About Us » Employment

Employment Opportunities

Each of us has a sense of untapped potential, skills and capabilities not yet developed, personal goals not yet accomplished... or perhaps never attempted. At The Option Institute we offer you a work experience where we help you scale the heights of your personal professional summit.

WHO WE ARE

We are an organization that breaks the mold, dares to do what others hesitate doing and, as a result, help people deal with life's challenges in powerful and loving ways. Join a group of dedicated, passionately-involved and caring people who want to give all they've got... and want to maximize their current skills, expand their capabilities and contribute big time through their work.

Our pastoral 100-acre campus provides a perfect setting for not only our students who come to the Institute from over 78 countries but also for the staff. The site provides an exceptional oasis for working, living and learning. Come live and work in SW Massachusetts. – (2 1/2 hrs from NYC, 3 Hrs. from Boston.) Leave the hustle/bustle -- and live your life in heaven -- cosmopolitan (great sushi, great lattes) yet rural (beautiful country roads and quaint story book towns.) We have been serving the world on our Sheffield, Massachusetts campus for over 25 years.

I just wanted to say thank you. I had a wonderful time observing the program Who Are You & What Is Yor Purpose? When I was at home yesterday I had the opportunity to speak to my mother and thank her. I told her that I wanted to say thank you for doing the best that she could. She asked me "when?" I told her "for my whole life." She was so happy that I shared this with her. She told me that she has had regrets for not being there for my brother and myself. I told her that where I work I have learned that we do the best that we can with the beliefs that we have. I then told her again "so I want to say thank you for doing the best that you could with the beliefs that you had. You are great." She was so happy to talk to me at that moment, but what I noticed for myself was the bountiful amounts of love that I now feel for my mother. I have always loved my mother because of what she is "my mother" but never, to my knowledge, have I ever loved her for who she was and who she is. I now look at her as a woman who raised two children doing the best that she could with the beliefs that she had. What a difference that makes in my heart, I can feel my whole body loving her and smiling just thinking about her. I hope you don't mind that I have sent this to you but I wanted to share this with you and say thank you for showing me the best gift that I have EVER given my mother.

~ Jessica L., Accounts Receivables at The Option Institute

I quit my job in 2008 after coming to the realization that my employer wanted me to be somebody other than myself and my body was also physically telling me that it was not the right fit for me. I had no other planned employment so I took a leap into the unknown and made my choice to leave. Four months later I was still unemployed.

Then I came to work at The Option Institute and here I am 1 year later. This place, the people and what we do in the world is truly inspiring. I always knew I wanted to help others and I have now found a job where I can help others, use my skill set and be part of a work environment where we all truly care for one another.

So thank you (and Samahria) for creating this place and giving me the gift of a lifetime. Instead of saying I found a job, I have found a home.

~ Jessica Kopecky, Former Human Resources Manager/Executive Assistant

Current Openings

Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.


Property Supervisor

Classification: Full Time

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Property Supervisor will be responsible for all phases of property management, including building maintenance, grounds keeping, interacting with outside contractors as well as supervising the Property Department team.

Responsibilities:

  • Oversee and manage all aspects of the day to day operations of the Property Department.
  • Directly maintain the Property through hands on work in all phases of buildings and ground maintenance as well as supervising the Property crew.
  • On call commitment as needed.
  • Develop internal and external communications and reports as needed.

Skills and Experience:

  • Previous supervisory and maintenance (light carpentry, HVAC) experience with an ability to lead people and accomplish goals
  • Experience with property management
  • Ability to provide hands on support in areas such as lawn mowing, facilities repair, snow plowing etc
  • Must be able to lift 50+lbs, climb ladders and work in high places.
  • Strong administrative skills including organization, report generation and task list generation
  • Demonstrated commitment to Health and Safety
  • Basic computer skills – MS Office, Word, Excel, Internet, Email
  • Excellent oral and written communication skills
  • Ability to foster a cooperative work environment
  • Ability to organize and manage multiple priorities
  • Problem analysis and resolution at both a strategic and functional level
  • Strong customer orientation
  • Valid US drivers license


Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.

