Personal Support Specialist, (1459) Part Time

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington; Maryland; On-site; USD 20,664 - 27,552; Part time

Job summary

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington is seeking a Personal Support Specialist to assist adults with disabilities in leading meaningful lives in their communities. Responsibilities include planning daily schedules, promoting independence, and facilitating access to resources.

The ideal candidate will have a high school diploma and experience supporting individuals with disabilities. The position is part-time, with scheduled hours on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday.

Qualifications

• 1 year of experience supporting persons with disabilities.
• Experience in behavior management and crisis intervention is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals in planning and carrying out activities.
• Support individuals in pursuing self-advocacy.
• Facilitate healthy lifestyle choices.

Skills

Proficient with Microsoft Office and Outlook 365

Valid local driver’s license

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Certified Nursing Assistant

Job description

Organization Overview

At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope.

Job Summary

The Personal Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring that adults with disabilities are provided opportunities to lead a meaningful, engaging, and community-centered life.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Creates experiences that promote an individual's interests, choices, and personal growth by assisting individuals in discovering and pursuing new interests.
• Helping individuals have control over their daily lives.
• Assisting individuals in planning their daily/weekly schedules (work schedules, activities, medical/dental appointments, vacations, etc.) and carrying out activities.
• Informing the team of schedule changes (calling in sick to work/day program, visits home with family, etc.).
• Assisting individuals with planning and preparing for team meetings and sharing preferences and interests.
• Ensuring that individuals are on time for scheduled activities (classes, workshops, appointments, etc.).
• Teaching skills for increased independence (self-help, personal hygiene, social skills, etc.).
• Encouraging and supporting individual's pursuit for self‑advocacy (learning skills; identifying self‑advocacy activities and providing necessary assistance to attend and participate).
• Assuring that individuals are properly dressed and groomed, providing maximum opportunity for individual choice.
• Facilitating the development of meaningful relationships.
• Assisting individuals in broadening their awareness and use of community resources (transportation, businesses, libraries, social services, etc.).
• Developing and implementing, in coordination with the team, the individual's plan to achieve the vision and personal outcomes identified by the individual.
• Fostering individual's rights, self‑determination, and independence.
• Participating in community education to promote the rights of persons with disabilities.
• Assisting the individuals in living a healthy lifestyle. Follow diet when indicated in doctor's orders.
• Assessing and communicating changes in an individual's health status.
• Attending medical appointments, when necessary.
• Follow doctor's orders as indicated under the direction of a licensed health care professional (PT exercises, health care treatments, etc.).
• Communicating to healthcare providers the healthcare needs of individuals (medical issues, how to work best with or communicate with the individual, etc.).
• Encouraging exercise in general or as outlined in the individual plan or doctor's orders.
• Transports individuals from their homes to various activities within the community and back safely.
• Performs all other job‑related duties as assigned.
• Pass MTTP tests.
• Recertify as Certified Medication Technician (CMT) with Maryland Board of Nursing.

Education and Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent. Verification of foreign equivalency required.
• One (1) year of experience supporting persons with disabilities and/or behaviorally challenged.
• Experience in behavior management, crisis intervention, and hands‑off problem‑solving are a plus.
• Certified Nursing Assistant plus.

Skills and Competencies

• Proficient with Microsoft Office and Outlook 365.
• Must possess a full, valid local, driver’s license and the ability to maintain a good driving record. Must be able to use personal vehicle to transport clients and maintain insurance requirements.

Work Schedule

Part time. Friday, 6:00 PM – 8:30 PM; Saturday, 8:00 AM – 2:30 PM; Sunday, 9:00 AM – 3:30 PM.