Community support specialist

Make an impact by joining ServiceSource, a champion for people with disabilities. Explore new opportunities! ServiceSource is an organization of talented people who drive innovation, embrace change, and strengthen communities.

Job Summary

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) is responsible for planning and/or implementing person centered activities for program participants to maximize individuals’ ability to safely participate in activities of their choosing out in the community. Support includes training and guidance for activities in the community such as (but not limited to): social, leisure, recreation, and volunteer opportunities, and life skills (such as light money management and social skills). Support may also be provided to participants in other ServiceSource programs when required.

Primary Duties

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. These duties and responsibilities will be rated on the Annual Performance Review.

• Person Centered Planning (PCP): Conduct intake meetings and plan activities in the community in accordance with participants’ service plans and other interests. Encourage participant to plan activities and receive input from participants about activities of interest. Plan activities when participant needs assistance with planning outings. The primary focus is to help the participant engage in activities out in the community to promote community integration and inclusion. Planning may include reviewing/creating public transportation routes for travel training.
• Maintenance of Records/Files: Conduct intake meetings and obtain required program forms/plans for each participant; obtain updated forms/plans annually as required. Create and complete session notes and monthly invoices for each participant. Maintain copies of all service-related receipts.
• Communication Regarding Participants: Communicate with parents, guardians, participant, and/or other team members regarding participant illness, incidents, changes to schedule, etc. Apprise supervisor and team members of any concerns as needed. Report any concerns of unsafe conditions immediately to supervisor.
• Active Engagement: Participate in activities and assist participant according to his/her level of support need. Performs related duties and responsibilities as assigned/requested.

Additional Duties and Responsibilities

• Seek feedback from program participants and include in program planning.
• Provide guidance and support to assure safety in community and in-house activities.
• Provide transportation to participants using personal or company vehicles; company vehicles will be provided when available but are not guaranteed.
• Provide travel training for use of public transportation and/or other avenues of transportation (such as Uber, Lyft, and Taxis); includes reviewing transportation routes and creating a training route.
• Maintain knowledge of community activities.

Qualifications: Education, Experience and Certification(s)

• High School diploma or General Education diploma (GED) is required.
• Two years of experience working with adults with developmental disabilities is required.
• Two years of education beyond high school in college or trade school is preferred.
• Ability to pass a criminal background check.
• Valid Driver's license and no suspensions within the last 3 years is required; proof of Automobile Liability Insurance and motor vehicle record at time of application.
• Eligibility and coverage under ServiceSource driver’s insurance (mandatory requirement).
• 40 hrs./week and candidate must have flexible schedule to include weekday, weekend, evening, nights, and holidays.
• Candidate must be able to pay upfront expenses for activities (sporting events, movies, public transportation, meals, etc.); Applicable approved expenses will be reimbursed.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ability to set and maintain clear boundaries and expectations.
• Strong interpersonal, communication and organization skills.
• Knowledge of community activities and resources.
• Candidate must be able to navigate and use public transportation, Uber, and/or Lyft.

Physical Demands

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand; reach with hands and arms; and talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk and sit. The employee may occasionally lift or move products and supplies, up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Work Environment

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The noise level in the work environment is usually quiet.

What We Offer – for Benefit Eligible Employees May Include:

Because ServiceSource hires the best people, we work hard to provide benefits that make their lives better, so we offer a comprehensive benefit program which features:

• Health coverage for you and your family through Medical, Dental, and Vision plans.
• Financial protection with 100% company paid Disability, Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment insurance.
• A 403(b)-Retirement plan in which the company matches dollar for dollar on a generous percentage matching up to 3% of your contribution.
• Tax advantages through Flexible Spending and Health Savings accounts that allow you to pay for specific healthcare and dependent care expenses with pre-tax dollars.
• To help you manage your work and life needs, we offer an Employee Assistance Program, Wellness Program, and Tuition Assistance.
• A generous paid time-off program in which the benefits increase based on your tenure with the company.

We are an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer, making employment decisions without regard to a person’s race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity and transgender status), national origin, age (40 or older), veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. We are an E-Verify Employer and a drug-free workplace. Pre-employment background checks are required for all employment positions.

PAY TRANSPARENCY POLICY STATEMENT:

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information.