Community Participation Supports Specialist

Position Summary

The Community Participation Supports (CPS) Specialist assists individuals to participate more independently and actively in their communities. The goal is to build skills, increase independence, and promote inclusion in everyday community life rather than simply supervising the person.

Principal Duties and Responsibilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The duties listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable staff with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

• Escort, support, and actively engage participants in integrated community activities, volunteer opportunities, adult education courses, and local recreational events.
• Teach and assist individuals with targeted goals outlined in their Individual Support Plan (ISP/NJ Plan of Care), such as personal safety, social interaction, money management, and navigating public transportation.
• Support participants in developing foundational work skills, exploring job interests, and building competencies needed for competitive integrated employment.
• Assist participants in establishing and maintaining natural social networks with community members, peers, and local organizations.
• Promote participant choice, self-determination, active decision-making, and independence in daily activities.
• Interact with individuals, families, team members, and external providers in a respectful, person-centered, and culturally competent manner.
• Maintain a safe environment at all times, monitor health needs, and implement Positive Behavior Support Plans (BSPs) or crisis intervention protocols when necessary.
• Document precise, objective progress notes and service data in accordance with state guidelines (NJ DDD / PA ODP) and assigned electronic health record systems (e.g., Evolv).
• Adhere strictly to 2380/6100 regulations, HIPAA rules, Incident Management procedures, and Everyday Lives principles.
• Accurately record work hours, mileage, and participant activity logs in a timely manner.
• Provide general direct support and supervision to ensure a safe, structured, and engaging environment.

Requirements

• Ability to comprehend, read, write and speak English
• Ability to use excellent oral and written communications skills. 
• Ability to use telephone, voice mail, copier, facsimile machine, computer and calculator. 
• Ability to work effectively with people both one-on-one and in a team environment, facilitating their growth and development. 
• Ability to resolve non-routine situations properly.  
• Ability to be observant and intuitive. 
• Ability to be dependable and punctual. 
• Ability to work on assigned tasks as well as to accept direction on given assignments.
• Ability to operate vehicles with a valid driver’s license in accordance with applicable state  laws, insurance provider requirements and company policies and procedures.

Position Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED equivalent required; Associate or Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Psychology, or related field preferred.
• One (1) or more years of experience working with individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities (I/DD), autism spectrum disorder, or behavioral health needs preferred.
• Valid Driver’s License with a clean driving record and reliable/insured/registered personal vehicle for transporting participants (if required).
• Must successfully pass all applicable state/federal background checks (State Criminal Record Check, Child Abuse Clearances, FBI Fingerprinting, and NJ Central Registry / PA ODP background screenings).
• Obtain CPR/First Aid certification, ACRE (Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators) certification, or Certified Peer Specialist (CPS) training completion within required agency timelines.