Community Supports Specialist - Elma

The Community Supports Specialist will be responsible for assisting people and their circle of support to develop initial or new self-directed budgets and maintain established self-direction budgets. The Community Supports Specialist will also be responsible for assisting the Community Services Manager with all functions associated with The Housing Subsidy Program including processing housing subsidies and transition stipends. In addition, the Community Supports Specialist will assist the Director of Community Supports Services in the compliance and oversite of sasi’s uncertified community apartment units. This position plays a critical role in the Community Support Services department by supporting sasi’s mission, vision, and core values.

This position reports to the Community Services Manager.

1. Foster a team culture of belonging by promoting inclusivity and ensuring everyone feels heard and respected in every project.

2. Uphold integrity by maintaining transparency in decision-making, delivering on commitments, and holding yourself and others accountable.

3. As part of our commitment to growth, we encourage employees to actively pursue opportunities for personal and professional development. Employees are expected to take ownership of their learning journey, embrace new challenges, and continuously improve their skills and performance.

4. Must complete all specialized training requirements for initial broker certification as well as maintain annual broker training requirements to maintain active certification.

5. Review self-directed budgets on a frequent basis to ensure they are meeting the needs of the person and follow the service and habilitation plans associated with the budget.

6. Serve as the start-up broker for new self-directed participants and work collaboratively with their circle of support, Care Manager, Fiscal Intermediary, and other community contacts to ensure the developed budgets meets support needs.

7. Develop and maintain any SAPs associated with self-directed participants programming.

8. Work collaboratively with the person, their Care Manager, Fiscal Intermediary and OPWDD to make any changes in the person’s plan, as needed.

9. Maintain proper documentation and review files according to Medicaid and OPWDD regulations and agency policy and procedures.

10. Assist with the maintenance of the Housing Subsidy Program caseload including completing required monthly documentation, QA inspections, annual renewals, other budget amendments, and any other required process and associated documentation.

11. Obtain and maintain all required documentation for the Housing Subsidy Program’s annual renewals and complete the housing subsidy budgets within the required timeframes.

12. Attend the monthly Housing Subsidy Program’s roll up meetings with the associated OPWDD Liaisons

13. Assist with maintaining all regulatory requirements and laws associated with rental properties including HUD compliance and regulations.

14. Provide direct oversite to sasi’s uncertified community apartments, including; completion of apartment inspections, PRAC renewals, move-out inspections, audits, and maintenance requests.

15. Maintain open, effective, and professional lines of communication with the people supported, their circles of support, other employees, provider agency contacts, landlords, community contacts, and oversite agencies.

16. Review and submit program documentation as needed in accordance with various agency procedures, regulatory entities, and record keeping systems (Precision Care, Therap, etc.).

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

• High school diploma or equivalent.

PLUS

• One year experience working with persons with disabilities, or
• One year experience as a service coordinator/case manager with any population

• Must possess a valid New York State Driver’s License with driving record that is acceptable within Agency’s criteria.

• Knowledge of OPWDD regulations required.

• Must be able to pass OPWDD and Justice Center background screening.

• Must have completed or be willing/able to complete the initial required trainings through OPWDD with proof of completion (certification). Those specific trainings include; An Introduction to Self-Direction, Self-Advocacy/Self-Determination, Person-Centered Planning, Broker Training Institute, and Self-Direction Budget/Template. Once required training has been completed, person must obtain their official Broker Authorization Number.

• Must complete all required HUD related training and certifications including the Certified Occupancy Specialist class.

1. Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

2. Excellent interpersonal and customer service skills.

3. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.

4. Working understanding of human resource principles, practices, and procedures.

5. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

6. Ability to function well in a high-paced and at times stressful environment.

7. Strong analytical and problem-solving skills.

8. Strong supervisory and leadership skills.

9. Ability to adapt to the needs of the organization and employees.

10. Ability to prioritize tasks and to delegate them when appropriate.

11. Thorough knowledge of employment-related laws and regulations.

12. Strong computer skills using Microsoft Office products, Internet, email and HRIS system.

13. Reasoning ability to interpret agency policies.

14. Ability to resolve situations with unemotional discourse and firm decision-making.

• Must be able to maintain required hours while working a flexible schedule when needed.

• Must be able to work at various sites including community locations and other people’s homes.

• Must be able to perform essential duties as described on the attached form.

• Travel between sites, community locations, and people’s homes throughout the workday.

• Must obtain and maintain all required certifications associated with support broker and HUD functions of the position.

sasi is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees and applicants. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, gender, gender identity, sexual orientation, national origin, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law.

Experience

• 1 year(s): Working with people with disabilities

Education

• Associates or better in Human Services or related field

Licenses & Certifications

• NY Valid DL

Equal Opportunity Employer
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights (https://www.eeoc.gov/poster) notice from the Department of Labor.