Participant Support Coordinator

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time

POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are currently seeking an energetic and enthusiastic individual for our Participant Support Coordinator position. Candidate will be responsible for all aspects of the participant enrollment process. This entails outbound domestic and international calls to schedule clients for initial phone sessions with our Family Counselors and calls to clients to support the registration process, as well as all administrative tasks needed to successfully enroll clients in our Son Rise and Adult programs. Candidate needs to manage contact information using a contact management system (CRM) that encompasses e-mail accounts, accurate records keeping and accomplishing workflow tasks through calendaring in the CRM application. Candidate should possess excellent phone skills and strong customer service skills. Previous experience in call center or customer support departments is a plus.

HOURS: Tuesday through Saturday 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.

Duties:

  • Will work primarily in the Program Enrollment Department providing administrative assistance to our family and adult program counselors.
  • Will work with CRM (GoldMine), Excel, Word, Customized Access applications to perform invoicing, lodging assignments, reporting and querying, e-mail accounts and e-mail merges, Authorize.net, and various custom forms and templates.
  • Heavy phone work with clients and staff.
  • Supports clients on campus selling products in the Op Shop, enrolling clients in future programs and sessions, and providing assistance in the program room greeting and seating participants.
  • Serves as backup to the front office during specified times where all incoming calls are fielded.
  • Performs various duties and works on projects as assigned.

Requirements:

  • High School diploma or equivalent
  • Customer Service experience preferred
  • Excellent Phone Skills
  • Clear communicator – must possess strong interpersonal and relationship building skills
  • Excellent written and verbal communication skills
  • Strong organization skills – ability to juggle several projects at one time
  • Strong computer skills, MS Office (good working knowledge of WORD, Excel, and e-mail)
  • Attention to detail
  • Must be outgoing and customer friendly
  • Desire to be a team player and help others


Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.

Executive Assistant

POSITION OVERVIEW:
The Executive Assistant will act as the primary support for the CEO with general administrative tasks including scheduling, filing, writing correspondence and management tasks, as well as other project management duties as assigned. The position will represent and serve the CEO and the organization in a supportive and respectful manner.

Responsibilities:

  • Communicate with staff, participants and the public with integrity, clarity and understanding.
  • Update the CEO and express their direction to staff, participants and the public.
  • Write correspondence on behalf of the CEO and take notes in meetings as requested.
  • Schedule and Coordinate meetings.
  • Fulfill daily administrative duties of filing, copying, retrieving mail, and calendar management.
  • Generate reports.
  • Oversee projects as requested.

Requirements:

  • Executive level or high level administrative experience is a MUST.
  • Strong organizational skills—ability to juggle several projects at one time.
  • Knowledge of Microsoft Office software—MS Word and Excel.
  • Independent worker.
  • Energetic, organized team player.
  • Positive attitude.
  • Clear communicator and possess strong interpersonal skills.
  • Able to accept feedback and act on it.


Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.

Social Networking Marketing Specialist

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time

POSITION OVERVIEW:
We are looking for an experienced, creative, and motivated Marketing professional with strong demonstrated promotion and content creation writing abilities and excellent social networking skills to fulfill this role. Experience generating and converting qualified leads from social networking is essential. Candidate should have demonstrated experience, in a professional capacity, overseeing a wide variety of social media activities including but not limited to; blogging, community development and management, PPC ad campaigns, viralization, and commenting as well as optimizing the social media channels for prospect creation and development. Candidate should be experienced in social networking marketing platforms including, but not limited to, Facebook, YouTube, Twitter, LinkedIn, and blogs. Candidate should also have excellent analytical skills including a strong command of Excel.

