COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST
: Job Details :

** Community Support Specialist**

**Job Category****:** Health Care **Requisition Number****:** DIREC09610 Showing 1 location **Job Details**

**Description**

**Seeking caring & compassionate teammate to keep our residents safe!**

Direct Support Professionals are the lifeblood of Goodwill NNEs homes. DSPs help adults with disabilities live as independently as possible. That could include helping make meals, driving residents to appointments, personal care, household cleaning, and helping residents pursue their hobbies or work. We are seeking people who are caring and compassionate, above all else.

A little about our residential homes: Each home has between two to six residents; and each home is unique. Goodwills homes are scattered throughout neighborhoods in Southern and Central Maine. These are not hospital-like, sterile places; these are cozy, safe homes where residents are encouraged to be themselves and pursue their goals whether that be getting gold at the Special Olympics or starting job training to supplement their income. Residents tend to be very active in our community. DSPs are a big part of that active, fun lifestyle and creating a safe environment for everyone.

**Why Work for Goodwill** - Our part-time employees are important to us and we want the best, so we take care of them and their families.

* Vision and Dental offered

* 403(b) retirement plan with employer match

* Generous Paid Time Off Plan

* 30% Employee discount at Goodwill stores in ME, NH & VT

* Valuable job training with growth potential

* Discount on personal cell phone plans

* Local community discounts

**2 position(s) available!**

**Work Location: Portland LifeWorks Community Support Program**

**Working Hours:**

* 30 hrs/ week

* 15 hrs/ week

**Job Summary**

1) Supports service recipients associated with Goodwills Residential and Community Support programs.

* Serves as a model and provides hands-on support and direct teaching in interpersonal skills, financial management skills, personal care and hygiene, activities of daily living, and access to community services and leisure opportunities.

* Moderates verbal or emotional incidents through intervention techniques that preserve the dignity and safety of the service recipient(s).

* Completes all required documentation in accordance with program standards.

2) Represents the Agency in all interactions with other members of the Goodwill community and with the general public, supporting the agency Vision of creating sustainable communities that thrive through the fullest participation of their diverse residents.

3) Furthers the organizational commitment to triple bottom line results: integrating social, economic and environmental goals into thinking, planning and actions.

**Essential Functions**

**Communication:**

* In accordance with the service plan, serves as a model and provides hands-on support and direct teaching in areas including, but not limited to, interpersonal skills, financial management skills, personal care and hygiene, activities of daily living, and access to community services and leisure opportunities

* Communicates effectively and courteously when dealing with service recipients, parents, guardians and other interested parties

**Knowledge:**

* Moderates verbal or emotional incidents through intervention techniques that preserve the dignity and safety of the service recipients

**Administration:**

* Documents observations concerning group and individual interactions, progress and participation of the service recipient in the approved plan

* Completes all required documentation in accordance with program standards

**Supervision:**

* Accompanies and transports the individual to appointments, community outings and services

**Requirements**

* Valid drivers license with satisfactory driving record.

* Reliable transportation and automobile insurance that meets minimum state requirements.

* Demonstrated ability and willingness to complete required certifications on time.

* Criminal background check to meet agency requirements.

* High school diploma/GED.

* The ability to stand or sit for long periods of time. Perform range of motion tasks that include but not limited to; reaching, bending, stretching and stooping.

* Ability to lift up to fifty (50) pounds and push 175 pounds.

**Preferred Qualifications**

* Direct Support Professional Certification (I.e.: College of Direct Support or former live class).

* Current CRMA, CRMA 40 preferred.

* Experience supporting individuals with disabilities.

* Mental Health Experience (when applicable).

**Skills**

**Required**

**Problem Solving** *Some Knowledge* **Empathy** *Some Knowledge* **Communication - written** *Some Knowledge* **Communication - verbal** *Some Knowledge* **Dedicated****:** Devoted to a task or purpose with loyalty or integrity **Ability to Make an Impact****:** Inspired to perform well by the ability to contribute to the success of a project or the organization **Education**

**Required**

High School Diploma/GED or better.

**Experience**