Community Support Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Job Summary

We are looking for a Community Support Specialist to join our team! You will directly work with individuals, following a one-on-one care plan in individua's homes as well as in the community. You operate with a big heart, not only providing personalized and attentive care but by building genuine relationships with those you serve. You are detail-oriented, highly organized, and committed to creating a healthy environment that meets patient needs. Strong verbal and written communication skills are needed to succeed in this role. Prior Home Health or Hospice experience is a plus. 

Responsibilities 

Job Summary

Community Support Specialists are responsible for ensuring the health and safety of the individuals, and daily implementation of ISP goals. Knowledge of intellectual disabilities and/or autism, mental health diagnosis, crisis interventions and therapeutic relationships processes. While working, the staff will remain in compliance with 55 Pa Code Chapter 6100, SweetTree Support Services Policies and Procedures and the specific service provided to the individual. 

Community Support Specialists provide direct care for the following services: Companion, In-home and Community Supports, and Community Participation Support. It is pertinent that any employee of SweetTree Support Services honor and respect individuals and their personal rights in all aspects of the individuals lives. Be a primary advocate for individuals served by ensuring health, safety, and welfare at all times. SweetTree Support Services is dedicated to providing high-quality professional services to our individuals while enhancing the knowledge of our employees.

  Specific Duties

Programmatic: 

• Comply with all Federal, State, and local laws
• Maintain strict confidentiality of all personal information concerning individual(s) supported
• Understand, advocates, and respects the rights of individual(s) supported
• Provide and seek out opportunities for individual(s) to make choices
• Assist with and work to strengthen the individual’s daily living needs including but not limited to communication and socialization skills, nutrition, preparing proper meals, proper hygiene. 
• Stays informed of and monitors compliance with the daily medical and nutritional needs of each individual assigned; if necessary
• Enforce the importance of mental and physical exercise by leading Individual in exercise routines, when needed 
• Completes relevant documentation in the individuals’ program books and ensures information is accurate and completed as described
• Anticipates crisis situations effectively using knowledge of individual likes, dislikes, stressors, and communication style, when necessary
• Evaluates and appropriately acts in emergency situations; assists as needed
• Remains aware of behavioral and/or medical status of individuals; notifies appropriate authorities
• Assure Individual’s safety by observing and reporting any risk and notifying appropriate CEO of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s)
• Participate in the development of the ISP, ISP annual Update and ISP revisions
• Reports changes related to the individuals needs to the CEO as applicable
• When needed, attend all applicable meetings for individuals as needed: (team meetings, ISP meetings, SIS meetings, QUEST reviews, Vision of Equality meetings, Behavior Support Team Meetings)
• Ensure the implementation of services and outcomes as specified in the individuals ISP
• Attend all staff meetings as required
• Ensure all incidents are documented and reported to the CEO within 24 hours
• Complete daily Service Notes 
• Other duties as assigned
• Must be able to lift and/or move at least 25-50 pounds.

Community involvement:

• Demonstrate the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships by engaging Individual in community activities and active treatment when in their own homes and/or community.
• Develop and facilitate community connections and relationships
• Assist individual(s) in developing and following a person-centered schedule
• Aid individual(s) to participate in activities of their choosing
• Encourage individual(s) supported to give back to the community

Customer Service and Excellence:

• Exhibit professional behavior towards the individual(s) supported, families, coworkers, and Supervisor and Service Coordinator
• Network with coworkers, the community, and other professionals to find better ways to include individual(s) in routine life activities and community activities
• Display positive conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency
• Be a compassionate, patient and encouraging support professional at all times; you are a caregiver and advocate for the individuals we serve

Trainings:

• Attend and participate in all required Orientation and Annual training sessions according to agency training requirements.
• Attend all other trainings and in-service educational opportunities as required 
• Must complete Modified Medication Training within 60 days of start date

Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED/ bachelor's degree in human services, Certified Nurses Aid (CNA), or Registered Behavioral Technician (RBT) Certified for enhanced cases. 
• Must be 18 years of age or older
• At least 1-2 years working with persons with intellectual disabilities/autism and mental health diagnosis
• Valid Driver’s License and use of own personal vehicle required, if required for position
• Must have proficient writing, analytical, presentation and clinical and interpersonal skills
• Ability to utilize critical thinking and judgment to resolve problems and issues independently.
• Ability to multi-task, work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Manage confidential and non-routine information.
• Adapt to ever changing work environments.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (PowerPoint, Excel, Word, Outlook)
• Completion of all required Chapter 6100 trainings prior to working with an individual 

Location

Varies depending on location of individual 

Schedule

Varies depending on programmatic and individual need