Specific Responsibilities:

  • Create a comprehensive social media strategy to increase visibility, membership and traffic across all The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America's brands. Coordinate, implement, manage and measure all social media marketing communication projects.
  • Test new and alternative ways to leverage social media activities to generate qualified prospects and to create promotion flows to convert those prospects to program participants.
  • Monitor trends in social media tools, trends and applications and appropriately apply that knowledge to increase the effectiveness of social media for The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America™.
  • Monitor, post and develop content for all The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America social media platforms.
  • Strategize with and educate the management team and others across the Institute on incorporating relevant social media techniques into The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America culture and all products and services.
  • Analyze and measure (quantitative analysis) the impact of social media and associated PPC campaigns on marketing goals as a basis for decision making including status reports on the effectiveness of social media and PPC campaigns.
  • Create a Content Calendar/Schedule, for social media campaigns/projects based on the strategic goals of The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America.
  • Work with staff and teachers of The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America to coordinate timely, accurate responses to all social media postings.
  • Coordinate content creation for web and social media from teachers and key staff members.

Skills and experience:

  • Bachelor’s degree with an emphasis in marketing/business. Advanced degree desirable
  • Managerial/leadership and/or supervisory experience helpful
  • Excellent writing skills, computer skills, strong Excel and quantitative/ analytical skills. HTML a plus.
  • Professional experience creating marketing strategies and campaigns, planning and executing promotional events, previous experience preparing marketing plans and budgets
  • Previous experience writing promotional copy and press releases. Writing samples requested
  • Excellent organizational skills and ability to multi-task successfully under pressure a must

Attributes - the key attributes for this position include:

  • Creativity, Persistence, Persuasiveness
  • Willingness to test and experiment with knowledge of A/B and quantitative testing strategies
  • Ability to deal with uncertainty
  • Ability to contribute individually and participate in cross-functional teams
  • Ability to synthesize large amounts of data into actionable information
  • Excellent promotion writing and content creation skills
  • Excellent verbal communication skills
  • Ability to create effective working relationships with all levels within The Option Institute and Autism Treatment Center of America and across multiple disciplines
  • Sense of humor

Requirements:

  • Minimum 1-3 years of relevant, professional social networking and marketing experience.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Marketing or other relevant discipline.
  • Excellent analytical skills as well as strong Excel skills. HTML skills very helpful. Microsoft Office suite required.
  • Knowledgeable and experienced in blogging for professional goals.
  • Experience in participating in social networks and online communities, representing an organization to meet their strategic goals. Familiarity with podcasting, wikis and social bookmarking sites.
  • Understand the importance of ongoing monitoring and response speed in social networks Capable of providing The Option Institute with recommendations regarding social networking and blogging.
  • Comfortable and effective in training others to use social media.
  • Demonstrated results-based excellence as a promotion writer and writer of multi-purposed content for all web destinations.
  • Independent thinker and task master.
  • Demonstrated honesty, transparency and integrity.
  • Quick thinker and witty conversationalist/writer.
  • Ideal candidate would be active on: Facebook, You Tube, LinkedIn, Twitter and would have a current personal blog.


Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.

Human Resources Generalist

CLASSIFICATION: Full Time

POSITION OVERVIEW:

As a critical member of the management team, the HR Generalist will be responsible for designing and administering HR processes including recruiting, leadership development, employee relations, benefits and policies. This role will partner with leaders across the organization to effectively manage change, increase employee satisfaction and support our strategic priorities through excellence in our talent processes.

The ideal candidate should have a strong HR Generalist background including recruitment, benefits administration, writing and maintaining policies and should possess strong experience in employee relations and management coaching. The ideal candidate must have a solid understanding of current Federal and State labor and employment law.

Requirements:

  • Bachelor’s degree and 3-5 years of diverse Human Resources management experience
  • Demonstrated excellence in recruiting, employee relations, process design, leadership development, policy design and HR administration
  • Ability to influence leaders of all levels within the organization
  • Strong communication and relationship skills
  • Ability to multi-task in a fast paced, detail-oriented culture


Please email cover letter and resume to HR@option.org.

