**Community Support Specialist**

February 15, 2022 Bowie, Maryland

Ardmore Enterprises supports people with intellectual and development disabilities in all aspects of their lifeto do and be exactly who they want to be! We are ready for the creative professional with the expertise and passion to strengthen our presence across communities, grow our financial base and make a lasting difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families.

**Function**

The Community Support Specialist is responsible for providing the daily virtual and hands-on support to the people receiving services by supporting individuals in their development of basic living, vocational and social skills with the primary goal of expanding social networking and building relationships with people in the community. Responsible for providing safe, meaningful and productive community-based services by planning and implementing activities which are chosen by the people utilizing Ardmores services that may include: volunteering, community involvement, and skill development and verification such as public transportation, recreational/leisure community events, workplace tours, work trials, disability advocacy, etc.

**Duties and Responsibilities**

* Provide person-centered supports by assisting adults through respectful listening which leads to actions, resulting in people who have positive control over the life they desire and find satisfying, recognize and value peoples contributions (current and potential) to their communities, and support people in their web of relationships personal, paid or within their communities.

* Knowing and identifying what is important to a person that includes those things in life which helps one to be satisfied, content, comforted and happy and well as important FOR with respect to issues in health, safety and what others see as necessary to help the person.

* Acknowledging and moving people from service life to community life while focusing on connections, building relationships, promoting self-advocacy and natural supports.

* Utilize various forms of technology to connect with persons supported in an environment of their choosing

* Foster awareness of potential interests, capabilities and uniqueness of each person who is supported.

* Encourage the people you support to express (with or without words) their personal preferences, likes and dislikes, needs, wants and ideas.

* Assists individuals in the development of community awareness through the process of orientation into the community. Assists the people in building personal relationships with members of the community.

* Assist in the planning and facilitating of personally meaningful social, educational, vocational and/or leisure activities as part of the daily and weekly schedule.

* Facilitate opportunities for the individuals to try new experiences, while respecting their expressed and implied choices.

* Serve as a role model for the members of the community by exhibiting, at all times, the type of attitude they should have towards people we support.

* Maintain accurate daily progress and attendance records and complete all paperwork in a timely manner that is set forth by agency and state policies and guidelines.

* Follow the implementation strategies outlined in the Individual Plan (IP) for each persons goals.

* Share information learned on individual people with their Employment Consultant that may be useful in terms of job-seeking.

* Assist with the employment team with customized employment-seeking process.

* Accurately complete all documentation of programs and goals for each person supported daily.

* Attend and actively participate in all Individual Plan (IP) and other meetings, as invited and appropriate.

* Communicate effectively with team members and share resources.

* Promptly and actively participate in required training and professional development opportunities.

* Model appropriate, adult interpersonal communication and interactions when dealing with colleagues, family members, employers and the general public.

* Promote self-advocacy on all levels.

* Demonstrate a strong understanding and dedication to Ardmores mission. Actively promote and represent organizations philosophy through all interactions with both internal and external contacts.

* Performs all other duties as assigned necessary to fulfill the mission of Ardmore.

**Qualifications**

* High School diploma required with some college experience preferred.

* Must have a valid drivers license and daily access to reliable personal transportation, as necessary, to fulfill the duties and responsibilities of the position.

* Must believe everyone can work.

* Must be able understand and effectively manage the physical, emotional and cognitive needs of the people that you work with.

* Must have excellent time management and customer service skills. Strong ability to think creatively and develop strong internal and external relationships and resources is required.

**Required Conditions of Employment**

* Must be able to bend, crouch, stoop and/or kneel.

* Must meet eligibility for employment in the United States. (Provide appropriate I-9 documentation on first day of employment).

* Must have a clean criminal history.

* Must be able to pass a drug screening.

* COVID-19 Considerations: Ardmore Enterprises currently has implemented a mandatory COVID-19 vaccination policy. All employees are required to have started the vaccination process prior to hiring. Unless a religious/medical exemption is requested.

**Shift** -Full-Time, Mon - Fri (8:30am - 4:00pm)

**Salary** - $14.00/hr

**Company Name:**

**Salary:** $14.00 Per Hour

**Job Category:** Community Relations/Outreach

**Position Type:** Full Time

**Experience:** Less than 2 years

**Education:** High School or Equivalent