Community Support Specialist

SweetTree Support Services, LLC.; Coatesville (Chester County); On-site; USD 30,000 - 50,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a compassionate team as a Community Support Specialist, where you will provide personalized care and support to individuals in their homes and communities. This role is perfect for someone who is detail-oriented and values building genuine relationships. You will ensure the health and safety of those you serve while implementing individual support plans. Your strong communication skills and experience with intellectual disabilities will help enhance the lives of individuals in need. This position offers a flexible schedule and a range of benefits, making it a rewarding opportunity in the field of community support.

Benefits

Mileage Reimbursement

Expense Reimbursement

Company parties

Competitive salary

Flexible schedule

Training & development

Bonus based on performance

Signing bonus

Qualifications

• Must have 1-2 years of experience with intellectual disabilities or autism.
• Proficient writing, analytical, and interpersonal skills are required.

Responsibilities

• Ensure health and safety of individuals while implementing ISP goals.
• Provide direct care and support for individuals in various settings.

Skills

Verbal Communication

Written Communication

Critical Thinking

Interpersonal Skills

Crisis Intervention

Knowledge of Intellectual Disabilities

Multi-tasking

Education

High School Diploma or GED

Bachelor's Degree in Human Services

Certified Nurses Aid (CNA)

Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT)

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Benefits:

1. Mileage Reimbursement
2. Expense Reimbursement
3. Company parties
4. Competitive salary
5. Flexible schedule
6. Training & development
7. Bonus based on performance
8. Signing bonus

Job Summary:

We are looking for a Community Support Specialist to join our team! You will directly work with individuals, following a one-on-one care plan in individuals' homes as well as in the community. You operate with a big heart, providing personalized and attentive care while building genuine relationships with those you serve. You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to creating a healthy environment that meets patient needs. Strong verbal and written communication skills are needed to succeed in this role. Prior Home Health or Hospice experience is a plus.

Responsibilities:

Community Support Specialists are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the individuals and the daily implementation of ISP goals. Knowledge of intellectual disabilities and/or autism, mental health diagnosis, crisis interventions, and therapeutic relationships processes is essential. While working, the staff will remain in compliance with 55 Pa Code Chapter 6100, SweetTree Support Services Policies and Procedures, and the specific service provided to the individual.

Community Support Specialists provide direct care for the following services: Companion, In-home and Community Supports, and Community Participation Support. It is pertinent that any employee of SweetTree Support Services honors and respects individuals and their personal rights in all aspects of the individuals' lives. Be a primary advocate for individuals served by ensuring health, safety, and welfare at all times. SweetTree Support Services is dedicated to providing high-quality professional services to our individuals while enhancing the knowledge of our employees.

Specific Duties:

1. Comply with all Federal, State, and local laws
2. Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal information concerning individual(s) supported
3. Understand, advocate for, and respect the rights of individual(s) supported
4. Provide and seek out opportunities for individual(s) to make choices
5. Assist with and work to strengthen the individual’s daily living needs including but not limited to communication and socialization skills, nutrition, preparing proper meals, and proper hygiene.
6. Stay informed of and monitor compliance with the daily medical and nutritional needs of each individual assigned; if necessary
7. Enforce the importance of mental and physical exercise by leading individuals in exercise routines, when needed
8. Complete relevant documentation in the individuals’ program books and ensure information is accurate and completed as described
9. Anticipate crisis situations effectively using knowledge of individual likes, dislikes, stressors, and communication style, when necessary
10. Evaluate and appropriately act in emergency situations; assist as needed
11. Remain aware of behavioral and/or medical status of individuals; notify appropriate authorities
12. Assure individual’s safety by observing and reporting any risk and notifying appropriate CEO of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s)
13. Participate in the development of the ISP, ISP annual Update, and ISP revisions
14. Report changes related to the individuals' needs to the CEO as applicable
15. When needed, attend all applicable meetings for individuals as needed: (team meetings, ISP meetings, SIS meetings, QUEST reviews, Vision of Equality meetings, Behavior Support Team Meetings)
16. Ensure the implementation of services and outcomes as specified in the individuals ISP
17. Attend all staff meetings as required
18. Ensure all incidents are documented and reported to the CEO within 24 hours
19. Complete daily Service Notes
20. Other duties as assigned
21. Must be able to lift and/or move at least 25-50 pounds.

Community Involvement:

1. Demonstrate the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships by engaging individuals in community activities and active treatment when in their own homes and/or community.
2. Develop and facilitate community connections and relationships
3. Assist individual(s) in developing and following a person-centered schedule
4. Aid individual(s) to participate in activities of their choosing
5. Encourage individual(s) supported to give back to the community

Customer Service and Excellence:

1. Exhibit professional behavior towards the individual(s) supported, families, coworkers, and Supervisor and Service Coordinator
2. Network with coworkers, the community, and other professionals to find better ways to include individual(s) in routine life activities and community activities
3. Display positive conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency
4. Be a compassionate, patient, and encouraging support professional at all times; you are a caregiver and advocate for the individuals we serve

Trainings:

1. Attend and participate in all required Orientation and Annual training sessions according to agency training requirements.
2. Attend all other trainings and in-service educational opportunities as required
3. Must complete Modified Medication Training within 60 days of start date

Qualifications:

1. High School diploma or GED/ bachelor's degree in human services, Certified Nurses Aid (CNA), or Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) Certified for enhanced cases.
2. Must be 18 years of age or older
3. At least 1-2 years working with persons with intellectual disabilities/autism and mental health diagnosis
4. Valid Driver’s License and use of own personal vehicle required, if required for position
5. Must have proficient writing, analytical, presentation, clinical, and interpersonal skills
6. Ability to utilize critical thinking and judgment to resolve problems and issues independently.
7. Ability to multi-task, work under pressure, and meet deadlines.
8. Manage confidential and non-routine information.
9. Adapt to ever-changing work environments.
10. Proficient with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
11. Completion of all required Chapter 6100 trainings prior to working with an individual

Location:

Varies depending on location of individual

Schedule:

Varies depending on programmatic and individual need