Community Support Worker

Community Support Workers are advocates, companions, and facilitators, who play an active and important role in empowering the individuals they support to live independently and participate fully in their communities where they live and work. The Community Support Worker will assist program participants with intellectual disabilities and diverse behavioral and mental health needs with support in their home and community, using the strategies of Informed Decision Making, coaching and mentoring, and skill building. The position does not have supervisory responsibility.

Responsibilities

Assist program participants with intellectual disabilities and diverse behavioral and mental health needs with support in their home and community; Provide assistance with household management, including maintaining cleanliness and order, shopping, preparing meals and managing day-to-day activities; Assist with attending appointments; Provide support with self-advocacy, communication and self-expression; Help individuals work toward and achieve their desired goals and outcomes; Support health and wellbeing, including healthy choices, exercise, hygiene, appointments and following doctor recommendations; Support decision making and planning, including budgeting and meal preparation; Provide emotional and mental support to individuals living with mental and/or behavioral health experiences; Implement actions and strategies in Individual Support Plans and Behavioral Support Plans; Encourage and support involvement in the local community and development of a support network; Drive clients to community activities, appointments and shopping; Teach skills to develop, increase and maintain independence; Work with interdisciplinary team members, healthcare providers, family members and external support systems; Monitor and report on progress toward goals and outcomes; Complete required support documentation, including Outcome Progress Notes, Behavior Support Charts, healthcare visit forms and Incident Management forms; Support with taking medications as prescribed and report difficulties with the regimen; Ensure the safety and wellbeing of the individual; Act immediately in emergencies, including calling 911, administering CPR/FA, and contacting supervisors or emergency on-call

Requirements

High School Diploma or GED; 2 years working with individuals with Intellectual Disabilities or Autism; 1-2 years experience working with individuals with diverse behavioral or mental health diagnoses; Organizational and time management skills; Good listening and communication skills; Good writing skills to complete required documentation; Ability to work independently in a home and/or community setting without direct supervision; Able to adapt to changing environments; Able to understand and use technology such as an iPad; Regularly required to sit, stand and walk for periods of time; Occasionally climb and descend steps; Frequently talk and hear; Frequently use hands and fingers to handle materials or equipment; Occasionally drive or travel from location to location for periods of up to 1 hour; Visual and auditory scanning of the work environment; Lift or exert up to 30 pounds occasionally, up to 20 pounds frequently, and up to 10 pounds constantly; Use of own vehicle to travel to individuals' homes and transport individuals within the community

Nice to have

Ability to build client rapport through empathy, compassion and active listening; Ability to establish healthy professional boundaries; Strong organizational skills; Ability to work independently