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Employment Benefits

  • Computer Discount Purchase Program: The Option Institute and CDW Computer Centers offer an Employee Purchase Program (EPP) for personal computing purchases. CDW extends the Institute's volume pricing for personal purchases on any products CDW.com has to offer.
  • Free Banking: Staff are eligible for a complete package of FREE banking services including free Internet banking at Berkshire Bank
  • Gym and Other Services: The Option Institute has a Nautilus equipped gym which staff may use. Staff may also use the masseuse's services.
  • Health Insurance: The Option Institute offers full time staff three health insurance selections provided by Health New England (and an MVP-HMO for New York State residents.) The choices include two HMOs and a PPO. The Institute pays for half of the individual's monthly premium for the basic plan. A staff member may buy up to the more expensive plans. The basic plan is an HMO.
  • Meal Plan: As we have a full time kitchen, staff are offered the opportunity to buy a discounted monthly three meal or lunch plan.

Paid Time Off

  • Accrual: Vacation and Sick time begin to accrue on the employees first day of employment, and may be taken after 6 months of employment
  • Vacation Benefits:Full-time employees receive paid vacation and the option to take additional unpaid personal time off according to the following schedule:
    • 1st and 2nd calendar year: 10 paid vacation days
    • 3rd calendar year: 10 paid vacation days and 5 unpaid personal days.
    • 4th through 6th calendar year: 15 paid vacation days and 5 unpaid personal days.
    • 7th through 9th calendar year: 25 paid vacation days.
    • 10th through 14th calendar year: 30 paid vacation days.
    • 15th calendar year and beyond: 35 paid vacation days.
    • Carry-Over of Unused Vacation: Employees may carry over up to five paid vacation days from one calendar year to the next.
  • Floating Holidays: In addition to the 4 standard paid holidays that the Institute provides, (Thanksgiving, the day after Thanksgiving, Christmas Day, and New Year's Day) staff receive 2 floating holidays per calendar year.
  • Sick Leave Policy: Full-time employees accrue five days of paid Sick Leave per year. Unused Sick days may be carried over into the next calendar year. In addition to illness, an employee may use Sick Leave to handle a family emergency, such as the illness of a family member, to schedule doctor visits for them self or a family member or for absence due to inclement weather.

Other time off policies

  • Christmas Break: To provide staff with an opportunity to travel or be with family without using earned vacation time both Christmas week and Thanksgiving week can be taken as unpaid time off.
  • We also have: Bereavement Leave, Jury Duty, and Family/Maternity/ Paternity Leave policies, etc.
  • Pension Plan: After one year of service, staff members are enrolled in The Option Institute Pension Plan. Contributions are made to this plan by The Option Institute.
  • Program Attendance: Employees may attend our adult weeklong or weekend programs with no tuition charge after six months of employment.
  • Staff Classes and Observing Programs: All staff are offered the opportunity to attend staff classes, to observe portions of our Adult Programs, and to observe the Son-Rise Program play room on a regular basis.

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Staff Testimonials

Administration/Office

Before I came to work for The Option Institute, I worked as an administrative assistant to the president of an architectural firm. It was fun and I enjoyed it, but I knew there was something missing in the job, and I just wasn't sure what it was that I felt was missing. When I came to The Institute, I didn't feel that my job was missing anything. I instantly felt that there was a bigger picture to why I was here; and that my being here at The Institute was really making a difference in people's lives all over the world. Not only did I feel that I was making a difference in the world, but every person that I work with, feels the same as well. The work environment is so different from other work environments that I have experienced. I believe this is because each person that I work with, not only chooses to be here, but they really LOVE their work.

Kristin Eclevia, Outreach Coordinator

Get ready for a life-changing experience. Working at The Option Institute is not only fun, rewarding, and gratifying, it is also an opportunity to learn and grow, and find a whole new outlook on life.

Vince Sandull , Program Registrar

I came to Option Institute looking for a job; I found so much more - family, friends, love and the opportunity to learn and make an amazing difference not only in my life but all those I come in contact with. I am truly blessed to a part of such a wonderful place and to work side by side with such loving and caring people. I do not view The Option Institute as my job; it is just another sweet part of my daily living.

Christine Bushaw , Accounts Receivable

If you want to service people in the deepest way, and live your life being authentic while striving for excellence, this is the place to work. There is nothing like The Option Institute where the quality of what you want in your personal life - respect and honoring relationships with like-minded people - is the quality of your working life. Not a day goes by that I am not deeply inspired because I am helping people - I feel so useful!

