.
Work hours traditionally run from 6 am to 2 pm, 2 pm to 10 pm and 10 pm to 6 am with a few minor exceptions.
Youth Home
The Homestead's Youth Home in Altoona, Iowa, serves the needs of 8 full-time children, all under the age of 18. Youth home employees work a variety of shifts to ensure the residents are served 24 hours a day. During the school year, children are usually involved with a public school program and staffing needs range around times when children are not in school. Employees work with the children on everything from homework and daily living tasks to social interaction, grooming, community activities and more.
Youth Community Services
Most children with autism live at home with their parents. Our Youth Community Services program provides in-home services to children with autism living in Central Iowa.
Staff will work intensively with each child for 2-3 hours a day. Some children participate in school programs so the hours they receive support frequently include after school, early evening and weekends. Some children are too young to attend school programs and receive support during the day. Managers can provide specific information about hours of availability during the interview process.
Frequently the team member will work with more than one child, driving from one home to another to allow the employee to pick up more hours. The nature of the work will be determined through the interdisciplinary team process which prioritizes which specific, measurable goals to be used.
Adult Community Services
The Homestead's Adult Community Services program provides adults living with family or in their own apartment or home with the services they need.
The interdisciplinary team identifies how much and what type of support is required to support each adult in this program. Some individuals served will receive support for a few hours a day while others will be supported 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. The team identifies teaching strategies that will be used in the adult's home and community.
There are many different shifts available for employees in this department. Some are daytime, evening, morning, overnight and weekend hours of a variety of lengths. The manager can share specifics about hour availability with candidates during the interview process.
