Community Living Specialist - Supported Living Services

SERRA CENTER

COMMUNITY LIVING SPECIALIST - SUPPORTED LIVING SERVICES

ABOUT THE SERRA CENTER
Since 1975, Serra Center has been committed to providing compassionate care for individuals with developmental disabilities. We serve over 80 men and women in our community-based Residential Care Homes. The individuals served live in more than 65 traditional and accessible homes and apartments in residential neighborhoods throughout Alameda County. Looking toward the future, Serra Center continues to strive for greater levels of independence and choice for people with developmental disabilities.

POSITION OVERVIEW

The Community Living Specialist oversees a caseload of clients within Serra Center’s Supported Living Services program. This role is responsible for supervising, training, and evaluating Coordinators and Instructors who work directly with clients. The Community Living Specialist also develops Individual Support Plans (ISPs), ensuring that each client receives services aligned with their goals and needs. Additional responsibilities include program development, fiscal management, intake, assessment, and coordination of services.

CORE RESPONSIBILITIES

Program Oversight and Client Support

* Provide overall supervision and management of the Supported Living Services (SLS) program.
* Conduct intake, assessment, program interviews, and orientation for new clients; oversee discharge and transition processes.
* Develop Individual Support Plans (ISPs) using Person-Centered Planning, adjusting supports as client needs evolve.
* Monitor client health, behavior, and well-being, collaborating with physicians, agencies, and families for needed services.
* Protect client rights and ensure therapeutic, safe environments.

Program and Regulatory Compliance

* Ensure client records and program documentation (progress notes, quarterly reports, daily activity logs, SIRs) are accurate, timely, and compliant with Title 17 requirements and Serra Center policies.
* Implement Quality Assurance practices to maintain compliance and improve program quality.
* Serve as a mandated reporter and maintain knowledge of all reporting requirements.

Fiscal and Administrative Management

* Manage program budgets and expenditures; oversee POS contracts and SLS budgets, ensuring timely adjustments.
* Collect, analyze, and summarize program data for reporting and evaluation.
* Participate as a member of the administrative team, contributing to organizational initiatives, committees, and events.

Supervision and Staff Development

* Provide leadership, direction, and evaluation for Coordinators and Instructors.
* Offer ongoing training, coaching, and support to team members.
* Recruit staff in partnership with HR and conduct performance evaluations to maintain a high-performing team.
* Serve as the 24 hour on-call administrator for the agency every 4th week

Community and Agency Relations

* Cultivate relationships with regional centers, families, fiduciaries, advocates, and community service providers.
* Attend regional SLS provider meetings and represent the agency at assigned events and committees.
* Facilitate collaboration with external partners and agencies to maximize client resources.

Crisis Management and Safety

* Develop and implement intervention strategies for client crises, including coordinating special staffing or law enforcement support when necessary.
* Provide community awareness training to ensure client safety.

QUALIFICATIONS

* Minimum of a Bachelor of Science in social services or a related field.
* At least two years of supervisory experience, with prior experience in a nonprofit environment serving individuals with developmental disabilities.
* Demonstrated skill in case management, assessment, and analysis, with the ability to develop and adjust Individual Support Plans (ISPs).
* Strong working knowledge of Title 17 regulations and the DDS system, including experience securing and managing applicable public benefits.
* Excellent written, verbal, and math skills, with the ability to communicate effectively across diverse audiences.
* Proficiency in Microsoft Excel, Word, and Windows; able to oversee documentation, data collection, and reporting.
* Proven ability to lead teams, multitask, and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
* High level of initiative and ability to thrive in a team-oriented, collaborative environment.
* Ability to travel for work as needed; requires a valid driver’s license, access to reliable transportation, and current insurance coverage.

COMPENSATION & BENEFITS

The Community Living Specialist role offers a competitive base salary in the range of $80,000–$90,000, along with a comprehensive benefits package. Employees may choose between HMO or PPO medical plans, enjoy fully covered dental care, and participate in a generous pension program with a 3% employee contribution and an 11% employer match. Additional benefits include paid vacation, paid sick leave, and 11 paid holidays, as well as flexible work hours and location. This position is classified as exempt.

Serra Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to sustaining a diverse community with a work environment that is welcoming, respectful, and encouraging to all. We foster a culture of inclusion that celebrates and cultivates diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, out-of-home care, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience. We encourage applications from those who identify as people of color and/or as first-generation college graduates.

Envision Consulting was retained by Serra Center to search for their Community Living Specialist - Supported Living Services.

Applicants needing accommodation for any part of the application process may contact Envision Consulting at 626.889.7905 to request and arrange for assistance.