Community Support Specialist

Community Support Specialist

Since 1969, MYCS has helped individuals and families in the Mon Valley area Get Better based on the specific and unique circumstances of each person we serve. Our mission is to foster hope, renewal, healing and wellness for those who face the challenges of mental health, substance use and intellectual disabilities. The goal of helping individuals Get Better means getting better service, better advice, better treatment and a better experience overall. The people of MYCS strive for excellence in their quest for knowledge, compassion and support for the recovery of every individual.

Job Description

SPECIFIC RESPONSIBILITIES: • Establish and maintain effective working relationship with all MYCS consumers, striving to exceed their expectations for service, quality, and individuality. Individuals shall be recognized for their valued role within their community. • Plan, participate in, and conduct customized individual or small group activities and instruction, which serve to maximize each individual's potential, as well as providing the tools necessary to make good choices and develop appropriate skills to foster independence as they grow and develop within their community. This includes paid work activities/training that require staff assistance. • Learn, implement and document the Individual Support Plan (ISP) for each consumer. • Complete incident/other reports and documentation in accordance with agency/program, county, and state regulations. • Develop, implement and monitor goal plans as needed, according to agency/program policies and procedures. Goal plans shall be respectful of individual interests and aptitudes. Goals shall serve to minimize artificiality and restrictiveness, while maximizing holistic, integrated supports. Goals shall serve to connect the fabric of work, home, social and recreational needs and desires. • Demonstrate proper judgment and decision-making skills when relating to consumers, their families and team members as specified by program/agency policies; consistently present a professional demeanor in regard to dress and behavior. • Respond to individual's verbal and non-verbal communication, providing regular and consistent opportunities to express their gifts and capacities. • Act to ensure safety of individuals, co-workers and self at all time by: - maintaining a clean, hazard free environment - responding immediately to crisis situations, such as accidents, illness, seizures or aggressive behaviors - using verbal management and physical intervention techniques when appropriate - anticipating crises effectively using knowledge of individual's likes/dislikes, stressors and communication style • Provide a full range of assistance with tasks related to individuals' personal care: grooming, toileting, feeding, and transferring/lifting as needed. These services shall be provided while allowing the highest possible level of discretion and personal dignity. • Provide the individuals served with a full range of opportunities to participate in everyday recreational/leisure activities from which to choose. Preferred activities are those which reflect the individual's interests and shall be age-appropriate and optimally integrated within the community. • Attend required/agency program meetings, as well as communicate relevant information/new ideas in a professional manner. • Provide transportation for consumers as required. • Participate in approved annual trainings as specified by county/state regulations and MYCS policy. • Must have mobility and flexibility (such as running, bending, lifting, climbing stairs, etc.) as to ensure safety and wellbeing of individuals served and of self. • Establish and maintain productive work relationships with individuals served, co-workers, families, and all parties encountered while acting as a representative of the agency. This relationship shall promote a positive, team-oriented work environment.

REQUIRED MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: • Education/Certifications: High School diploma or GED required. • Experience: One (1) year experience working with individuals with disabilities. • Clearances: Act 33 and Act 34. • Driving: Must be 21 years of age or older with a valid PA driver's license and meet the guidelines to be accepted on the agency's vehicle insurance policy. • Medical: Upon hire, provide a current physical and Mantoux test, and then ongoing as required by the Department of Public Welfare (DPW).