What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Support Specialist position at Frederick County Government, Maryland?
JOB INFORMATION
Join Scott Key Center in making a difference every day! Guide, support, and empower individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) by providing supervision, training, personal care, and job coaching to foster independence and meaningful connections.
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full benefits
This position independently supervises the work of a group of adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include the preparation, implementation and evaluation of specific skills of intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults at the Scott Key Center (SKC). The Community Support Specialist is responsible for the care (to include personal hygiene needs), safety, supervision and wellbeing of all individuals in their care during all activities. This position must be willing to be flexible with job assignments to meet the specific needs of the program. Supervision is received from a Human Services Supervisor.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
Retirement Plan
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
Which best describes your level of education?
How many years of work experience in human services, aging services, developmental or intellectual disability services, or case management do you have?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
05
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
Do you have work experience in a day or residential program for intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
08
Do you have a Direct Support Professional Level I, II, or III certification? Please select all that apply:
Join Scott Key Center in making a difference every day! Guide, support, and empower individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD) by providing supervision, training, personal care, and job coaching to foster independence and meaningful connections.
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full benefits
This position independently supervises the work of a group of adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include the preparation, implementation and evaluation of specific skills of intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults at the Scott Key Center (SKC). The Community Support Specialist is responsible for the care (to include personal hygiene needs), safety, supervision and wellbeing of all individuals in their care during all activities. This position must be willing to be flexible with job assignments to meet the specific needs of the program. Supervision is received from a Human Services Supervisor.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions, which are calculated per County policy. For external hires, offers are made at the base wage rate, with limited exception.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays (10 and 11 month employees may not receive all holidays)
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- Employee Health Center with no or low-cost primary and urgent care
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan
For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.
Essential Duties And Job Responsibilities
- Provide instruction and supervision in an integrated community support, day habilitation program or employment programs for adults with developmental disabilities
- Assist with personal care, hygiene needs to include toileting (to include helping on/off toilet and cleaning the person) and meal assistance (to include heating up, getting food out of container, and at times feeding the person, and cleanup of person after eating)
- Support individuals with work related tasks, to include behavior management and relationship building
- Transport adults to off-site work locations and/or to and from the Scott Key Center in a County vehicle throughout the state
- Develop individualized support plans, job related training programs and goals for participants
- Teach vocational skills and help the individual maintain and build on these skills in an integrated community setting
- Provide crisis intervention, administer medications, and apply de-escalation techniques while making quick decisions in high-stress environments to ensure participant safety
- Provide community activities to include: development of specific activities that align with the person’s Individual plan and implementation of activity
- Participate in the Discovery Process, which includes job development prep assessments, employment and meaningful activities, in conjunction with the Job Development Specialist
- Compile and prepare daily progress notes, records and reports
- Participate in progress reviews
- Maintain daily records and time records
- Participate in staff meetings and in-service training sessions
- Prepare a Positive Personal Profile (PPP) of workers with developmental disabilities to determine individual strengths and needs which factor into appropriate job placement
- Attend extra-curricular participant activities
- Assure activities meet the HCBS Final Rule setting
- Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Minimum of 1 year of experience in human services, aging services, developmental or intellectual disability services, or case management
- Possession of a valid driver’s license
Knowledge/Skills/Abilities
A successful incumbent operating in this role displays the following:
- Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
- Ability to obtain First Aid and CPR certifications within the first 90 days of employment
- Ability to obtain and maintain necessary certifications, including Medication Monitor certification from the MD State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Knowledge of laws, regulations, and requirements regarding disability populations
- Knowledge disability populations, and issues that effect them
- Advanced knowledge of long-term care, social services and community resources available in Frederick County, along with Federal and State programs
- Knowledge of eligibility and application requirements for entitlement programs for older adults
- Knowledge and understanding of best/promising practices related to senior services, disability services, caregiver services and veteran services at local, state and national levels
- Skills in program development with consideration for the needs and priorities of elderly persons, while working within the constraints of a fixed annual budget
- Ability to effectively organize day-to-day assignments; determine priorities and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
- Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail)
- Accurate math and clerical skills
- Work experience in a day or residential program for intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults
- Direct Support Professional I, II, or III certification
- College degree
- While working in this position, the employee is required to occasionally sit, walk, stoop, lift up to 50 pounds, push up to and over 40 pounds, perform repetitive motions, and drive
- While working in this position, the employee is required to frequently work in noisy environments, occasionally work indoors, outdoors, work in confined spaces, potentially exposed to infectious diseases, and required to wear protective equipment
- Failure to meet or maintain the minimum qualifications or additional requirements may result in disciplinary action up to and including termination
- Ability to arrange own frequent travel to meetings, work locations, and events as needed, including occasional urgent or time sensitive situations
- Available for varied work hours as needed for meetings and other commitments
- This position is subject to random drug testing excluding marijuana
- In case of an emergency, available for duties in a shelter or Family Assistance Center or other duties to support County function
- May be scheduled to work during an emergency to support County operations.
- An evaluation of training and qualifications
- One or more interviews
- A pre-employment physical examination
- A pre-employment drug test excluding marijuana
- A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation
Retirement Plan
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $3,400 per year for Health Care Spending and $7,500 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Supplemental Life Insurance is also offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, their spouse, and their dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time. Contribution maximums are set each year by the IRS.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may apply for education reimbursement for courses that can improve or develop an employee's capabilities related to their current job or for a promotional opportunity within Frederick County Government. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related issue or concern.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, and Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Government's benefits package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
Which best describes your level of education?
- Less than High School Diploma or the equivalent
- High School Diploma or the equivalent
- Associate's or higher degree received
How many years of work experience in human services, aging services, developmental or intellectual disability services, or case management do you have?
- 1 year of work experience
- Less than 1 year of work experience
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be considered further.
05
Do you have a valid driver’s license?
- Yes
- No
Do you have work experience in a day or residential program for intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults?
- Yes
- No
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
08
Do you have a Direct Support Professional Level I, II, or III certification? Please select all that apply:
- Direct Support Professional I
- Direct Support Professional II
- Direct Support Professional III
- I do not have a Direct Support Professional certification
- Required Question
Salary : $3,400