Zoe Zappa , Programs Counselor

If you want to work at a place with lots of opportunities, if you want to work in an exciting and encouraging environment, if you want to be challenged, and if you want to support people living happier lives, then work here!”

Molly Burke, Publications

This organization showed me the way to recovery for my son from Autism, others told me he would never speak again, never dress or bath himself, they told me my son would need lifelong care, today he has no diagnosis, he is in mainstream school, on the academic honor role, and well on his way to a blackbelt in Karate. Working here is my way to give back to an organization that gave me so much more than thank you could ever cover, and the best part is I'm having the time of my life.

Brian Nelson, Family Counselor

Here is the best place to work!”

Nancy Murillo, Registration

Working at The Option Institute is such an amazing experience! Everyday we have the great privilege of observing people from all over the world grow and become happier, more loving individuals. I have never worked in such a warm environment, one in which every staff member truly cares about the other. I am so grateful to be part of a great team!

Kristina J. Simonds, Professional Training Assistant

If I could choose just one reason out of the many countless reasons why working at The Option Institute is such a special experience, it would be the unique marriage of a typical workday combined with all the abundant opportunities available for personal transformation and empowerment. I love how every day here offers these new exciting opportunities for growth.

Christopher Treciokas, Adjunct Volunteer Recruiter and Coordinator

It is a fun and loving work environment. I love to work here because I want to be a part of supporting people to live happier lives. I am also excited about working here because I get an opportunity to explore myself and to change myself in order to be more loving and accepting. I am grateful to be a part of this amazing place.

Murtuza Nayani, Computer Department

I was a Controller for a Consulting Firm in my last job. After commuting to New York City for seven years, coming to work here at this beautiful place is a great blessing for me. I feel like I've found a home populated by a wonderful, eclectic, unique and loving family. Whenever my friends or family come to visit, I always find a reason to take them to the Institute and show them how fortunate I am. The reaction is always the same, "You work here?!" I just smile.

Don Mousted, Accounting Department

It is an absolute pleasure to work at The Institute. The people are all creative, supportive and fun to work with! Yesterday, someone said to me, "Oh man, I have to go to work tomorrow." and I looked at them and said, "Wow, this is the first job I have ever had where I have never said that, and actually every morning wake up excited to be doing what I am doing with the people I am doing it with!

Abby Rappaport, Family Counselor

Guest Services/ Property/Kitchen/Mail Room

I love the professional atmosphere and friendless of all the staff and when there is a problem the cooperation you get to come to a solution.

Charlene Kimberley, Mailroom Assistant

If you enjoy working in a loving, caring environment...Go for it!!!

Kevin Curtis, Administrative Support Specialist

The kind and loving people that I work with are always willing to pitch in wherever needed. It is good to know that you can count on people that appreciate where they work -- and they stay here because they enjoy it.

Richard Plunkett, Property Assistant

This is a lovely place to work. Everyone is very friendly. Being here gives me the chance to learn more about working with autistic children and their parents.

Jerry Dykstra, Guest Services

Managers & Supervisors

I wake up every morning full of energy and ready to go to work! The Option Institute is the place I have been looking for my whole professional career. The combination of the property, the people, and the mission creates a work environment that is powerful, challenging, and transforming; not only for the participants, but for the staff, and everyone that comes to live or work here. It is a dream come true!

John Sullivan, Director of Marketing

Working here is incredibly satisfying, rich, and rewarding. You become a part of this amazing and wonderful endeavor - and you grow tremendously in the process.

Clyde Haberman, Seminar Facilitator/Mentor

For years, I was successful as a Corporate Sales Executive. I enjoyed the challenges and opportunities afforded me in that role. Secretly, somewhere deep inside of me, I wanted more. I wanted to help create positive change in our world, not just talk about it but to help do something about it. "Indolence is a delightful but distressing state; we must be doing something to be happy.” - Mahatma Gandhi

So, I took a leap of faith, left my mid-town office and headed for the hills, really, I work amid lushness and pastoral beauty of the Berkshire Mountains in Sheffield Mass.

