Community Support Specialist PT

The CommunitySupport Specialist works under the leadership of the Program Manager ofCommunity Support Services and provides direct care and habilitation servicesto individuals in the GR and PASRR Programs. Supports include in home training,community integration, and respite services. The Community Support Specialistprovides transportation, training, and employment services that enableindividuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to have a moreindependent life. Work involves implementing treatment programs and performingtherapeutic and developmental activities Education, Training, and Experience Graduation from a standard senior highschool or equivalent. Some college in a related field is preferred.. Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications Must haveand maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifyingoffenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Healthand Human Services Commission (HHSC). Must possessand maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance. Individualswith an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's licensein the state of Texas within thirty (30) days. Successful completion of allposition-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities Knowledgeof regulatory agencies and rehabilitative programs for individuals withintellectual and developmental disabilities. Skillin the operation of standard office equipment and associated software. Abilityto prepare and maintain records. Communicate with management, teammates, andindividuals served, and the community must be articulate and professional. Understanding and practice of Trauma InformedCare principles. Ability todisplay regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance. Understanding andpractice of Trauma Informed Care principles. The following list outlines keyresponsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does notencompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed. Servicesare provided to individuals living with their family members or residing intheir own homes. Supports should only be provided per the individual's PersonDirected Plan and may include the following: o Providedirect personal assistance with activities of daily living (grooming, eating,bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene). o Arrangetransportation services or provide training when unable to give directassistance. o Assistwith housekeeping. o Assistwith ambulation and mobility. o Reinforcecounseling and therapy activities. o Providehabilitation services (not including contracted day habilitation) o Facilitatethe development of socially valued behaviors. o Adjustyour schedule regularly to accommodate therapeutic appointments. 1.Respite Services to GR individuals asdirected. Services are provided on an emergency or planned basis as short-termrelief to the primary caregiver. Ensure services are provided per the individual's service plan. Ensure all respite services arearranged through appropriate supervisory personnel. Follow the caregiver routine toprovide personal assistance in daily living activities. 2.Implementationof the individual's service plan including formal and informal training goals: Evaluate all service outcomeobjectives per individual's service plan and therapy activities. Completes all documentation requiredper the Data Verification including Service Notes and Activity Logs. Service delivery notes include a written narrative for each service event that describes the service andincludes information about the individual's progress toward goals andobjectives identified in the service plan. Incorporates training identified inthe service plan into daily activities as required, including reinforcement of specialized therapies as directed. 3.Completes legible and accuratedocumentation that reflects service provision. Submit all documentation, includingbut not limited to, Activity Logs, Streamline Service Notes (electronic), and e3 timesheets within designated time frames. Provides a written narrative,containing all required components, following each service event. Review his or her documentation toensure that it is complete, detailed, correct, and legible, before submittingit electronically. Submit documentation of servicesperformed within two business days. Correct all errors within threebusiness days. 4.Banking, record keeping, andpurchasing as required per Center procedures. Retains and submits receipts asrequired. Assures adequate funds are availablebefore assisting with purchases. Submit receipts promptly. Assist individuals who may strugglewith financial record keeping and/or transactions. 5.Provides transportation forindividuals and adheres to Center guidelines and state laws. Safely transports individuals usingCenter vehicles and/or personal vehicles without accident, citation, or anotherincident. Follow all Center guidelines whiledriving, including restriction of food, drink, smoking, and cell phone use. Completes all required vehiclechecklists as scheduled. Maintains fuel and fluid levels ofvehicles and reports all maintenance issues immediately to the appropriatesupervisor. Maintains personal driving recordwithin agency standards and requirements. Provides ongoing evidence of currentauto liability insurance. Provides transportation in own vehicleonly as approved by supervisory staff. Maintain his or her personal vehicleand company vehicles to ensure the safety of individuals and other staff. Complete vehicle paperwork on time. Keep company vehicles clean anddispose of trash and clutter daily. Drive safely and adhere to all Centerand state laws. 6.Community Integration. Assist individuals with communityshopping, recreation, employment assistance, and leisure activities. Facilitate inclusion in community andleisure activities and social interaction. Promote and encourage choice ofactivities. Consistently offer a variety of activities. Inform individuals of free activityopportunities. 7.Reliability. Completes tasks within assignedtimelines. Is consistently available to supportindividuals served so that programs and services occur without interruption. Report to work as scheduled incompliance with the Center and departmental policies and procedures. Independently communicate changes toschedule with supervisory personnel. Inform his or her supervisor when they have free time to help with other departmental duties. Be on time to provide services toindividuals. 8.Communication Ensures that internal communicationsfollow departmental procedures concerning protocol and lines of authority. Advises supervisor promptly ofincidents or situations that would have an unusual effect on the agency'smission, productivity, or direct services. Either positive or negative. Independently communicate with otheremployees as needed, in a manner that is respectful, friendly, and communicatesall pertinent information. 9.Work Safety and Health Adhere to all emergency andpreventative safety procedures, including Universal Precautions, in theperformance of all work duties. Identify and immediately report safetyhazards to designated personnel. Complete incident reports for allon-the-job injuries and report incidents to supervisory personnel. Independently complete incidentreports as needed. Promptly address and report any safetyor health concerns. 10.Participates in the Center's ZeroSuicide Initiative. Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriateCenter programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), PsychiatricTriage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensureseamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention. Remainswith individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calmenvironment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to preventescalation of the crisis situation. Participatesin debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated stafffollowing a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident,identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policiesare followed. #J-18808-Ljbffr Dentonmhmr