Community Support Specialist - Entrust Community Services

Do you want to make a difference in the lives of adults with developmental disabilities and people experiencing homelessness, supporting them with community integration, job and housing security, and more? If so, this may be the perfect opportunity for you!

SUMMARY

Provide training, support and follow-up which enables adults with barriers to community integration enjoy employment and recreation in integrated community settings.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide one-on-one job site training and counseling to supported participants.
• Provide orientation to job or recreation site for new participant and acquaint them with their surroundings, co-workers, fringe benefits, rights, business rules, policies and procedures.
• Teach supported participants self-management skills to enhance their independence and integration at the job site.
• Provide transportation and mobility training to assist supported participant in getting to and from work.
• Implement and recommend revisions to training plans and methods to obtain desired job performance and work behaviors. Instruct new participant how to perform jobs, tasks, work methods and processes in the most efficient, systematic and safe manner. Under the direction of supervisor, modify workstations by using assistive equipment, devices, fixtures, etc. to enhance the job performance of an individual, if needed. Assist participants with duties they cannot perform until modifications can be made.
• Educate employer and co-workers in the supervision, training, and communication and support needs of the individual. Under the direction of supervisor, assist employers in modification of job descriptions, restructuring of job duties, or work environment changes, which better accommodate the job performance needs of each worker. Develop and implement plans for including supervisors and co-workers in the supervision, training, and daily job routine of the individual. Consult with supervisors and co-workers to identify better strategies for achieving inclusion within the job site. Recommend changes or adjustments in work routine, duties, etc. as necessary to better meet the needs of supported participants. Develop and implement fading plan by gradually turning over supervision and support to natural supervisors and co-workers as the participant becomes more independent. Return to work site, to retrain, as necessary.
• Analyze job tasks and work environment to plan appropriate training, supervision, and support services for people placed into supported employment positions. Under the direction of supervisor, conduct job and task analyses to determine basic elements of task(s) to be learned and performed by supported participants. Identify possible learning barriers and determine the most suitable training method for each individual.
• Plan and implement a schedule of support services to meet the ongoing needs of employers and supported participants. Work with and encourage participants to overcome barriers to employment by solving behavior, emotional, hygiene or personal problems. Monitor supported participants' ongoing service plan and suggest adjustments when necessary to stabilize or improve job performance.
• Implement work skill and behavior programs. Participate in all team planning sessions involving participant. Run established participant goals and make visual aids for participant understanding of goals. Administer and report results of assessments, base lines and evaluations to the Case Manager. Make entries into case notes, progress reports, training logs, CMIS system and goals books concerning progress on goals, vocational training, and behavior deviations. Observe and record participant's job performance and work behaviors for required reports written by Case Managers. Communicate progress at the job site to the Service Delivery Team and seek advice regarding the need for changes in each individual's service plan.
• Provide advocacy support services to protect the rights of supported participants at the job site. Strive to create awareness to the training and employment capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
• Other duties may be assigned.
• Consistent communication with Service Delivery Team for changes or additional needs to support plans.

MARGINAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Provide advocacy support services to protect the rights of individuals with disabilities seeking employment. Strive to create awareness to the training and employment capabilities of individuals with disabilities.
• Conduct tours as necessary.
• Collect accurate attendance information.

AUTHORITY AND RESPONSIBILITY

Reports to: Program Manager

Supervises: This job has no supervisory responsibilities

Purchases: Supply requisitions and check requests must be turned into the Program Manager.

Authority: Under Administrative direction, is responsible for work of moderate difficulty in planning, organizing, coordinating highly professional work in a specific area of expertise.

QUALIFICATIONS

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Thorough Knowledge of:

• Developmental disabilities, mental illness or traumatic brain injuries
• Behavior modification technique
• Job modification
• Training technique
• Community resources for individuals with disabilities
• Employment and training programs

Ability to:

• Implement training programs
• Evaluate individual's assets, interests and personal strengths in order to match that individual to an employer's needs.
• Write accurate information into progress service delivery logs and anecdotal information
• Perform vocational assessments
• Communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, with individuals regarding complex or sensitive issues
• Transport people with disabilities to and from job site, interviews, or other sites in own vehicle or other means when company vehicles are not available

Perform essential job functions with Demonstrated Proficiency in the area(s) of:

• Recording anecdotal information
• Completing work within time frames
• Training individuals
• Scheduling a work day

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE GUIDELINES

Any equivalent combination of education and experience that provides the applicant with the knowledge, skills and abilities required to perform the job. They are usually obtained by possessing the following education and experience:

Education

High School diploma or GED required.

Experience

One year of working with people who are developmentally disabled preferred

One year of industrial or service work preferred

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to assist in the development of training plans for program participants. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or participants of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to calculate figures and amounts such as discounts, interest, commissions, and percentages.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists and where immediate supervisor may not be readily available. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written oral, diagram or schedule form.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Current First Aid/CPR certification preferred
• Valid and current Washington State Drivers license
• Proof of automobile insurance if vehicle is driven for agency business

OTHER REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to pass the Washington State Criminal Background Check
• Ability to pass the company mandatory drug screen
• Must have and maintain a good driving record
• Does not pose a direct threat to the health and safety of self or others

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Medium Work:

• Exerting 20 to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or 10-25 pounds of force frequently, and/or greater than negligible up to 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use hands to finger, handle or feel and talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to stand; walk; reach with hands and arms; and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee is occasionally required to sit, climb or balance, and taste or smell. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equipment Used: Computer, calculator, copy machine, phone, company vehicles and production equipment in designated job coaching sites.

Software Used: Agency client software and Office 365 with Word and Excel as primary applications.

Work Conditions: Work conditions include office/production/industrial setting either inside or outdoors.

Work Schedule: 8:00-4:30, Monday-Friday, 1/2 hour lunch. Hours may vary to accommodate schedule of participants.

EXAMPLES OF PERFORMANCE CRITERIA

• Number of training hours
• Number of support hours
• Number of participant goals that were completed
• Correct documentation in Setworks, Wage and hours reports
• Average number of hours worked per month
• Number of individuals successfully trained
• Job retention ratio of supported participants receiving training and related support services
• Rate or extent of job performance improvements as measured by productivity, quality of work, changes in adaptive work behaviors, etc.
• Percent of supported participants and interdisciplinary team members who express satisfaction with on-site training and support services
• Number of reports turned in on time and accurate
• Number of safety infractions
• Number of hours absent from work
• Adherence to policies and procedures of Entrust Community Services

Communication method(s) used:

• Email
• Phone
• In person

Job Type: Full-Time 

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8-hour shift
• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Monday to Friday
• Morning shift
• Weekends as needed

Experience:

• working with people with developmental disabilities: 1 year (Required)

Language:

• English (Required)
• Spanish (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• CPR/First Aid/Bloodborne Pathogens (Preferred)
• WA State auto insurance (Required)
• Washington state driver's license (Required)

Willingness to travel:

• 25% (Preferred)

Work Location: In person