COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Advancing Opportunities, Inc.; Lake Hiawatha (NJ); On-site; USD 22,000 - 26,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Competitive pay

Paid training

Referral bonus

Employee discounts

Flexible scheduling

Evening/weekend opportunities

Job summary

Advancing Opportunities, Inc. is seeking compassionate Community Support Specialists to provide individualized, person-centered support to people with developmental disabilities in Hudson County, NJ.

This part-time, flexible role includes weekend hours and direct client interaction to promote independence and community participation. You will assist with daily activities, implement ISP-guided supports, and document progress while maintaining privacy and dignity for each individual.

Qualifications

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid driving license and reliable transportation.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interact with individuals with disabilities, families, and staff.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and respite support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Implement activities and supports per each Individual Service Plan.
• Assist with recreational, educational, community-based, and skill-building activities.
• Support development of communication, social, and independent living skills.
• Complete accurate documentation and maintain confidentiality.
• Encourage community participation and build respectful relationships.

Skills

Strong verbal communication

Strong written communication

Documentation skills

Organizational skills

Problem-solving

Reliability

Interpersonal skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

Location: Hudson County, NJ
Employment Type: Part-Time / Flexible
Schedule: Variable, 12–20 hours per week, including weekends
Pay Rate:$17.16 per hour

Make a Difference in Your Community

Community Support Specialist

Location: Hudson County, NJ
Employment Type: Part-Time / Flexible
Schedule: Variable, 12–20 hours per week, including weekends
Pay Rate:$17.16 per hour

Looking for More Than Just a Job?

At Advancing Opportunities, we believe every person deserves the opportunity to live a meaningful, fulfilling, and independent life.

We are seeking compassionate, dedicated professionals who want to make a difference in the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities. As a Community Support Specialist, you will provide individualized, person-centered support that promotes independence, skill development, and meaningful participation in the community.

This opportunity may be a great fit for paraprofessionals, special education teachers, group home staff, and others with experience supporting individuals with disabilities who are seeking flexible, rewarding part-time work.

About Advancing Opportunities

Advancing Opportunities, Inc., an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc., is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization that provides services and support to people with disabilities and their families so they can live independently.

Recognized as one of New Jersey’s leading disability service providers, Advancing Opportunities is committed to delivering person-centered services within the community. Our employees help individuals build confidence, develop skills, strengthen relationships, and experience a greater sense of independence and belonging.

Learn more by visiting the Advancing Opportunities website .

Why Join Our Team?

Competitive Pay and Benefits

• Competitive pay of $17.16 per hour
• Paid training
• $500 employee referral bonus
• Employee discount programs
• Flexible part-time scheduling
• Evening and weekend opportunities

Career Growth and Development

• Career advancement opportunities
• Professional development through hands-on experience
• Opportunities to build valuable skills supporting individuals with developmental disabilities
• Experience within a mission-driven human services organization

Meaningful Work That Matters

• Make a difference in someone’s life
• Promote independence and personal choice
• Support individuals and families within the community
• Build meaningful and respectful relationships
• Help individuals develop skills and participate in community-based experiences

What You’ll Do

As a Community Support Specialist, you will:

• Provide direct care and respite support to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Implement activities, interventions, and supports outlined in each individual’s Individual Service Plan.
• Assist individuals with recreational, educational, community-based, and skill-building activities.
• Support the development of communication, social, and independent living skills.
• Assist with daily tasks and personal needs while protecting each individual’s privacy and dignity.
• Encourage meaningful community participation and engagement.
• Build and maintain respectful, professional, and age-appropriate relationships with individuals and their families.
• Complete accurate and timely documentation, including consumer logs, incident reports, medication sheets, and other required records.
• Maintain the confidentiality of individual and family information.
• Exercise sound judgment and follow organizational policies and procedures.
• Work assigned hours and provide consistent, dependable services.

Who We’re Looking For

You may be a great fit if you are:

• Compassionate and respectful
• Dependable and punctual
• Patient and supportive
• Comfortable working independently
• Professional in your interactions
• Organized and attentive to documentation
• A strong communicator
• Committed to promoting dignity, independence, and personal choice

Qualifications

Required

• Must be at least 21 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Valid, non-provisional driver’s license.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong documentation and organizational skills.
• Good judgment and problem-solving abilities.
• Ability to interact effectively with individuals with disabilities, families, and staff.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and professional boundaries.
• Reliable transportation and a good driving record if transporting individuals.

Preferred

• Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Experience in a group home, special education, paraprofessional, respite, direct care, or community-support setting.

Schedule

• Part-time, flexible position
• Variable schedule of approximately 12–20 hours per week
• Weekend availability is required
• Hours may include daytime, evening, and weekend assignments based on individual and program needs

About Our Organization

Advancing Opportunities, Inc. is an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc. and part of the Inperium family of companies.

Apis Services, Inc. provides administrative services, including recruiting and onboarding support, to more than 30 for-profit and nonprofit organizations across the United States. This support allows affiliate organizations to remain focused on their missions and the people they serve.

Employment for this position is administered through Apis Services, Inc.

Equal Opportunity Employer

Apis Services, Inc., Inperium, Inc., and their affiliates provide equal employment opportunities for all employees and applicants for employment in compliance with all federal and applicable state and local laws and regulations, including nondiscrimination in hiring and employment.

All employment decisions are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, ancestry, age, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, disability, genetic information, marital status, pregnancy, childbirth, veteran status, or any other status protected by law.

This policy of nondiscrimination and equal employment opportunity extends to every phase and aspect of hiring and employment.

Variable PT 12-20 hours including weekends