Community Support Staff - CSS

Description

The CSS is a direct service position supporting individuals in maintaining competitive employment, community volunteer activities, community integration activities, and community recreation/leisure activities.

Requirements

The CSS is supervised by the CMG Manager or his/her designee.

Qualifications:

• High school diploma or GED; 4-year degree preferred
• Minimum 6 months experience working with individuals with a development disability or other disability which may inhibit their abilities to navigate independently in community roles
• Good judgment and discretion as well as interpersonal skills and the ability to further develop these skills
• Basic computer skills and the ability to further develop these skills, as well as the ability to work independently and manage time wisely
• Be able to perform basic physical functions of the job which may require sitting, standing, bending and lifting between 35-50 lbs.

Overall Responsibilities:

• Must maintain open communication between CMG and the business in which the supported employment individual is employed
• Responsible for providing supports which will assist the individual in maintaining success at his/her job and in the community environment, including working with individuals on and off the job in order to refine or learn new skills, arranging and/or coordinating transportation, providing supportive counseling in social situations and being responsive to conflicts that may occur
• Will provide teaching and support in a variety of community settings, assuring that employer/volunteer site or other community site rules are followed
• Will provide social interaction support while assisting the individual to reach personal goals and milestones

Specific Responsibilities:

• promote value and achievement of outcomes in the programs and services offered.

• balance the expectations of the persons served and other stakeholders.

• build and maintain a trusting and positive relationship with each individual.

• ensure individuals needs and desires are met by goals and objectives in an individual’s plan.

• function as an advocate to/for individuals served and encourage individuals to advocate for themselves.

• observe and identify areas where an individual can increase independence or improve performance.

• ensure that all work required by the employer is completed satisfactorily (to the employer’s standards) and efficiently (within specified time frame) while on job sites.

• assist and assure that the individual adheres to the policies and procedures of his/her individual workplace.

• ensure that the individual is working as independently as possible and that positive behavioral supports are used.

• use and develop adaptive equipment and other tools as needed to complete tasks.

• bring all necessary materials to each specific site (including but not limited to any adaptive equipment kept at the CMG office).

• ensure that individuals are following all safety guidelines established by CMG as well as the individual site.

• attend and participate in all training (informational, safety, etc.) provided by CMG.

• facilitate communication between CMG, the individual and the individual’s employer or community site.

• work to facilitate accurate communication and the inclusion of the individuals into his/her environment by way of appropriate interactions with co-workers or the public at large.

• communicate with other CMG team members daily as well as during staff meetings regarding changes or updates for each individual supported.

• communicate appropriately and effectively with a variety of parties involved – including but not limited to group home workers, case managers, Vocational Rehabilitation counselors, social workers and parents.

• complete daily documentation as required by the individual’s funding source and complete timecards, as needed.

• complete a weekly schedule to include all employment sites, job skills appointments, community networking activity, volunteer activity or community integration activity, including travel time and administrative time based on master schedule and assignments.

• provide support to the individual, as needed, ensuring that the individual has the available resources including but not limited to arranging transportation, reviewing responsibilities and/or providing supportive counseling on personal issues.

• work in a team atmosphere contributing ideas and suggestions and being open to ideas and suggestions of others.