Community Support Specialist - Adult Criminal Justice Team

Responsibilities

• Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, meal preparation, money management, educational and vocational goal-setting, and nutrition needs; monitors performance of ADL skills and provides therapeutic feedback.
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery, including medication side effects, ADL, communication skills, and stress management strategies.
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities, such as medical appointments, grocery shopping, and leisure/recreation/socialization; facilitates access to community resources like AA/NA meetings, school, and job placement.
• Contributes to a safe and therapeutic environment by practicing verbal de-escalation and, as authorized, other behavior management techniques.
• Serves as an “ambassador” of the organization and its clients by integrating clients into the community and educating community members about people with disabilities and the organization’s services.
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served, including schools, landlords, family, transportation providers, and employers.
• Provides transportation (e.g., driving organization van or personal vehicle), ensuring adherence to standard safety practices such as driver certification, seat belts, and child safety seats; teaches and facilitates use of public transportation systems.
• Provides personal care as needed, including personal hygiene, toileting, laundry, meal preparation, and safe eating techniques.
• Administers First Aid and CPR as needed.
• 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.

Requirements

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• 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.
• One year of full-time experience working with individuals who receive services for treatment of mental health or co-occurring disorders.
• Formal documentation by a supervisor of ability to function independently as a direct support professional and proficiency in providing direct support services.
• Ability to provide caring, nurturing attention and care to individuals with disabilities, including those who are medically fragile, have intense behavioral needs, or pose a high level of risk due to complex treatment/service needs or diagnostic profiles.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate with verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Teaching skills, patience, and empathy.
• Maturity and judgment.
• 18 years of age or older.
• Valid driver’s license, proof of automobile liability insurance, and a positive driving record.

Physical Demands

• Position involves considerable physical exertion, including lifting a maximum of 100 pounds and frequent lifting and/or carrying of objects weighing up to 50 pounds.
• May include frequent lifting of patients.

Time Type: Full time