Community Support Specialist - Transition Age Youth

Job Description :

Under moderate supervision in accordance with instructions, policies and procedures, previous training, and accepted practices provides therapeutic supports within a positive treatment / care environment, teaching and modeling healthy behaviors, consistent with the treatment / care goals of recovery, independence, socialization, normalization, and integration within the community;

and promoting satisfying, productive, and valued lives.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

1. Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) (e. g., personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, nutrition needs);

monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.

2. Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery (e. g., medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, stress management strategies).

3. Plans and facilitates community-based activities (e. g., medical appointments, grocery shopping, leisure / recreation / socialization);

facilitates access to community resources (e. g., AA / NA meetings, school, job placement).

4. Contributes to safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.

5. Serves as ambassador of SCS and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and about SCS’s services and programming.

6. Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served (e. g., school, landlord, family, transportation provider, employer).

7. Provides transportation (e. g., driving SCS van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices (e.

g., driver certification, seat belts, child safety seats); teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.

8. Provides personal care, as needed (e. g., personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, safe eating techniques).

9. Administers First Aid and CPR, as needed.

10. Supervises self-administered medication, serving as the program’s point person for supervised self-administered medication (SSAM), or administers medication, depending on the specific clinical program’s protocols.

11. Identifies assigned clients’ food and / or medication allergies and exercises reasonable care to avoid exposure to allergens.

12. Communicates information relevant to care, treatment, and services, with other SCS staff members and, as authorized, with non-SCS providers, to ensure appropriate level and quality of care.

13. May take responsibility for specific assignments within the program (e. g., Clubhouse food program, admissions at Crisis Stabilization Unit).

14. May provide limited on-the-job training to Community Support Providers, including answering questions, offering opportunities to shadow and observe, and explaining basic information about the site’s programming.

15. Documents services and care provided by timely completing various forms in accordance with SCS and regulatory standards.

16. Maintains confidentiality of protected health information, consistent with SCS procedures and state and federal law.

17. Attends and participates in all required staff and service planning meetings and trainings.

18. Maintains and enhances skills for working with clients.

The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this job.

Incumbents may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.

EDUCATION

• Up to 18 months’ training, beyond high school or GED*, in direct care of individuals with disabilities.
• Completion of all required trainings within 6 months of hire date.
• Successfully complete, within six months of hire, the department led or approved training program per Medicaid regulations.

EXPERIENCE

• One year full time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of mental health or co-occurring disorder.
• Formal documentation by supervisor of ability to function independently as direct support professional and of proficiency in providing direct support services.
• Ability to provide caring, nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities, including those who are medically fragile and / or have intense behavioral needs and / or otherwise pose a high level of risk, because of complexity of treatment / service needs and / or a complex diagnostic profile.
• Good interpersonal skills.
• Ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Teaching skills
• Patience and empathy.
• Maturity and judgment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS / REQUIREMENTS

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, lifting a maximum of 100 pounds, with frequent lifting and / or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May include frequent lifting of patients.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Proof of automobile liability insurance.
• Positive driving record.

Time Type : Full time

Full time

We continually help our community and employees flourish... one life at a time. As a Seven Counties Services employee there are many perks to enjoy.

Below are just some of the great benefits you might be eligible for with Seven Counties Services.

• Health & Wellness Medical CoverageDental CoverageVision CoverageFlexible Spending AccountHealth Savings AccountShort Term DisabilityLong Term Disability - Company PaidWellness Programs - Company Paid
• Financial Wellbeing Competitive Compensation PackagesLife Insurance - Company PaidAccidental Death & Dismemberment Insurance - Company Paid403b Retirement Plan with Company Funded MatchingRetirement and Financial Planning ServicesEmployee Discounts including Dell Computers, Verizon Wireless, Liberty Mutual, Costco, and Enterprise Rent-a-CarLoan Forgiveness options through federal programs (National Health Service Corps & Public Service Loan Forgiveness)
• Career Development and Growth At Seven Counties Services training is one of our highest priorities. We provide company paid professional training for various skills, certifications, and continuing educationOpportunities for growth and movement - We encourage our employees to consider new growth opportunities with usLeadership Academy for our rising stars, supervisors, and leadersSeven Counties Services and Center for Clinical Excellence teach provide staff with industry best practices and processes
• Work Life Balance Paid Time Off - Generous PTO for Vacations, Illness, Personal Days, Etc. (Paid Holidays)Flexible Work Schedules to promote a Healthy Work Life BalanceEmployee Assistance Program - assists employees with personal problems and / or work-related problems that may impact their job performance, health, mental and emotional well-being

Seven Counties Services