Community Integration Specialist

Job Summary: Under limited supervision, uses intermediate skills obtained through experience and training to design and create programming with the goal of delivering social skills programs for youth with Intellectual and Development Disabilities (IDD) and Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD). Using evidence based best practices, builds and delivers programs to help youth develop positive relationships and enhance communication skills and abilities with the end goal of fostering Community Integration. Routine contact with internal and external stakeholders is required to create programs that empower youth to become active and confident members of their communities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Participate in the development of age-appropriate social skills programs tailored to the needs of youth in the community.
• Monitors, guides, and assists participants through an assessment of the social skills to develop personalized learning plans.
• Builds and establishes partnerships with experts, educators, and therapists to determine appropriate curricula and resources for participants.
• Utilize various teaching methodologies, such as role-playing, group discussions, and experiential learning to conduct group sessions and workshops that teach social skills, conflict resolution, and emotional regulation techniques.
• Monitor the progress of youth, track improvements, and adjust interventions accordingly.
• Implement behavior management strategies to address challenging behaviors and promote positive interactions.
• Offer guidance and support to youth in managing conflict and building healthy relationships.
• Foster a safe and inclusive environment for youth to practice and refine their social abilities.
• Collaborate with community organizations, schools, and parents to ensure a holistic approach to youth development.
• Connect clients with relevant resources, services, and vocational training programs as appropriate.
• Organize community events, outings, and activities to promote social interaction and integration.
• Maintain accurate records of program participation and individual progress.
• Generate regular reports to evaluate program effectiveness and identify areas for improvement.
• Effectively manage crisis situations that may arise in the lives of individuals with IDD and ASD.
• Remains current in evidence based social skills interventions and therapeutic techniques, behavioral theory, and intellectual and developmental disabilities for individuals with IDD and ASD.
• Maintains regular and consistent attendance.
• Operates standard office equipment and uses required software applications.
• Performs other duties and responsibilities as assigned.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of:

• Evidence based social skills interventions and therapeutic techniques
• Behavioral health best practices and working knowledge of behavioral theory
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities, including the various subtypes and the impact of autism spectrum disorder, to provide informed guidance and support.

Skill in:

• Group facilitation and/or public speaking
• Operating standard office equipment and using required software applications, including Microsoft Office and Teams.
• Bilingual skills highly desirable

Ability to:

• Adjust hours based on programming schedules.
• Work with youth, young adults & caregivers in small group settings: classroom & community.
• Adapt to the unique needs and challenges of each participant.
• Work collaboratively with a multidisciplinary team of professionals, including educators, healthcare providers, and social workers.
• Adhere to ethical standards and principles in working with vulnerable populations.
• Demonstrate patience, empathy, and the ability to establish trust with youth.
• Commit to maintaining client confidentiality and ethical standards.
• Incorporate needs, wants and goals from different perspectives into effective programs.
• Incite enthusiasm and influence, motivate and persuade others to achieve desired outcomes
• Gather information, identify linkages and trends and apply findings to assignments.
• Organize and prioritize multiple tasks and meet deadlines.
• Develop trusting relationships with both youth and their families
• Work with people from diverse cultural backgrounds
• Excellent interpersonal, written and verbal communication skills
• Work independently as well as collaboratively within a team environment.

Educational/Previous Experience Requirements:

• Minimum Degree Required:

1. Bachelors degree required. Master’s degree preferred.

• Required Disciplines:
  1. Social Work, Psychology, Counseling, Education, Rehabilitation or a related field, or
• Any equivalent combination of experience, education, and/or training approved by Human Resources.

Licenses/Certifications:

• Licenses/Certifications Required at Date of Hire:
  1. None

Working Conditions:

Hours: Normal business hours. Some additional hours or ability to flex hours may be required.

Travel Required: Local travel within the Detroit metropolitan area

Working Environment: Climate controlled schools, community centers, health clinics and office environment during normal business hours.

Job Family:

Job Category:

Physical Requirements:

Sitting

Up to 7 hour(s) per day

Lifting

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Walking

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Standing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Pushing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Bending

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Squatting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Pulling

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Stooping

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Up to 50 max. pounds**

Reaching

Up to 2 hour(s) per day

Climbing

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Balancing

Will not generally apply

Stairs

Up to .5 hour(s) per day

Twisting

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Ladder

Will not generally apply

Crawling

Will not generally apply

Step-stool

Will not generally apply

Kneeling

Up to 1 hour(s) per day

Excessive heat

Will not generally apply

Typing

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Excessive cold

Will not generally apply

Data Entry

Up to 4 hour(s) per day

Dust

Will not generally apply

Humidity

Will not generally apply

Loud Noise

Will not generally apply

Hands in Water

Will not generally apply

Unusual hearing or vision demands:

None specified

Other physical demands or notes:

** Employees should not attempt to lift, pull or push a load in excess of 50 lbs. without assistance. Care should always be taken when lifting, pushing or pulling in an awkward position.

Last updated: December 29, 2023

DISCLAIMER

The preceding job description has been designed to indicate the general nature of work performed; the level of knowledge and skills typically required; and usual working conditions of this position. It is not designed to contain, or be interpreted as, a comprehensive listing of all requirements or responsibilities that may be required by employees in this position. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Employee Signature: ________________________________________________ Date: __________________