Community Living Specialist: North Central Metro (Entry Level Social Services, Flexible Scheduling) Full Time

Community Living Specialist

Pay: $19/hr +mileage

Note: We are recruiting for a Community Living Specialist who is comfortable traveling to support individuals in their home in Brooklyn Park, Crystal, and the surrounding area. Please note that this position will require sporadic visits to our home office in Minnetonka, Minnesota. Applicants must be comfortable with the potential for travel to other areas of the Twin Cities as staffing needs require (up to 30 miles from their home). Mileage is reimbursed.

Please only apply to ONE Community Living Specialist posting; there are multiple open requisitions based on location. You will have a chance to designate your preferred working area within the application.

Join Reach for Resources, Inc. as a Community Living Specialist and enjoy a fulfilling role where you can truly make a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. This position offers flexibility, a supportive work environment, and the opportunity to contribute to your community. Plus, you’ll enjoy great benefits like generous PTO, medical insurance (for full-time employees), and a focus on your well-being. If you’re looking for a rewarding career that makes a real impact, we’d love to have you on our team!

Summary Of Job Description

The key goal of this position is to provide In-Home Supports and Semi-Independent Living Services on behalf of Reach for Resources, Inc. It is expected that Independent Living Skills Specialists (also referred to as Community Living Specialists) at Reach will work with each person, the person’s family, and the person’s team to develop, put into practice, and periodically evaluate a Community Living Plan for each person. It is also expected that Community Living Specialists at Reach for Resources will represent the agency in a courteous and professional manner in all phases of the position.

See our work in action here: Reach Community Living: Live, Work, Play

Essential Job Duties

• Individuals Served
• To put into practice Reach Community Living services and philosophy, aid in self-awareness and in decision making for those assigned to work with. Also of critical importance is the development of a trusting, supportive relationship with the person and their family.
• To evaluate each person’s skills and needs using the Reach skills assessment, Coordinated Service Support Plan Addendum, Self-Management Assessment, and Individual Abuse and Prevention Plan.
• Develop a program goal plan, with each person and their team input, which addresses mutually agreed upon need areas.
• Put into action the program plan with technical assistance, resource information, and listening and helping skills.
• Develop pleasant and respectful working relationships with parents, county social workers, contracted case managers, and other team members to encourage their participation in the person’s program plan. Staff may also need to clarify with family or others what type of role or interaction may be most helpful in working with each person and/or family.
• Schedule regular appointments with each person and adhere to the schedule.
• To establish a 24-hour-a-day plan for when person is in crisis.
• To consult with agency Directors of Counseling and Recreation, other providers and other community resources in helping the person establish a social/recreational network.
• To carry out all quarterly, semi-annual, and annual program planning and be responsible for typing all quarterly, semi-annual, and annual reports. Staff will also be expected to make sure that all team members receive copies of the reports in a timely fashion.
• General
• Inspect and maintain files to make sure they are up-to-date and contain all required materials (i.e. skill assessment, CSSP Addendum, SMA, IAPP, annuals, quarterlies, face sheet, psychological test results, physicals, releases of information, contact sheets, etc.). All staff are expected to file their own documents.
• To submit contact sheets and time sheets to the office in a timely manner.
• To participate in resource and skill development with the Program Manager of Community Living and to ask for assistance in developing program planning if it is wanted or needed. Such assistance may also come from the Director of Counseling, Director of Recreation, or Executive Director.
• To participate in staff job evaluation with the department director and/or the Executive Director.
• To attend and participate in regular staff meetings.
• Adhere to company policies and procedures at all times
• Represent Reach in a positive, professional manner in speech and dress at all times and conduct all business with the utmost integrity.
• Perform other duties and responsibilities as assigned by management.

Core Competencies

Successful Community Living Specialists possess the following characteristics and abilities.

• Integrity/Motivation: Puts in consistent effort to complete job duties. Finds ways to go above and beyond. Able to work independently with little oversight to reach goals and adhere to performance standards.
• Flexibility/Adaptability: Has actively sought to learn new things on own initiative. Has responded positively to change and adapted to new situations quickly. Able to take on a diverse range of tasks equally. We follow DHS guidelines as a licensed provider, which is why changes may occur.
• Initiative/Independence: Able to work things out without having to be shown too often. Takes responsibility for own time and effectiveness. Alert to opportunities to contribute appropriately without being told. Able to spot and implement opportunities for improving situations. Time management- prioritizing work and meeting positions billable goals. Meeting target goals 75% billable or above.
• Interpersonal effectiveness/Communication: Communicates consistently, following 24-hour rule, Manages conflict or other sensitive issues tactfully and effectively. Able to adapt behavior to a wide range of people. Meets people where they’re at. Does not take one-size-fits-all approach – person centered communication.

Working Conditions and Physical Demands

• Environment: Office environment, remote work, or in-field meetings.
• Schedule: May include weekends, nights, and holidays as needed, depending on employee’s schedule and individuals served. This is not a typical 9-5 position; scheduling can have significant flexibility.
• Physical demands: Light lifting (under 20lbs), sitting and standing, walking, driving, verbal communication, seeing, and hearing.

Additional Information

In addition to salary, Reach for Resources offers excellent employee benefits, such as health and dental insurance for full time employees. This position works out wonderfully for college students and graduate students. Other benefits include:

• Health, Dental, and Vision insurance
• Pet Insurance
• Paid vacation/sick time
• 13 floating holidays annually (for F/T employees)
• Life insurance and other ancillary benefits
• Retirement savings plan
• Flexible schedule
• Mileage reimbursement
• Personable and fun co-workers (if we do say so ourselves)
• Caring, supportive supervisors
• Plenty of chances to wear your jeans and other casual clothes
• A focus on wellness

Reach for Resources, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Reach for Resources, Inc. does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, non-disqualifying physical or mental disability, national origin, veteran status, or any other basis covered by appropriate law. All employment is decided on the basis of qualifications, merit, and business need.

Reach for Resources, Inc. Is committed to ensuring that applicants and employees with disabilities receive support. Applicants or employees must be able to meet the minimum qualifications of the position; reasonable accommodation may be provided if requested by the employee.

Requirements

Knowledge customarily acquired through post high school education; experience in the field may be substituted for education.

• Communication skills, both oral and written
• Organizational skills
• Instructing skills
• The ability to perform within a team framework.
• Must have a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation and the ability to transport those served in employee’s own vehicle
• Ability to work independently within a defined set of policies, procedures and guidelines
• Basic computer skills (Microsoft Word and Excel)
• A genuine interest in helping others
• A willingness to share your warm personality and sense of humor