Community Support Specialist (Css)

Job Summary

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) position is a community-based position working with individuals with brain injuries, neurological disabilities, and other cognitive or physical challenges. The CSS position provides functional support to clients on an individualized basis and is designed to assist clients in acquiring, retaining, and improving skills necessary to reside as independently as possible at home and while accessing a variety of community-based resources in a variety of community-based settings.

General Accountabilities

• Be an independent thinker and observant in nature.
• Possess effective training, assessment, evaluation and problem-solving skills.
• Address conflicts/concerns in a respectful and tactful manner.
• Serve as advocate for the client and work diligently to assist the individual in reaching their personal goals.
• Maintain strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to collaborate with other team members and be flexible.
• Complete background criminal checks of Community Support Specialist and driving record check.
• Uses a vehicle to transport clients(s).
• Microsoft application Word and Excel is required for documentation as part of CSS position.
• The company reserves the right to add or change duties at any time.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

• Conveys organization philosophy and mission statement to families, individuals, staff and community resources.
• Operates the program within organizational guidelines, policies, professional and ethical standards.
• Maintains organization confidentiality of information relating to individuals and their families in accordance with HIPPA and company policies.
• Treats clients, families, co-workers, and outside parties with respect and dignity, honoring all values and all written and reasonably implied ethical practices of the organization.
• Based on the established goals of an Individualized Care Plan, provides functional support to clients to acquire, retain and improve independence.
• Helps clients with reintegrating and reconnecting in their communities in order to encourage a healthy level of independence.
• Provides positive support and is an advocate for the client.
• Provides assistance and guidance with identifying choices and making informed decisions that involve client’s activities and life.
• Provides structure and support in household management such as: maintaining cleanliness of home environment and establishing a safe, healthy and efficient routine.
• Trains and assists clients in handling finances, making decisions on purchases, and meeting financial obligations.
• Assists with participation in recreation and community activities in order to promote socialization and establish relationships with peers.
• Assists individuals with improving community living and integration skills in a variety of settings such as shopping, church attendance, sporting events, club participation, classroom support, volunteer/employment support, and other settings.
• Works with clients to help them learn how to participate in their desired recreational and social activities within their surrounding community.
• Provides training or assistance with mobility in home environment, using adaptive aids, and accessing public transportation.
• Provides assistance with developing effective and appropriate communication and social skills.
• Conducts exercises or reinforces physical, occupational, speech and other therapeutic programs as defined by the respective therapist.
• Identifies barriers, triggers, or changes in functional status in order to develop proactive interventions that promote continued independence.
• Educates clients on how to develop necessary problem solving skills and strategies.
• Accompanies clients to locations and appointments in the community, to educate them in learning how to access and utilize their community resources and services.
• Serves as a role/mentor for clients and maintains good communication/relationships with clients, their families, their caregivers, and referral sources.
• Completes daily progress notes and other necessary documentation in compliance with organization policies and provides to Community Support Coordinator or other designated personnel in The Bindu Institute.
• Is responsible for monitoring and appropriately utilizing billable hours with clients.
• Participates in marketing planning and activities.
• Exemplifies a professional representation of The Bindu Institute and effectively and appropriately markets the program and services with clients, families, referral sources and community resources.
• Provides coverage of assigned CSS cases on a temporary basis as needed.
• Displays effective training, assessment, evaluation and problem-solving skills.
• Communicates regularly with organization personnel regarding client issues/concerns, including personnel at The Bindu Institute, Neuro Community Care, and the Wounded Warrior Project.
• Participates in team meetings, conferences, workshops, in-service trainings to enhance job skills and personnel growth and development.
• Performs other duties as assigned to meet the program goals or as requested by The Bindu Institute.

Job Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in related field OR 1-2 years' experience working with adults who are developmentally disabled or other related experience.
• Driver's License
• Caregiving: 1 year
• Maintain a valid driver’s license
• Background check and driver’s record check
• Has a reliable computer; case management responsibilities/daily documentation required; experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Reader required.

Skills

• Excellent verbal and written communication
• Active listening
• Service orientation
• Monitoring
• Critical thinking

Comments

Specific intervention areas could include development/implementation of strategies to address household management, meal preparation, budgeting, vocational/volunteer exploration, cognitive skill training, exercise, and other home and community-based activities.