Community Integration Specialist

St. Mary's Home; Norfolk (VA); Hybrid; USD 36,000 - 48,000; Full time

Job summary

The Community Integration Specialist (CIS) at Albero House plays a vital role in creating enriching opportunities for young adults residing there. Working with an interdisciplinary team, you will help individuals build meaningful relationships, engage with the community, and pursue inclusive activities.

You will mentor DSPs, support community outings, document progress in Care Tracker, and ensure safety and person-centered planning.

Qualifications

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with IDD in community settings.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain community relationships.
• Drivers’ license, acceptable driving record, CPR, First Aid, and DSP experienced preferred.
• Familiarity with vans that have lifts and safety lock downs for wheelchairs.

Responsibilities

• Cultivate and maintain connections with community organizations.
• Collaboratively develop individualized goals for community engagement, focusing on relationships, volunteering, and job opportunities.
• Coordinate community-based activities with the ID Team.
• Work with Speech-Language Pathology to support effective communication during community interactions.
• Document progress in Care Tracker aligned with ISP.
• Create schedules including evening, weekend, and holiday activities.

Skills

Community integration

Mentor DSPs

Documentation

Team collaboration

Safety support

Education

High school diploma or GED

Experience with IDD in community settings

Driver's license

CPR & First Aid

Some college

Job description

Description

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Integration Specialist (CIS) plays a vital role in creating enriching and inclusive opportunities for the young adults residing at Albero House. Under the supervision of the Albero House Program Manager and as a member of each resident’s Interdisciplinary (ID) Team, the CIS collaborates with Nursing, Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Recreation Therapy (RT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), and others to support individuals in building meaningful relationships, engaging in their community, and living happy, fulfilling lives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Integration

• Cultivate and maintain connections with community organizations, ensuring consistent engagement in activities such as volunteer work, classes, or social groups.
• Collaboratively develop individualized goals for community engagement, focusing on building meaningful relationships, volunteer experiences, and job opportunities.
• Partner with ID Team members to coordinate community-based activities that complement current in-house programs, recreation schedules, and personal interests.
• Work alongside Speech-Language Pathology to support effective communication during community interactions.
• Document progress and engagement in the Care Tracker system, ensuring alignment with each individual’s ISP (Individual Support Plan).
• Create a schedule that includes evening, weekend, and holiday activities to maximize opportunities for community involvement.

Supports

• Mentor and guide Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure individuals receive quality support during community activities and while developing new relationships.
• Assist with preparation and participation in community outings, ensuring individuals are dressed, groomed, and ready for activities.
• Provide physical support, including mobility assistance and use of adaptive equipment, to promote safety and inclusion.
• Facilitate enjoyable and engaging activities such as sporting events, library visits, cooking classes, or arts and crafts, helping individuals connect with their community in meaningful ways.

Skills Development

• Implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• Collect and document accurate data on skill development and progress toward ISP goals.
• Incorporate skill-building into everyday experiences, fostering growth in natural and enjoyable ways.
• Participate in team planning meetings and provide feedback in order to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

Behavior Development

• Serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• Uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• Provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation

Advocacy

• Assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• Helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• Supports individuals in the development of friendships and other meaningful relationships
• Acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests

Operational Support

• Mentors and models appropriate skill building for DSP2s
• Maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• Provides supervision and ensure safety of individuals at all times
• Works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of activities
• Ensures appropriate support and supervision to all individuals while promoting increased independence and choice as they pursue community integration and establishment of new relationships
• Reports any equipment problems, unusual incidents or injuries to the appropriate individual and completes necessary paperwork.

CONDUCT

• Demonstrate kindness, patience, and compassion when working with staff, residents, and visitors.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude.
• Approach challenges with creativity and a commitment to fostering a fun, engaging environment.
• Consistently uphold the standards of the organization by following all policies and procedures.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community settings.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain community relationships.
• Drivers’ license, acceptable driving record, CPR, Basic First Aid, and DSP experienced preferred.
• Familiarity with vans that have lifts and safety lock downs for wheelchairs.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must complete Person Centered Training
• Must complete training for and demonstrate competency of Safety Care concepts and physical interventions
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time.
• Must be able to follow proper procedures to safely lift up to thirty-five (35) pounds, use lifting equipment, and position individuals in a variety of positioning equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• Adhere to the Home’s dress code policy, and always wear a company-issued ID badge.