Community Support Specialist (Oatfield DSA)

Albertina-Ker; Gladstone (OR); On-site; USD 42,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Albertina Kerr seeks a Community Support Specialist to provide daily social, educational, and recreational activities for participants in Kerr's programs. You will collaborate with the team to develop activities aligned with individual goals, supporting learning and employment readiness.

Responsibilities include coordinating community-based experiences, assisting with outings, de-escalating behavioral issues, documenting progress, and driving participants in a 15-passenger van.

Qualifications

• Strong communication skills and the ability to relate to clients and customers with diverse abilities and needs.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Must be willing to drive and transport participants in a 15-passenger van.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct community-based learning and work experiences aligned with individual ability and choice.
• Provide volunteer experiences, job shadowing and community opportunities to build communication and teamwork.
• Assist staff to plan and implement community outings and social/recreational activities.
• Help create social bonds between participants and non-disabled community members.
• Facilitate learning to pursue integrated competitive employment.
• Manage and de-escalate behavioral issues according to ISP/IEP plans.

Skills

Strong communication skills

Relate to diverse clients

Education

High School Diploma or Equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.As the Community Support Specialist you will provide daily social, educational, and recreational activities to participants in Kerr's programs. You will collaborate with team members to develop activities that support the development of program participants. Activities and support are provided in alignment with program goals and requirements.Essential DutiesCoordinate and conduct community-based learning and work experiences consistent with individual ability and choice. Learning experiences to include (but not limited to) volunteer experience, job shadowing and other opportunities in the community that promote general non-job task specific ability to communicate and work effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and customers.Assist staff to design, plan, schedule and implement community-based individual and group outings, learning activities and social/recreational activities that respond to clients’ interests and individual service plans as well as employment readiness classes and other employment preparation activities related to transferable skills and social skills building as they pertain to work and work relationships.Help to create a social bond between the program participants and non-disabled persons in the community.Assist individuals in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue integrated competitive employment by facilitating learning through a variety of delivery methods.Manage and de-escalate individual behavioral issues including but not limited to anger management, conflict resolution, coping with anxiety and behaviors addressed in the formal ISP/IEP plan.Oversee documentation and communication regarding individual’s attendance, behavior, activities, progress, etc. on a daily basis and write concise, clear and accurate reports as needed.Assist individuals with personal care and bathroom support needs.BenefitsPaid medical, dental, and vision employee benefitsPaid basic life & accident insurancePaid internal training and career developmentPaid holidays and generous time off401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4% employer match24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counsellingHigh School Diploma or EquivalentOne year of experience instructing/supervising individuals with developmental disabilities OR in a related field.Experience using Microsoft Office.Strong communication skills and the ability to relate to clients and customers with diverse abilities and needs.Must be willing to drive and transport participants in a 15-passenger van.Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.Ability to lift up to 70 pounds.Ability to meet all background check, reference, and agency driving requirements. Driving eligibility includes a current and valid driver’s license, at least two years of verifiable driving experience, and no more than two moving violation infractions in the past two years.