Full - Time Community Coach / Direct Support Professional (Danville VA)

The Arc of Southside; Danville (VA); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

The Arc of Southside seeks a dedicated Community Engagement Specialist to support individuals in building social skills, independence, and access to community life. You will work to facilitate activities, encourage participation in planning sessions, and connect participants with volunteer opportunities while promoting inclusion.

Applicants should have a high school diploma and experience working with people with disabilities; a driver’s license is preferred.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent.
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred.
• Valid driver’s license and transportation.

Responsibilities

• Promoting Community Engagement: discuss participants' interests and plan activities.
• Encourage active participation in community planning sessions.
• Identify and pursue volunteer opportunities with program participants.
• Develop self-advocacy, civil rights, and living skills.
• Support access to public transportation and community mobility.
• Other duties as assigned.

Skills

Communication

Interpersonal skills

Teamwork

Education

High School Diploma or equivalent

Tools

Microsoft Office

Job description

JOB PURPOSE

To provide services which support and foster individuals’ abilities to acquire, retain, or improve skills necessary to build positive social behavior, interpersonal competence, greater independence, employability, and personal choices necessary to access typical activities and functions of community life such as those chosen by the general population. Community Engagement provides a wide variety of opportunities to facilitate and build relationships and natural supports in the community, while utilizing the community as a learning environment.

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Experience working with people with disabilities preferred
• Valid driver’s license and transportation

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Promoting Community Engagement:
  • Talk with program participants about their interests exploring different types of community events.
  • Encourage individuals in actively participate in community planning sessions.
  • Explore activities and public events in the community
  • Actively pursue volunteer opportunities for and with program participants.
  • Participate in planning sessions with program participants.
• Activities include:
  • Development of self-advocacy skills for program participants.
  • Exercise of civil rights (the rights of individuals to receive equal treatment in a number of settings).
  • Acquisition of skills that promote the ability to exercise self-control and responsibility over services and supports received or needed.
  • Assist with acquisition of skills that enable the individual to become more independent, integrated, or productive in the community.
  • Development of communication skills and abilities.
  • Furthering spiritual practices.
  • Participation in cultural activities.
  • Developing skills that enhance career planning goals in the community including assisting individuals in making an informed choice about whether or not a person wants to work. It can also include exploring types of work opportunities and gaining information regarding the person’s employment interest and preferences.
  • Development of living skills
  • Promotion of health and wellness.
  • Development of access to the community, mobility and the ability to achieve the desired destination. This includes access to and utilization of public transportation.
• Other duties as assigned.

COMPETENCIES

Communication – Exhibits good interpersonal communication skills. Keeps others informed and demonstrates positive team work. Possess strong written and verbal communication skills.

Computer Skills – Ability to operate computer and Microsoft office programs and the internet

Philosophy – Commitment to principles of Inclusion