Support Specialist

Summary: This is a newly created role to support individuals living at home that would otherwise qualify for a residential/group home placement. The benefit specialist will provide in home supports to adults with ID/DD with the support of Ascentria, partner providers, DDS, and most importantly the family. This position will require patience and flexibility to meet the needs of not only the individual but family in his/her private home

Responsibilities:

• Establish and maintain positive and productive relationships with people served, family members, and other stakeholders.

• Assist and facilitate activities of daily living (ADLs) such as household maintenance, personal-care and hygiene, food shopping and preparation, budgeting, leisure activities and socialization skill development.

• Provide ongoing support, guidance and role modeling and work with residents to improve their personal responsibility, social skills, community living skills and behavior.

• Assist in the development and implementation of Individual Service Plan (ISP) objectives, and Behavioral Support plans.

• Assist with the coordination of services and provide crisis intervention as needed.

• Attend review meetings and other related appointments. 

• Communicate program participant’s progress, mental status, and any changes in an accurate and timely fashion.

• Attend and participate in 1:1 and group meetings and trainings as assigned. 

• Assist people served to access, and/or provide transportation to appointments, work, and recreational activities.

• Perform other duties as assigned. 

• Deliver 1:1 supports with significant consideration to sensory sensitivities 

• Ability to de-escalate and problem solve situations/ crisis intervention skills

• Identify triggers and then provide appropriate interventions in instances of over stimulation resulting in challenging behaviors 

• Work collaboratively with multidisciplinary team to deliver supports in a person centered manner

• Teaching and supporting individuals both in the home and in the community with ADLs and IADLs (examples include but are not limited to: transportation, using technology, money management, hygiene tasks, and laundry)

• Supports individuals and families to access community resources and participate in group activities 

• Support individuals and families to participate in social and recreational activities that encourage networking, formation of natural supports and peer support. 

• Job must be conducted at all times in a way that respects the rights, privacy and the dignity of the client and adheres to all contractual regulations.

• Provide support and training in community integration, behavior modification, self-care, self-preservation, receptive and expressive communication, and self-direction. 

• Work with the individual to increase their daily, independent, and community living skills. This may include, personal hygiene tasks, meal preparation, chores, money management, learning to use the library, making a purchase at a store, or participating in a community group activity such as swimming or using a gym. 

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or equivalent required

• Valid driver’s license and acceptable driver’s license required. 

• Ability to assist people served to access, and/or provide, transportation.

• Bachelor’s Degree strongly preferred but will substitute education for experience 

• Ability to work independently and in group environments 

***Physical Mental Demands*** I only have job descriptions up to “Medium” but Maine may have a higher description

Company Benefits

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• FSA and dependent care account
• 3 Weeks PTO and 9 Holidays!
• Tuition Assistance
• And many more!

Ascentria Care Alliance celebrates diversity and is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. In compliance with federal and state employment opportunity laws, qualified applicants are considered for all positions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, pregnancy, status as a veteran, sexual orientation, gender expression or identity, or any other legally-protected category. Candidates who identify as BIPOC, multilingual or have lived experience with immigration or human services are encouraged to apply.