Community Support Specialist (Oatfield DSA)

Albertina Kerr; Gladstone (OR); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Paid medical, dental, and vision

Paid basic life & accident insurance

Paid internal training and career dev

Paid holidays and generous time off

401(k) retirement savings with up to 4

24-hour Employee Assistance Plan

Job summary

Albertina Kerr is seeking a Community Support Specialist to provide daily social, educational, and recreational activities to participants in Kerr's programs. You will collaborate with team members to develop activities aligned with individual goals.

The role emphasizes assisting with personal care, documenting progress, and supporting participants in pursuing integrated employment. A background in working with individuals with developmental disabilities and strong communication skills are

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent.
• One 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.

Responsibilities

• Coordinate and conduct community-based learning and work experiences aligned with individual goals.
• Assist staff to design, plan, schedule and implement outings, activities and employment readiness classes.
• Help create social connections between participants and non-disabled community members.
• Support participants in pursuing integrated competitive employment through varied teaching methods.
• Oversee attendance, behavior, progress documentation and write concise reports.
• Assist individuals with personal care and bathroom support needs.

Skills

Strong communication

Team collaboration

Customer relations

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 Duties

Coordinate 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.

Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, and vision employee benefits
• Paid basic life & accident insurance
• Paid internal training and career development
• Paid holidays and generous time off
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4% employer match
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counselling

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One 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.