Community Living Specialists
Location: Allegheny County
Hourly: $25.25
Sign-on Bonus: $2000
(Travel throughout Allegheny County. Mileage reimbursement provided for any travel using personal vehicle.)
We are looking for experienced professionals in providing services and supports to individuals with intellectual disabilities around the Westmoreland County area. Make a difference by leading a team of Direct Support staff to facilitate the goals of the individuals we support!
About Achieva:
At Achieva, we envision a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. We are an organization of individuals, professionals, and community partners that help people reach their individualized goals. Throughout its 70 years, Achieva has been committed to the support and inclusion of those with disabilities.
Position Description:
The Community Living Specialist is responsible for supporting people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position works with assigned staff to support people's outcomes. Together with each person, their family, and other team members, assist in charting a course that supports each person in realizing their life of personal significance. . The specialist is responsible to ensure compliance with the regulatory, internal, and external policies and mandates as assigned.
Job Responsibilities-Highlights:
- Coordinates and contributes to the development of plans that are mandated by regulations .Ensures implementation and adheres to each person's person-centered plan and current ISP. Responsible for the revision of the ISP that reflects the goals and outcomes chosen by the person. Ensures the accuracy of ISP contents.
- Coordinates the completion of assessments as requested by external partners with the Community Living Supervisor. Presents assessment results.
- Respects each person's right to make choices and exercise self-determination, resulting in life experiences and personal growth, supporting their health and safety, and their right to risk.
- Ensures that opportunities are provided for each person to explore their interests in their community and form relationships.
- Ensures ongoing communication between the Supervisor and families to appropriately support each person.
- Ensures ongoing communication with the Supervisor so that each person's daily routine appropriately supports that person; including personal care, appointments, leisure activities, and transportation.
- Completes the Medication Administration training and acts as a Medication Trainer, as assigned.
- Must obtain CPR certification within six months of the start date.
- Participates in training and meetings as required. Maintains awareness of new developments, current trends, bulletins, and memos as they become available.
- Adheres to all policies, procedures, and regulations.
- Ensures appropriate and accurate expenditures and reconciliation of monies disbursed from the Achieva Support Rep Payee and Achieva Support Custodial Account for assigned Persons.
- Serves as Point Person, Incident Manager (IM), and Certified Investigator (CI) in the reporting of incidents through EIM. Serves as Mandated Reporter as required.
The following combination of experience and education is required:
- Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university and 2 years of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability.
- Master’s Degree from an accredited college or university and 1 year of work experience working directly with individuals with an intellectual disability.
- Satisfactory Act 33/34 clearances and FBI background check.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver’s license and properly insured vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided for travel using a personal vehicle).
- Must obtain First Aid/CPR certification within two months of the start date.
- Successful completion of Medication Administration training, provided by Achieva.
Why Join Achieva?
Meaningful Work: Directly contribute to the lives of people with disabilities
Inclusive Culture: Be part of a values-driven, supportive team
Comprehensive Benefits Include:
- Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance with low employee contributions
- Company-Paid Life, AD&D, and Long-Term Disability Insurance
- 403(b) Retirement Plan with employer contributions after one year
- Employee Assistance Program for personal and family support
- Generous Paid Time Off and Holidays for work-life balance
Skills Required
- Associate Degree from an accredited college and 4 years direct experience working with individuals with intellectual disability.
- Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college and 2 years direct experience working with individuals with intellectual disability.
- Master's Degree from an accredited college and 1 year direct experience working with individuals with intellectual disability.
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN) certification.
- Satisfactory Act 33/34 clearances and FBI background check.
- Valid Pennsylvania driver's license and properly insured vehicle (mileage reimbursement provided).
- Obtain First Aid/CPR certification within two months of start date.
- Successful completion of Medication Administration training (provided by Achieva).
What We Do
VISION: Achieva envisions a community where all people with disabilities lead lives of personal significance. MISSION: Achieva advocates for, empowers, and supports people with disabilities and their families throughout their lives. CORE VALUES: Respect: Value and celebrate everyone. Passion: Be dedicated to Achieva’s mission and vision. Ethics: Infuse integrity, quality and best practices in everything we do. Change: Embrace and drive innovation toward inclusive person-centered practices. Team: Inspire, challenge and support each other. STRATEGIC PRIORITIES: Person Centered: Create and nurture a culture throughout ACHIEVA that promotes person-centered thinking and planning and in how we provide support. Advocacy: Ensure that advocacy remains a foundational part of the organization, is supported by sustainable funding and staffing, and focuses on individual advocacy and important system advocacy issues. Impact: Identify, develop and pursue new and innovative initiatives that stretch Achieva’s abilities to fulfill its vision and mission. Staff: Implement enhanced strategies to attract, develop and retain the highest quality staff. Diversity: Develop and pursue a diverse and inclusive culture throughout the organization. Technology: Leverage technology to enhance all aspects of the organization and services/supports. Advancement: Develop and pursue an advancement agenda that enhances Achieva’s financial position, community presence and leadership.
