COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

Community Support Specialist

Employment Type: Part-Time / Flexible Pay Rate: $17.16 per hour Location: Budd Lake, NJ

Job Overview

Advancing Opportunities, an affiliate of Apis Services, Inc., is currently seeking Community Support Specialists to provide individualized support to individuals with disabilities and their families within the community.

This role is ideal for paraprofessionals, special education teachers, or individuals with experience working in group homes who are looking for more opportunities.

Position Summary

The Community Support Specialist position is designed to provide direct, person-centered support to individuals with developmental disabilities, with the goal of promoting independence, skill development, and meaningful community engagement. In this role, the employee works closely with assigned individuals to implement activities and supports outlined in their Individual Service Plans, which may include recreational engagement, communication skill development, assistance with daily tasks, and participation in community-based experiences. The position also requires maintaining accurate and timely documentation of services provided, including consumer logs, incident reports, and other required paperwork. In addition to delivering direct care, the Community Support Specialist is expected to uphold professional standards by maintaining respectful and supportive relationships with individuals, families, and stakeholders, exercising sound judgment, ensuring confidentiality, and adhering to organizational policies and procedures. Overall, the role supports the organization's mission by delivering quality services that enhance the well-being, dignity, and quality of life of the individuals served.

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and respite support to individuals with developmental disabilities.

• Implement activities and interventions outlined in Individual Service Plans

• Assist individuals with recreational, educational, and skill-building activities

• Support individuals with personal needs while maintaining privacy and dignity

• Build and maintain respectful, age-appropriate relationships with individuals and families

• Complete required documentation (consumer logs, incident reports, medication sheets, etc.)

• Maintain confidentiality of individuals and family information

• Work scheduled hours and provide consistent, reliable service delivery

Why Work for Advancing Opportunities?

• Paid training and career advancement opportunities

• Competitive wages

• $500 Employee Referral Bonus

• Flexible scheduling (evenings & weekends available)

• Employee discount programs

Qualifications

Successful candidates must:

• Must be at least 21 years of age

• Valid, non-provisional driver's license required

• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision

• Strong verbal and written communication skills

• Strong documentation and organizational skills

• Good judgment and problem-solving abilities

• Ability to effectively interact with individuals with disabilities, families, and staff

• Reliable transportation and a good driving record (if transporting individuals)

Education and Experience:

• High School diploma or equivalent

• Experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred