Shire Jobs

Job Title: COMMUNITY SUPPORT SPECIALIST

POSITION SUMMARY:

The Community Support Specialist (CSS) provides training in independent living skills, including how to be responsible tenants and maintain psychiatric stability. The CSS assists the Program Supervisor in implementing agency policies and procedures.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Works with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals. Ensures fire safety equipment is in working condition and teaches individuals to utilize this equipment. Teaches individuals who to contact for emergencies including, but not limited to, medical, psychiatric, fire, lack of food, etc. Assists individuals in utilizing community/neighborhood services.
Acts as a liaison between individuals, landlords, and various treatment team members. Teaches independent living skills necessary to sustain individuals in the community and prevent homelessness such as: apartment maintenance, socialization skills, budgeting, self-medication, personal care, travel training, shopping, cooking, and returning to school or the work force.
Develops Individualized Support Plans in conjunction with individuals and treatment teams; encourages follow through on all goals in areas including but not limited to: housing stability, medication management, employment and vocational training, mental health treatment services, drug and alcohol assessment and referral, and referrals for community-based services. Encourages and supports individuals to maintain psychiatric stability through counseling, crisis intervention, attending a daytime activity, participating in treatment, and utilizing other available resources. Works with Health Home to ensure coordination of all services (Psychiatric & Physical) Assists individuals in complying with mandated treatment, such as AOT order specifications, and legal mandates, such as conditions of parole or probation. In OMH Supportive Housing Programs, CSS will be responsible for providing Tenancy Supports to individuals enrolled in the program: oCommunity integration skill-building services: direct training and supports to assist individuals with community integration, including community resource coordination, treatment planning, and rehabilitative independent living skills training to help individuals transitioning into housing oStabilization services: direct services and supports to assist individuals living in a community setting, including tenancy support planning, rehabilitative independent living skills training, community resources coordination, and crisis planning and intervention to help individuals remain in housing Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS:

Education: oHigh School Diploma or equivalent required

Experience:

At least 2 (two) full years of experience or Associate Degree in Human Services field Experience working with individuals diagnosed with mental illness and/or substance abuse disorders preferred

Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:

oProficient computer skills oProficient writing skills with grasp of basic grammar and spelling oDemonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential oMust be efficient, well organized, and have excellent communication skills

Other Requirements:

Valid NYS drivers license and satisfy criteria to be a driver for FREE