Placement Partners MN, Inc.

Job Description

1. Position Title

Community Support Specialist

2. Reports to

Vocational Associate Program Director

3. Job Summary

Assist consumers to maintain competitive employment and to develop essential and personal enriching life skills within the community. Services shall be delivered in a manner that promotes individual success, independence and respect. The Community Support Specialist shall cooperate as a member of the Interdisciplinary Teams under the guidance of the Vocational Associate Program Director and work in liaison with the Support Services Director, when necessary, to resolve issues that may arise on-the-job when the employer has a “partner” relationship with the company.

4. Duties and Responsibilities

The Community Support Specialist shall advise the consumer through the employer’s onboarding process and assist in resolving barriers that would hinder his/her success.

1. Guides the consumer through the employer’s new employee training process.
2. Assists the employer and consumer with creating a practical work schedule.
3. Establishes transportation services to and from the worksite and provides mobility training, when necessary.

The Community Support Specialist shall assist the consumer in maintaining his/her employment status and works with employers to provide ongoing support services to promote job retention and advancement, consistent with the consumer’s abilities and vocational aspirations.

1. Coordinates services with the employer and consumer to enhance work performance and job satisfaction through weekly visits to the worksite or offsite.
2. Provides ongoing training assistance and individual counseling to enhance problem-solving and self advocacy skills. 
3. Advocates for the consumer when he/she is unwilling or unable to represent themselves in matters affecting his/her performance, work place environment, job status, pay, benefits, etc. 
4. Provides encouragement to the consumer to support job retention and potential advancement, if desired.
5. Other individual services, as necessary, to assist the consumer to maintain successful competitive employment.

The Community Support Specialist shall assist the consumer in developing essential and personal enriching life skills determined by the consumer and his/her ID Team. Through the person-centered planning process, the Community Support Specialist shall track and monitor the progress of the consumer’s skill learning through goals developed by the program Intake Coordinator on a weekly basis. 

1. Program Responsibilities

1. Understands and implements program responsibilities as outlined in the consumer’s Coordinated Service and Support Plan, Individual Abuse Prevention Plan and Intensive Support Self-Management Assessment.
2. Develops, implements and monitors individual consumers Goals, Objectives & Outcomes.
3. Completes required reports and paperwork in a thorough and timely manner.
4. Maintains ongoing communication with the consumer and his/her other interdisciplinary team members regarding the consumer’s progress (at least bi-weekly).
5. Participates in staff meetings and staff trainings.
6. Completes staff training requirements in conformance with Minnesota State Regulations.
7. Reviews, understands and adheres to all Placement Partners policies and procedures.
8. Works in liaison with the Support Services Director, when necessary, to resolve issues that may arise on-the-job when the employer has a “partner” relationship with the company.
9. Completes Google calendar on Monday by 9AM thereby entering all on-site and off-site activities planned for that work week and updates throughout the week, as changes occur.

5. Supervisory Responsibilities:

This job has no supervisory responsibilities.

6. Job Qualifications

The Community Support Specialist shall meet the minimal qualifications:

1. High School Diploma
2. Valid Driver’s License
3. Up to date Auto Insurance
4. Maintain acceptable motor vehicle report
5. Previous work experience providing services to persons with developmental disabilities, preferred not required

7. Competencies

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; Inspires the trust of others; Works with integrity and ethically; Upholds organizational values.
• Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent; Arrives at meetings and appointments on time.
• Customer/Consumer Service - Manages difficult or emotional situations; Responds promptly to needs; Solicits feedback to improve service; Responds to requests for service and assistance.
• Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments; Completes tasks on time or notifies appropriate person with an alternate plan.
• Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritizes and plans work activities; Uses time efficiently; Plans for additional resources; Sets goals and objectives.
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Safety and Security - Observes safety, security and driving procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines; Reports potentially unsafe conditions.
• Teamwork - Exhibits objectivity and openness to others' views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information

8. Physical Demands and Work Environment

• Frequently required to stand, walk
• Occasionally required to sit, utilize hand and finger dexterity
• Continually required to talk or hear
• Occasionally exposure to outside weather conditions 
• While performing the duties of this job, the noise level in the work environment is usually moderate
• The employee must occasionally lift and /or move up to 5 pounds 
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include: Close vision; Distance vision; Peripheral vision; Depth perception and ability to adjust focus
• Frequently required to meet with consumers out in the community
• Frequently required to drive personal vehicle