Community Based Specialist

Venture Community Services • Sturbridge, MA

107d • $23 - $23

About The Position

The Community Based Specialists reports to the Advancement Center Program Manager. This person provides direct support services to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The Community Based Specialist is responsible for the daily supervision and safety of persons supported in the Advancement Center, Community and employment setting. A Community Based Specialist assists the individuals with social skills, life skills, pre-employment skills, job coaching and community-based activities. It is the responsibility of the Community Based Specialist to assist persons supported to obtain and maintain employment, through continuous individualized supports. This position will be compensated on an hourly basis.

Requirements

• B.A. or B.S. preferred; minimum High School Diploma/GED.
• At least 2 years' experience working with individuals with ASD, or Adults with Disabilities, ID/DD.
• Must be 21+ years old, have a valid driver's license, daily use of a car on site and available by telephone for daily contact.
• Employee must possess the knowledge; skills and abilities listed above, and demonstrate that they can perform the essential functions of the job.
• Employee must be able to speak, read and write in fluent English.

Responsibilities

• Exhibit positive expectations regarding the potential of persons supported.
• Role model appropriate behavior for all persons to follow.
• Present materials at individuals' level of understanding.
• Be considerate of the concerns of employers, coworkers and persons served.
• Maintain consistent and open communication with employers; ensuring customer relations and satisfaction.
• Anticipate and take steps to prevent crises from occurring and handling minor crisis as they arise.
• Encourage and support individuals to explore new interests, and employment avenues.
• Instruct and train individuals in goals/objectives specified in the ISP and requirements of their jobs under ISP.
• Maintain accurate records, document daily data, and complete progress notes as required.
• Accommodate a flexible work schedule based on the hours needed to support individuals in employment.
• Maintain confidentiality and a positive demeanor while successfully juggling multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Assist participants in creating and encouraging community relationships and networking opportunities.
• Conduct vocational assessments and develop relevant employment plans for needed persons.
• Participate in and provide feedback for the development of a Life Plan/ISP with the participant and team.
• Develop training curriculum and facilitate daily groups to further educate participants on social skills, life skills, pre-employment skills and community safety skills.
• Educate individuals in job seeking skills (applications, resume writing, interviewing, etc.).
• Develop and secure employment, job sampling/matching and training opportunities for individuals in accordance with their employment goals.
• Assist individuals to learn other work-related skills such as accessing public transportation, work-appropriate social skills coaching, and college navigation.
• Provide on the spot job coaching as needed, working to develop natural supports aimed at job coaching fading over time.
• Coordinate/complete and monitor service documentation requirements as assigned and defined by Manager including, but not limited to, progress notes, quarterly notes, service agreements and assessments.
• Participate in monthly supervisions and staff meetings, providing input and recommendations as appropriate.
• Adhere to all training and agency policy requirements.
• Inform Program Manager of significant issues and concerns as they arise.
• Transport persons served to and from the Advancement Center, volunteer and employment opportunities, community activities and acquired employment with agency vehicle or personal vehicle as needed.
• Responsible for service business transactions (i.e. purchase orders, shopping, petty cash).
• Provide recommendations to Program Manager regarding ways to improve the current systems.
• Other duties as needed or assigned.

Benefits

• $23 per hour pay rate.
• Paid training provided by Venture.
• Sign On Bonus: $500 for Part Time employees.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Part-time
• Industry: Nursing and Residential Care Facilities
• Education Level: High school or GED