Community Living Specialist (Direct Support Professional)

About the role

Join Reach for Resources, Inc. as a Community Living Specialist and enjoy a fulfilling role where you can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This position offers flexibility, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to your community. You will promote independence in life skills through teaching, coaching, modeling, encouraging, and support. You will work with each person, their family, and their team to develop, implement, and periodically evaluate a Community Living Plan. Community Living Specialists represent the agency in a courteous and professional manner in all phases of the position.

This role requires traveling to support individuals in their homes and community within Hennepin County and the surrounding area, with sporadic visits to the home office in Edina, Minnesota. Applicants must be comfortable with potential travel to other areas of the Twin Cities as staffing needs require. Mileage is reimbursed.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain meaningful relationships with individuals supported.
• Develop, implement, and evaluate Community Living Plans for each person.
• Teach, coach, model, and encourage independent life skills.
• Work collaboratively with individuals, their families, and their teams.
• Represent the agency professionally in all interactions.
• Operate within a team framework while managing an independent daily schedule.
• Adapt support to each individual's unique needs using a person-centered approach.
• Communicate professionally and respectfully with individuals, families, and team members.
• Manage time effectively, meet deadlines, and achieve productivity goals.

Requirements

• Knowledge customarily acquired through post-high school education or relevant experience in disability services, mental health, human services, psychology, education, social work, or a related field; relevant experience may substitute for formal education.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills.
• Organizational and time management skills.
• Ability to support a diverse population in developing and maximizing independent living skills.
• Willingness to explore effective approaches, teach practical life skills, and proactively seek resources and guidance.
• Ability to work within a team framework and operate independently under defined policies and procedures.
• Must be able to operate a motor vehicle as an essential function of the job; must meet the organization’s driver qualification requirements and maintain legal authorization to drive for work purposes.
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word, Outlook, Teams, SharePoint, and Excel).
• A genuine interest in helping others and a willingness to share your warm personality and sense of humor professionally.
• Ability to balance compassion and professional boundaries.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• The majority of working hours are spent providing direct support and fieldwork meetings in individuals' homes and throughout the community.
• Limited in-office and remote work duties.
• Schedule varies within 8:00 AM – 8:30 PM, dependent on caseload needs; may include weekends, nights, and holidays. Staff are not expected to exceed a 40-hour work week.
• Physical demands include light lifting (under 20 lbs), moving about office, program, community, or client locations, safely driving a motor vehicle, and verbal communication.
• Must be able to safely monitor the work environment, perform assigned duties, and effectively exchange information with employees, participants, clients, vendors, and the public.

Skills

• Enjoy building meaningful relationships with others.
• Comfortable working independently while staying connected with your team.
• Believe in empowering people to build their own skills rather than doing things for them.
• Take initiative, solve problems independently, and look for opportunities to improve services.
• Adapt well to change and enjoy working in a dynamic, community-based environment.
• Use a person-centered approach by meeting people where they are.

Benefits

• Generous PTO package (15 days a year for full-time employees, with increases each year).
• 13 floating holidays (for full-time employees – used at your discretion).
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement savings plan with company matching.
• Short-term and long-term disability.
• Flexible, community-based schedule.
• Mileage reimbursement for eligible work-related travel.
• Opportunities for professional growth, advocacy, and advancement.
• Inclusive and supportive workplace culture with leadership invested in your success.
• Chances to participate in Wellness, Advocacy, and Diversity, Equity & Inclusion (DEI) committees.
• Casual work attire.

Pay

$19 per hour + mileage reimbursement for eligible work-related travel.

Why You’ll Love Reach

• Meaningful one-on-one work.
• Opportunities for growth and advancement.
• Inclusive, mission-driven culture.
• Competitive benefits and mileage reimbursement.
• Work directly with people in a community-based schedule, not behind a desk.
• Variety in your workday with no two days exactly alike.
• No overnight shifts.
• Full benefits package for full-time employees.
• Leadership who invest in your success.
• Bring your personality, creativity, and sense of humor to work.