The Bindu Institute helps wounded warriors with moderate-to-severe traumatic brain injury, spinal-cord injury, or other neurological conditions live life to the fullest, on their terms; choosing for themselves how to live, learn, work, socialize and play. We assist warriors with cognitive and/or physical challenges gain access to resources and activities in their own community. We work as a team to establish goals and develop a personal plan for each warrior. We are designed as a comprehensive long-term partnership intended to adapt to the warrior’s ever-changing needs. We provide support and training for involvement in meaningful activities, including social and recreational, wellness, volunteer work, education, and other life skills.

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) aids in developing schedules, development and ongoing modification of compensatory strategies, and assistance with problem-solving issues related to everyday life. 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.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Based on the established goals of an Individualized Care Plan, provide functional support to clients to acquire, retain and improve independence.
• Help clients with reintegrating and reconnecting in their communities in order to encourage a healthy level of independence.
• Provide positive support and is an advocate for the client.
• Aid and guide with identifying choices and making informed decisions that involve client’s activities and life.
• Provide structure and support in household management such as: maintaining cleanliness of home environment and establishing a safe, healthy and efficient routine.
• Train and assist clients in handling finances, making decisions on purchases, and meeting financial obligations.
• Assist with participation in recreation and community activities in order to promote socialization and establish relationships with peers.
• Assist 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.
• Work with clients to help them learn how to participate in their desired recreational and social activities within their surrounding community.
• Provide training or assistance with mobility in home environment, using adaptive aids, and accessing public transportation.
• Aid with developing effective and appropriate communication and social skills.
• Conduct exercises or reinforces physical, occupational, speech and other therapeutic programs as defined by the respective therapist.
• Educate clients on how to develop necessary problem-solving skills and strategies.
• Accompany clients to locations and appointments in the community, to educate them in learning how to access and utilize their community resources and services.
• Serve as a role/mentor for clients and maintain good communication/relationships with clients, their families, their caregivers, and referral sources.
• Participates in team meetings, conferences, workshops, in-service trainings to enhance job skills and personnel growth and development.

Requirements:

• Experience with individuals with Traumatic Brain Injury is required.
• Military background is a plus.
• Must have reliable computer; case management responsibilities/daily documentation required; experience with Microsoft Word, Excel, and Adobe Acrobat Reader required.
• BS/BA in related field OR 1-2 years' experience working with adults who are developmentally disabled or other related experience preferred.
• Maintain a valid driver’s license.
• Background check and driver’s record check.
• Mileage and expenses are reimbursed.
• Must reside near client in Florida. Commute must be within a reasonable distance.
• The ability to lift 25/50/80 pounds regularly is required.

Essential to the position is the expectation that the employee will:

1. Must reside in FL and live within a reasonable distance/commute to the client in the Jacksonville area.

2. Be an independent thinker and observant in nature.

3. Possess effective training, assessment, evaluation and problem-solving skills.

4. Address conflicts/concerns in a respectful and tactful manner.

5. Serve as advocate for the client and work diligently to assist the individual in reaching their personal goals.

6. Maintain strong written and verbal communication skills.

7. Exhibit strong interpersonal skills and possess the ability to collaborate with other team members and be flexible.

8. Complete background criminal checks of Community Support Specialist and driving record check is required.

9. Must have a vehicle to transport clients(s).

10. Microsoft application Word and Excel is required for documentation as part of CSS position.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $18.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 10 – 15 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have your own transportation?

Education:

• Associate (Required)

Experience:

• Direct Care: 1 year (Preferred)
• Direct support: 1 year (Preferred)
• Independent Living Skills Trainers: 1 year (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: On the road