Community Companion - Pathlight Group

This opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy supporting and helping others through meaningful work as a Community Companion / Support Specialist to take individual out into community for that typically include taking walks, grabbing a bite to eat, shopping, personal care appointments, attending local events, going to the movies or to other favorite recreation activity.

In addition to acting as a resource, support staff are responsible for engaging with, assisting, instructing, monitoring, and motivating the individual(s) they are paired with in social and recreational activities when out in the community.

ABOUT PATHLIGHT:

Founded in 1952, Pathlight (formerly known as The Association For Community Living) partners with people with disabilities to create opportunities and build relationships throughout their lives. We are the parent company of Autism Connections, Whole Children, Milestones, Whole Selves, Family Empowerment, and the Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts.

DIVISION: Family Services - Family Based Living

TITLE: Individual Support Specialist (ISS) - This is a Community Companion role.

GRADE: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Montague, Massachusetts

HOURS: TBD

AVAILABILITY NEEDED: Weekend or Weekday

SUMMARY OF POSITION:

Availability needed for these roles are typically weekday afternoons into evenings and/or the weekends - making this an excellent employment option for college students, retirees, or anyone looking to pick up a manageable and REWARDING job!

Staff must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable transporting the individual(s) in their own vehicle. Good communication skills, patience, and dependability are also required.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Engage, assist, instruct, motivate and monitor individuals in social/recreational, skill building and family directed activities. Model appropriate behavior in social situations and assist in development of independence skills.
• Learn the individualized services of each person and participate in their routine implementation. Follow clearly established methods, techniques, and procedures for engaging, assisting, instructing and monitoring individuals while assuring safety and well-being in accordance with the services. Confer with the supervisor, family, care provider and other service team members about an individual's goals, implementation and other related questions, concerns, or problems.
• Remain in the attendance of, and fully available to Individuals served at all times, unless specified otherwise within the individualized services of the person.
• Apply Pathlight and program policies and procedures, particularly in the areas of crisis, emergency, health and safety, individual rights and preventing and reporting abuse. Ensure confidentiality regarding all information shared concerning the individual, family, care providers. Seek emergency care as needed.
• Complete related records as required and instructed by contract or supervisor per standard format ensuring confidentiality and safe-keeping of documents.
• Accompany individual to appointments, social functions, recreational activities and other planned events as requested by the supervisor, to include providing transportation. Inform care provider or family and supervisor of activities carried out, individual's level of participation, any behavioral issues or other challenges encountered. Maintain professional boundaries in relationship with the individual and family.
• Respond and relate to routine inquiries, visitors, the Individual's family, friends and allied staff or professionals as outlined in program standards or by the program supervisor.
• Submit weekly or bi-weekly time sheets with summaries of activities in a timely manner. Submit timely and accurate mileage reimbursement requests. Participate in periodic meetings regarding the Individual's progress and carry out changes as recommended.
• Attend and participate in program and related meetings or required training as directed.
• Perform other similar and related duties as needed or assigned by supervisor.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 18 years of age.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 year related experience preferred.
• Valid driver's license and reliable transportation/vehicle as required by program.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 6 MONTHS:

• First Aid/CPR, OSHA,
• Basic understanding of developmental disabilities and/or autism.
• Plus additional person specific training

Pathlight has demonstrated a commitment to issues of diversity. We welcome all applicants. EOE equal opportunity employer.