Job purpose

Community Specialists help individuals with disabilities identify and obtain benefits and services. In addition to initially connecting individuals with benefits or services, community specialists may follow up with individuals to ensure that they are receiving the intended services and that the services are meeting their needs.

Duties and responsibilities

Training

· Completes and maintains all required mandated trainings such as Abuse and Neglect, CPR / First Aid, Tools of Choice/PBS, DMH Level 1 Med Aid.

· Attends meetings and training sessions as requested by RISE.

Daily Programing

· Interview individuals to understand their unique needs

· Provide education and information about various social services available to them

· Work with individuals and other professionals, such as social workers, to develop a treatment plan

· Coordinate services provided to individuals

· Help individual’s complete paperwork to apply for assistance programs

· Provide ongoing support to individuals to ensure they get the most out of the social services available to them

· Oversee RISE’s Youth Transition Program; including but not limited to 1:1 with youths through development plans

· Representative and advocate during IEP, 504, etc.

· Navigate community resources, DMH resources, etc. with individuals and families

· Attend meetings with schools, community groups, and resource fairs

Safety

· Reports unsafe conditions, environment, and equipment to direct supervisor;

· Follows safety protocols to foster a safe working environment;

· Upholds agency health and safety standards

Teamwork

· Treats all individuals and coworkers and with dignity, respect, and fairness;

· Be a team player and coachable

· Work cooperatively with other departments to carry out the program goals and objectives of individuals served.

· Foster and maintain relationships will all levels of the RISE team and agency partners.

All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

· Must be 18 years of age.

· Bachelors in human service or related field plus one year experience or associates in human service or related field plus three years' experience.

· Must have and maintain current driver’s license and be able to obtain a Missouri Class E chauffeur’s license within 90 days.

· Must successfully complete a pre-employment background check and any subsequent background check after employment.

· Must pass a pre-employment drug and alcohol screening, and will be subject to random drug and alcohol checks thereafter.

· Successfully complete employment-related training as directed.

Skills and Knowledge

· Possess excellent verbal and written communication skills

· Possess advanced computer skills

· Demonstrates patience and compassion

· Possesses excellent interpersonal skills

· Attention to detail

Physical requirements

• May be required to have long periods of standing, leaning, walking, bending, and lifting
• May be required to lift/push/pull up to 50lbs

Direct reports

• None

Benefits 

• Comprehensive health, dental, vision, and life insurance. 
• Paid Vacation, sick leave, and holidays. 
• Employer paid life insurance and short-term disability. 
• Matching Retirement Contributions 

• Tuition Reimbursement 
• Referral Bonus