Community Support Specialist - Transition Age Youth

Seven Counties Services•Louisville, KY

6d•Onsite

About The Position

This role involves providing direct support and coaching to individuals, focusing on activities of daily living (ADL), psychoeducation, and community integration. The specialist will contribute to a safe and therapeutic environment, act as an ambassador for the organization, and collaborate with various community systems on behalf of clients. Responsibilities include providing transportation, personal care, administering medication (depending on program protocols), and maintaining accurate documentation.

Requirements

Up to 18 months’ training, beyond high school or GED, in direct care of individuals with disabilities.
Completion of all required trainings within 6 months of hire date.
Successfully complete, within six months of hire, the department led or approved training program per Medicaid regulations.
One year full time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of mental health or co-occurring disorder.
Formal documentation by supervisor of ability to function independently as direct support professional and of proficiency in providing direct support services.
Ability to provide caring, nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities, including those who are medically fragile and/or have intense behavioral needs and/or otherwise pose a high level of risk.
Good interpersonal skills.
Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
Teaching skills.
Patience and empathy.
Maturity and judgment.
Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
May include frequent lifting of patients.
18 years of age or older.
Valid driver’s license.
Proof of automobile liability insurance.
Positive driving record.

Responsibilities

Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, and educational/vocational goal-setting.
Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics including medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, and stress management strategies.
Plans and facilitates community-based activities like medical appointments, grocery shopping, and leisure/socialization events.
Facilitates access to community resources such as AA/NA meetings, school, and job placement.
Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and authorized behavior management techniques.
Serves as an "ambassador" by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and the organization's services.
Collaborates with community systems (school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer) on behalf of individuals served.
Provides transportation using an SCS van or personal vehicle, ensuring adherence to safety practices, and teaches/facilitates the use of public transportation.
Provides personal care as needed, including personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, and safe eating techniques.
Administers First Aid and CPR as needed.
Supervises self-administered medication or administers medication based on specific clinical program protocols.
Identifies clients' food and/or medication allergies and exercises care to avoid exposure.
Communicates relevant information about care, treatment, and services with other staff and authorized non-SCS providers.
May take responsibility for specific program assignments (e.g., Clubhouse food program, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit).
May provide limited on-the-job training to Community Support Providers.
Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms in accordance with organizational and regulatory standards.
Maintains confidentiality of protected health information.
Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.
Maintains and enhances skills for working with clients.