Positive Support Specialist

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota; Little Falls (MN); On-site; USD 34,000 - 42,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical/dental/life/vision benefits

403(b) with match

PTO with holidays and float days

Training paid at full wage

ALIVE Workplace

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is seeking Positive Support Specialists to work in Intensive Community Residential Services (ICRS). You will support individuals with complex medical, behavioral and mental health needs through a person-centered approach and help them participate in meaningful activities at home and in the community.

The role emphasizes consistency, routine, and trauma-informed care, with safety as a priority.

Qualifications

• Must be able to stand, squat, bend or walk for long periods and lift up to 50 lbs.
• Background check by BCA and a valid driver's license required (MVR).
• Minimum education is a high school diploma; preference for degree in a relevant field.
• 1–2 years of experience with people with complex needs; 3–5 years preferred.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to be more independent in life skills such as meal prep, personal hygiene, and navigating the community.
• Advocate for people supported in rights, medical care, and community involvement.
• Complete necessary documentation and record-keeping each shift.
• Manage crisis situations safely; may involve use of manual restraints with PBIS training and 245D requirements.
• Engage in trauma-informed care daily.

Skills

Strong interpersonal skills

Ability to lift 50 lbs

Trauma‑informed care

Advocacy

Effective communication

Education

High school diploma

Relevant degree preferred

Job description

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an Alive Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees. Consider joining us!

LSS is dedicated to providing community-based services in the most integrated setting possible. We developed Intensive Community Residential Services (ICRS) in response to a need in our community for more options for individuals with complex needs.

Job Summary

Positive Support Specialists (PSS) work in our ICRS programs. These are highly specialized programs in which we serve individuals with intensive medical, behavioral and mental health needs. We utilize a person‑centered approach to creating a program that focuses on supporting people to reach their goals, while still considering the safety of the individual, team members and the community. Consistency and routine are key factors in the proven success of these programs. Highly trained Positive Support Specialists will assist individuals both at home and the community to participate in events and activities that are meaningful to the individual.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to be more independent in performing essential life skills such as meal preparation, personal hygiene and navigating the community.
• Advocate for the people supported in areas such as rights, medical care and in the community.
• Complete necessary documentation and record‑keeping every shift.
• Manage crisis situations safely and effectively — this can include potential use of manual restraints. Candidates will receive training for Positive Behavioral Supports and manual restraints in conjunction with the 245D requirements.
• Engage in trauma‑informed care daily.

What We Offer You

• An excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, vision, 403(b) plan with a match, wellness program, and other ancillary plans.
• A generous PTO plan, holiday pay, and float days.
• Training paid at full wage.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and growth within the organization.
• An ALIVE Workplace that is Supportive, Positive, Healthy, and Fun!
• A workplace that embraces diversity.
• An outstanding reputation.

Requirements

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a variety of individuals.
• Must physically be able to stand, squat, bend, or walk for long periods of time. The ability to lift 50 lbs. is necessary.
• Knowledge of local community resources is a plus.
• Must be cleared by a Bureau of Criminal Affairs (BCA) background study and have a driver's license — a Motor Vehicle Check (MVR) is also required.

Qualifications

• Minimum education is a high school diploma, but the preference is a degree in a field relevant to this role.
• Minimum experience is 1‑2 years of working with people with complex needs, but the preference is for 3‑5 years of relevant experience.