Community Support Specialist (Oatfield DSA)

At Albertina Kerr, we believe that all people thrive in nurturing and inclusive communities. Our mission is to empower people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and mental health challenges to lead self-determined lives in their communities.

As the Community Support Specialist you will provide daily social, educational, and recreational activities to participants in Kerr's programs. You will collaborate with team members to develop activities that support the development of program participants. Activities and support are provided in alignment with program goals and requirements.

Essential Duties

• Coordinate and conduct community-based learning and work experiences consistent with individual ability and choice. Learning experiences to include (but not limited to) volunteer experience, job shadowing and other opportunities in the community that promote general non-job task specific ability to communicate and work effectively with supervisors, co-workers, and customers.
• Assist staff to design, plan, schedule and implement community-based individual and group outings, learning activities and social/recreational activities that respond to clients’ interests and individual service plans as well as employment readiness classes and other employment preparation activities related to transferable skills and social skills building as they pertain to work and work relationships. 
• Help to create a social bond between the program participants and non-disabled persons in the community.
• Assist individuals in gaining the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue integrated competitive employment by facilitating learning through a variety of delivery methods.
• Manage and de-escalate individual behavioral issues including but not limited to anger management, conflict resolution, coping with anxiety and behaviors addressed in the formal ISP/IEP plan.
• Oversee documentation and communication regarding individual’s attendance, behavior, activities, progress, etc. on a daily basis and write concise, clear and accurate reports as needed.
• Assist individuals with personal care and bathroom support needs.

Benefits

• Paid medical, dental, and vision employee benefits
• Paid basic life & accident insurance
• Paid internal training and career development
• Paid holidays and generous time off
• 401(k) retirement savings plan with up to 4% employer match
• 24-hour Employee Assistance Plan (EAP) that provides resources for everything from mental health to pet insurance and financial counselling

• High School Diploma or Equivalent
• One year of experience instructing/supervising individuals with developmental disabilities OR in a related field.
• Experience using Microsoft Office.
• Strong communication skills and the ability to relate to clients and customers with diverse abilities and needs.
• Must be willing to drive and transport participants in a 15-passenger van.
• Must be able to walk and stand for long periods of time.
• Ability to lift up to 70 pounds.
• Ability to meet all background check, reference, and agency driving requirements. Driving eligibility includes a current and valid driver’s license, at least two years of verifiable driving experience, and no more than two moving violation infractions in the past two years.