Today, my primary objective is to utilize my talents in the service of others while integrating and managing the skills of those around me. I am at my best in a creative, free flowing organization where great ideas actually become achievable actions, which is why I am blessed to work where I work and with those that I work with. . We help families change their lives in extraordinary ways each and every day.

Scott Paul Goldman, Director Of Sales & Business Development

I am fortunate, to be working here. I am challenged, educated and counted on everyday. I came to The Option Institute with a specific skill set. I have used it and I'm learning another while here. My job is "never" the same day twice and I enjoy that.

Don Kettles, Operations Manager

The work environment here at The Option Institute is very supportive and loving. There are endless occasions for me to stretch my wings and reach for my highest potential. The friendly office atmosphere allows for me to feel comfortable and productive. I encounter exciting challenges and endless opportunities for growth and change every day.

Sayulita Robinsong, PR Supervisor

The things that I like best about working here are: the variety, the open and honest way we communicate, the people coming from all over the world, the challenge of delivering excellence, the love and appreciation that everyone receives here. This is a wonderful work environment! It is THE place for developing the best qualities in yourself.

Mecki Augustin, Housekeeping Manager

What I really enjoy here is that the Institute is so responsive to change, and new ideas can be implemented immediately.

Betty Dunbar, Programs Delivery Manager

Not only do I like my job - I love my job - and I love working with all of the people here who have made such a huge commitment to our work. When I first started working here I was totally amazed by the programs and how the staff work with the children and their families. - IT BLOWS ME AWAY!

Dane Griffith, Director of Administrative Services

I was a receptionist in a dental office before I came here, and this is like heaven compared to that. The vibe is much more positive here.

Lisa Burell, Front Office Manager

Teachers & Service Providers

Working at the institute is like no other working experience you may have had. You will be asked to deliver 110% - to use yourself so fully - to participate. You will also work in an environment that is supportive and very loving. I love working here.

William Hogan, Teacher/Counselor

Working at the Option Institute has allowed me to make the best use of my life. Through helping others I have learned to help and grow myself in ways that I could never have imagined. In addition, I work with the absolutely best staff of people who are kind, industrious, and basically wonderful people. A great place to work.

Beverly Haberman, Group Facilitator/Mentor

I LOVE working here. I love the environment, I love the staff, I love the people that come here and I specially love my job. It is the most rewarding job I've ever had, because I have so much fun while at the same time I help children and their families reach for their dreams. When I hold the hands of a child and help them speak or play with me, I feel I am doing something more then just a job I am contributing to a better world. It is not just the best job in the world for me, but it is the best way to be in the world for me: loving children and their families.

Camila Titone, Child Facilitator

Working here is incredibly satisfying, rich, and rewarding. You become a part of this amazing and wonderful endeavor to help the world become happier - and you can grow tremendously in the process for you become a more capable person.

Clyde Haberman, Seminar Facilitator/Mentor

If you want your work life to include being part of an excited, motivated team who are not only very friendly and supportive but who take responsibility for their actions - this is the place for you! If you want your work to be helping to change people's lives - this is the place for you.

Suzanne Pruss, Instructor/Child Facilitator

Not only am I doing what I always have wanted to do, working with autistic children, but I am surrounded by people who are dedicated to living a more loving life, supporting me to do the same. I have, with the help of so many here, become more than I ever expected I would be, daring now to teach in front of so many people, and managing to be useful to them!

Kate Wilde, Teacher

The best thing about working at The Option Institute is the common level of caring, honesty, and excellence that each staff member holds. As a staff team, we have created and adopted a visionary set of standards for ourselves. These include 'respect and loving service to our guests and staff,' 'deliver excellence with accountability', and 'be honest'. Wow! And it's true! Our staff tries in the daily activities and routines of working to uphold these standards. The feeling I get each morning on the way to work at the Institute is an excitement in my stomach to spend yet another day with like-minded people wanting the best no only for those families and individuals that we serve but also for me and for each other. It is this kind of work environment that is unique and perhaps more valuable than any other 'perks' that a job could offer.

Jonathan Alderson, Teacher

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