DIVISION: Community Developmental Services

PROGRAM: Community Support Services

POSITION: Community Support Specialist

Description:

CDS is an innovative person-centered organization that has been providing support to individuals and families living in Central Vermont for over 50 years. We support people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities to live their best life, to be a part of the community, to explore their dreams and achieve their goals. You will be a part of a dynamic caring team that promotes creativity, growth, and having fun.

We are looking for an innovative and flexible person to work 15 hours a week with an older gentleman who lives in Waterbury and 20 hours with a young man in Barre. The support will include assisting with medical appointments and with activities to maintain an independent living situation for the Waterbury gentleman. The support provider will need to be able to transition from the need for patience and empathy to a providing guidance and mentoring. In Barre, the support will focus on employment with some possibility of community-based support. Due to scheduling and other conditions, working with other individuals should be expected.

This full-time position with benefits, 35 hours per week. The current schedule may change based on the needs of the individuals.

About This Position:

As the of the primary support staff working with this individual or both individuals the following responsibilities are to include but are not limited to:

• Assisting with grocery, pharmacy, and other shopping.
• Assisting with attending medical and therapy appointments.
• Helping to promote the follow through of medical advice.
• Assisting the individual in community settings.
• Providing guidance and oversight at employment sites.
• Ensure individual has the appropriate supports through collecting, compiling, and analyzing data and by evaluating progress towards objectives identified by the individual and their team. Record information and data within an electronic health record (monthly progress notes, log entries) in a timely and detailed manner.
• Contribute to the development of support plans.
• Preserve privacy, confidentiality and insure dignity to assigned individuals and all others.
• Following best practices and protocols for behavioral and emotional support.
• Assisting with self-care needs as needed.

The candidate will:

• Possess the ability to work independently as well as with the team.\
• Have knowledge or be able to learn about Autism and communication alternatives.
• Will have patience and humor to creatively support this person with an outgoing and engaging personality.
• Actively participate in staff meetings and supervision meetings.
• Disseminate and follow up on instructions.
• Assist in developing and adhering to the schedule for the individual. Maintain flexibility with schedule changes.
• Organize / provide transportation for individual to attend various events

What we offer you:

• Competitive salary based on a 40-hour work week. Opportunities to work additional hours if desired.
• Generous medical, dental, vision and life insurance.
• Matching 403B.
• Flex Spending Account.
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
• Paid Sick & Vacation time: Paid time off is pro-rated according to the employees’ base weekly hours. The amount of time accrued is based on years of service and is earned on a monthly basis.
• 12.5 paid holidays (does not apply to hourly/per-diem employees)
• Mileage Reimbursement for job/client related travel.
• Fun company events, picnics, BBQs, holiday themed events, annual staff appreciation day, and more.
• A focus on health and wellness, including discounted gym memberships, on-site yoga and cardio classes, regular office massages, volleyball competitions to name a few.
• We ensure you continue learning and growing while working here, by offering a comprehensive orientation, pre-service and in-service trainings, access to, and supervision from experienced and dedicated managers. Opportunities to attend in-state and national conferences on topics related to your professional development. Tuition reimbursement (there is a limit per semester and must be career related).

Qualifications:

High school diploma or equivalent. Knowledge of ethical work practices, a sense of humor, ability to adapt to a changing environment and experience with technology such as Microsoft applications. Prior experience working with individuals with intellectual disabilities preferred but not necessary.

Valid driver’s license, good driving record and safe, reliable, insured vehicle required.

EOE

Send letter of interest/resume to:

WCMHS, Personnel, PO Box 647, Montpelier, VT 05601 www.wcmhs.org * jobs@wcmhs.org *476-1777 * fax 223-6423

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