Community Supports Specialist

Language Bank•Worcester, MA

16h

About The Position

The Community Supports Specialist provides general programmatic support to programs funded by the Department of Developmental Services. The primary goal is to support staff in effectively implementing interventions identified in Individual Support Plans (ISPs). The people receiving support live independently or at home with a legal guardian and navigate challenges related to an intellectual/developmental disability (ID/DD) and/or autism spectrum disorder (ASD). The role primarily involves transportation to medical appointments and access to community resources, as well as crisis intervention and skill acquisition. The position provides training, modeling, and assistance with activities of daily living and health maintenance to help individuals gain or maintain independent living skills. Support may cover meal preparation and nutrition, apartment maintenance, exercise, socialization, medical appointments, and use of public or ADA transportation. The specialist also teaches problem-solving and appropriate social behavior, assists with public benefits and transitions between locations, advocates for individuals in the community, and provides administrative and program support. The position is part-time at $20.37 per hour. The employer describes a supportive workplace culture and offers a benefits package to eligible employees.

Requirements

Associate’s degree, or a high school diploma with 2 or more years of experience in a community-based human services field; listed as preferred.
Good oral and written communication skills in English.
Demonstrated ability to work with a diverse population.
Ability to provide crisis intervention calmly and effectively as needed.
Ability to follow treatment plans, set limits, and manage complex behaviors.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team with community-based human service professionals and staff.
Basic Microsoft Office skills.
Flexibility to meet program scheduling needs.
Ability to work within the agency’s stated mission.
Valid driver’s license and proof of automobile insurance to transport clients in the community.
Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment and complete required training and certifications.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of the DDS ISP process is strongly preferred.
Associate’s degree, or a high school diploma with 2 or more years of experience in a community-based human services field, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide training, modeling, and assistance with activities of daily living and health maintenance to support independent living and skill acquisition.
Support meal preparation and nutrition, apartment maintenance, exercise, socialization, medical appointments, and use of public transportation or ADA transportation.
Provide basic problem-solving information and model and teach appropriate social behavior.
Transport and escort individuals to appointments as needed.
Assist individuals in obtaining public benefits, including Social Security, Mass Health, ADA transportation, food stamps, and fuel assistance.
Assist individuals with moving between locations, including moving furniture or boxes and transporting personal belongings in a personal vehicle.
Advocate for individuals at community levels, assess the effectiveness of advocacy efforts, and make appropriate adjustments.
Provide regular updates and communication to the Program Manager.
Prepare required paperwork and submit it by deadlines.
Provide general administrative support, including answering phones, taking messages, arranging meetings, and taking meeting notes.
Attend and participate in staff, team, and PQI process meetings.
Respect clients’ rights, privacy, and dignity and adhere to contractual regulations.
Perform other duties as assigned.
Complete First Aid and CPR certification within 90 days of employment, complete Non Violent Crisis Intervention Training and Ascentria Organizational Orientation, and maintain required training and certifications.