Hourly Rate: $21.00

POSITION SUMMARY:  

The Community Specialist IV is responsible for providing direct supports and instructional services to people based on their needs, interests, and desires. This person implements programs that may include a variety of training, teaching procedures, and interventions.  The Community Specialist IV provides specialized supports to individuals with complex needs in classroom and community settings. The Community Specialist IV completes a training curriculum with a concentration in one of two areas: 1) Supporting Individuals with Complex Behavior Needs 2) Supporting Individuals with Complex Medical Needs. The Community Specialist IV also demonstrates on-going proficiency in competencies related to the specialized focus of the training curriculum.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS: 

Minimum Education: Bachelor’s Degree, major in Special Education, Psychology, or a related Human Services field preferred.

At the discretion of the Employer, five years of experience working in a direct support position outside of this agency, along with demonstrated competencies in completion of the required duties, maybe substituted for the degree requirement.

Minimum Experience: One year of experience working directly with individuals who have developmental disabilities is preferred. first 1-3 months in the position.  Within the first 6 months in the position, staff must also demonstrate proficiency in specific competency areas, designated for the area of specialization. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provide direct support and instruction in individual and group settings.
• Develop and implement lesson plans for identified groups of people supported based on individual program plans.
• Perform, document, and compile results from assessments to determine interests, skills, abilities, learning and training needs of people supported. Match individuals with training, volunteer, and recreational opportunities, related to their desired outcomes and assessment results.
• Lead the teaching of people receiving supports functional skills as determined by each individual’s program plans and assessments. This may include but is not limited to behavior management, independent living skills, community integration, pre-employment skills, and/or other skill development.
• Develop the most appropriate learning environment and monitor skills in a variety of site-based and community-based environments to ensure successful transition into the community.
• Prepare and organize materials for instruction and lead/model hands-on instructional activities in site-based and community-based settings based on assignment and/or location.
• Collaborate with treatment team including individual, families and caregivers, other service providers, clinical support staff, outside professionals and co-workers. Participate in planning and team meetings.
• Attend to personal hygiene needs of program participants, which may include toileting, changing, feeding program participants, and showering as the situation warrants.
• In a timely manner, complete, organize, and maintain electronic/manual documentation and program materials for people supported according to guidelines as set forth. This includes valued outcome and behavioral data collection, monthly notes, habilitation plans, behavior plans, regulatory information, program books, replenishing materials needed for activities, and maintaining an organized work/program area based on assignment.
• Operate Agency vehicles for transportation and travel training of the people receiving supports as assigned.
• Administer prescribed medications to people receiving supports after successful completion of AMAP medication administration course based on assignment and/or location.
• Write case notes, reports incidents, and provides information on incidents as required by 624 Regulation in a timely manner.
• Provide oversight and guidance to new staff members, demonstrating job duties and reviewing/completing department specific orientation. May be assigned to mentor new staff members.
• Responsible for health, welfare, and safety of program participants both on program site and while in the community with program participants.
• Provide support/coverage to other than assigned area as needed.
• Perform related duties as requested.

The Arc Rockland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Arc Rockland strives to create and maintain a work environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency, and respect, providing everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive.  We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions of all of our employees – a workplace where every employee is able to bring their whole self to work.