Community Support Specialist-Day Services ( Howard County ) Group 22

FT- Community Support Specialist (DSP)

Community Development Services (CDS) / Howard County

Rate of Pay $22/hr

FLSA Status: Non-exempt 

This position is:

Monday- Friday 8:30am- 3:30pm

(Working as a 1:1)

We are seeking a Full- Time Community Support Specialist /Direct Support Professional (DSP) within our Day Services Department, which will provide support to Community Development Services (CDS) and/or Day Habilitation Services to individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities within the community.  This position is responsible for the implementation and supervision of daily community engagement and integration relating to the persons interests and needs within the community.  The programs engaged in include, but are not limited to, social programs, fitness programs, arts, sports, festivals, volunteer opportunities, and more.  These experiences will support building positive community connections, socialization, life-long learning, healthy recreation and leisure choices, and personal development.  This is a community-based position that will require staff to report to the home of the person supported, transport them throughout the day to community programs, and return them to home at the end of the program day.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assists and supervises 2-5 individuals daily within community-based activities to be successful, integrated and engaged in their communities. 
• Ensures record keeping of activities, notes, goals, and other reports are submitted timely and accurately as required.
• Ensures compliance with COMAR, Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA), and Richcroft regulations and training.
• Maintain regular communication with Supervisor regarding program enhancement opportunities and any concerns regarding operations.
• Models’ appropriate behavior as well as monitors and redirects individuals’ behavior including, de-escalating anger and frustration, assisting in conflict resolution, and keeping the individual focused on activities or volunteer duties.
• Maintains regular communication with the department, through written progress notes, meetings, and other agency communication streams.
• Follows instructions and abides by Agency policies and procedures.
• Assumes other duties, responsibilities and special projects as needed.
• Attends and participates in in-service training, staff meetings and other activities to facilitate professional development skills.
• Possess exceptional oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to use technology for specified job duties (Email, Text Messaging, Timekeeping, etc).
• Familiarity with iCare Manager (iCM), a plus
•  In-depth working knowledge with MS Office Suite (Outlook, Excel, Word, etc.), and other technology.

Physical Requirements and Working Conditions:

• Works in the community, both indoor and outdoor settings.  
• Ability to work with individuals with a variety of disabilities, including the potential to be exposed to aggressive, unpredictable behavior. 
• Ability to sit, stand, reach, walk, run, push, carry, manipulate objects or controls, kneel, stoop, or crawl for prolonged periods of time.
• Ability to assist and transfer an adult in/out of a wheelchair; at times may need to assist with personal care needs when necessary.  
• Some lifting and transferring may be required. Up to 50 lbs.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or G.E.D required
• Must be able to read, write, and speak English.

• Background in Recreation and Leisure skill development preferred

• Possess a current full driver’s license (not provisional) with less than 3 points on driving record
• Have at least 2 years of driving experience
• Must be able to transport people supported as needed

• Must have access to a reliable vehicle for daily use with current automobile insurance 

• Experience working with adults with intellectual disabilities preferred

• Must be at least 20 years of age or older
• Must be fully vaccinated or be subject to weekly testing

Benefits include:

• Employee Assistance Program
• Health/ Vision/ Dental/ Life insurance plans
• 401 (K) Retirement Plan
• Sick and Vacation time
• Short and Long-term disability plans
• Paid Holidays

• Paid trainings, including CPR/First Aid and opportunities to obtain Med Tech Certification
• Tuition Reimbursement