Community Supports Specialist

Ascentria Care Alliance; Worcester (MA); On-site; USD 23,000 - 33,000; Part time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Flexible Spending Account

403(b) retirement plan with employer’s

Tuition reimbursement

Paid time off

Diversity and inclusion culture

Job summary

Ascentria Care Alliance in Worcester, MA is seeking a Part-Time Community Supports Specialist to support DDS-funded programs. You will help clients with transportation to appointments, and assist them in implementing ISP interventions, learning daily living skills, and accessing community resources.

Ideal candidates have 2+ years in community services, strong English communication, and a valid driver’s license.

Qualifications

• Associate’s degree or HS diploma with 2+ years in community services preferred.
• Good oral and written communication in English.
• Ability to work with diverse populations and follow plans.

Responsibilities

• Provide ADL training and health maintenance to support independent living.
• Provide transportation to medical appointments and escort clients as needed.
• Assist in obtaining public benefits (e.g., Mass Health, SNAP).
• Maintain required paperwork and communicate with Program Manager.

Skills

Communication skills

Crisis intervention

Driver's license

Teamwork

Education

Associate’s degree or HS diploma with 2+ years in community services

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

Community Supports Specialist- Part Time- $20.37 per hour

The Community Supports Specialist provides general programmatic support to programs funded by the Department of Developmental Services with a primary goal of supporting staff to effectively implement interventions identified in ISPs. Individuals receiving support are either living independently or at home with a legal guardian and navigating challenges related to a Developmental Disability (ID/DD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). Primary Duties involve transportation to and from medical appointments and accessing community resources. This position also aids with crisis intervention and skill acquisition.

• Provide training, modeling and assistance in Activities of Daily Living (ADL) and health maintenance to enhance skill acquisition to gain or maintain independent living. These may include but are not limited to; meal preparation and nutrition, apartment maintenance, exercise, socialization, medical appointments, and utilizing public transportation/ADA.
• Provide individuals with basic problem-solving information. Model and teach appropriate social behavior.
• Provide transportation for and escort individuals to and from appointments as needed.
• Assist in obtaining public benefits such as but not limited to: Social Security, Mass Health, ADA transportation, food stamps and fuel assistance.
• Assist individuals when moving from one location to another. This may include but is not limited to moving furniture and/or boxes and using personal vehicles to transport client personal belongings.
• Serve as an advocate for individuals at various community levels, evaluate effectiveness of advocacy efforts and make appropriate adjustments.
• Provide regular updates and communication with Program Manager
• Prepare the required paperwork and submit by the deadline.
• Provide general administrative support which may include answering phones and taking messages, making meeting arrangements and taking meeting notes
• Attend and participate in staff, team, and PQI process meetings.
• Job must be conducted at all times in a way that respects the rights, privacy and the dignity of the client and adheres to all contractual regulations.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

• Associate’s degree or High School diploma with 2+ years of experience in a Community- Based Human Services field is preferred
• Good oral and written communication skills in English
• A demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population of people is essential.
• Knowledge of the DDS ISP process is strongly preferred
• Demonstrated ability to provide crisis intervention in a calm and effective manner as needed.
• Ability to follow treatment plans, set limits and manage complex behaviors.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment with community-based human service professionals and staff.
• Ability to work independently and in a team environment.
• Basic Microsoft Office products skills.
• Flexibility to meet schedule needs of program
• Ability to work within the Mission of the agency, “we are called to strengthen communities by empowering people to respond to life's challenges.”
• Valid Driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance is required to transport clients throughout the community.

Trainings Required:

• Certify in First Aid and CPR within 90 days of employment.
• Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training
• Ascentria Organizational Orientation.
• Maintain mandatory training and certifications as required.

Here’s why you should join us:

• High quality/affordable health, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall wellness
• Flexible Spending Account to help manage eligible expenses
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match
• A full-service Employee Assistance Program with many free and accessible services and supports
• Generous tuition reimbursement to invest in your professional growth and development
• Paid time off which increases as your tenure grows and holidays for work-life balance
• A workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where all voices are heard and respected

Ascentria offers the following employee benefits:

• High quality/affordable health, dental, and vision insurance to support your overall wellness
• Flexible Spending Account to help manage eligible expenses
• A 403(b)-retirement plan with employer match
• A full-service Employee Assistance Program with many free and accessible services and supports
• Generous tuition reimbursement to invest in your professional growth and development
• Paid time off which increases as your tenure grows and holidays for work-life balance
• A workplace culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, where all voices are heard and respected

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws.For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor.