PURPOSE
This position works an average of 20 hours or more per week. The Community Support Specialist (CSS – CHIP/CHRC) promotes recovery and resilience in alignment with the Practice Guidelines through providing social, recreational and vocational services to participants in the CHIP project that live at CareLink and in the Carriage House Recovery Center at the Carriage House and in the community. The CSS – CHIP/CHRC partners with the program participant to develop and sustain skills to engage in meaningful relationships, problem solving, community integration, family inclusion, life skills and meaningful activity. These support services occur on a flexible schedule, based on the need of the program and participants, including day, evening, weekend and holidays at various program sites and in the community.
FUNCTIONS
1. Using interest/preference survey tools to assists program participants and their natural supporters in identifying areas across life domains in which individual growth and support is desired including but not limited to the following: activities of daily living, leisure planning, money management, socialization opportunities, communication and problem-solving skills, vocational interests, spiritual interests and family inclusion.
2. Assists with the planning and facilitation of life skill teaching, social competence modeling and community integration support including but not limited to activities such as, outings, using public transportation, applying for employment, shopping, opening a bank account, attending a faith based institution etc.
3. Connects program participant with activities and organizations in the community that support their goals, hopes and dreams.
4. Facilitates communication amongst program participants in the programs including modeling and teaching problem solving skills, conflict resolution and unconditional support thus creating environments in which peers ultimately support each other both informally and formally.
5. Responsible for maintaining continuity of care through communication with other team participants providing support to the program participant.
6. Provides crisis intervention and support following established crisis and emotional safety plans and procedures.
7. Responsible for fostering a supportive and team spirit work environment.
8. Facilitates and participates in unit activities and events that promote CSRS services.
9. Maintains a professional demeanor and work ethic.
10. Maintains timely, thorough, neat documentation in compliance with program/Agency policies.
11. Participates in mandatory training as delineated in annual training plan to include but not limited to skill development and sensitivity training. Tracks training requirements and completes training by established deadline.
12. Attends and actively participates in Supervision/Program/Agency meetings and trainings as assigned by Program Director and is accountable to implement and practice the values and techniques taught.
13. Adheres to safe work practices.
14. Must function in full compliance with all applicable policies and procedures, federal, state and local laws and Interacts Code of Conduct. Must participate in Interacts Compliance Program including reporting suspected violations of the compliance program or applicable laws or regulations to supervisor/manager/director or the Compliance Officer.
15. Must participate in Interacts Quality Improvement activities including the participation in on-going outcomes oriented tasks as requested.
16. Performs other job related duties as assigned
QUALIFICATIONS
1. Bachelor’s degree with two years human services experience strongly preferred; Associates degree with three years human services experience or; minimum high school diploma, with 5 years’ experience in behavioral health or related field or internship in college Human Services Program.
*If program transitions to MPRS will obtain certification within 2 years of program start date.
2. CSS must: use sound judgment, possess good interpersonal and communication skills, demonstrate a professional demeanor at all times, have good organizational skills, be able to plan time and complete assigned tasks by established deadlines.
3. Ability to work independently and as part of a team, share office space and work in a group setting.
4. Proficient computer skills. Experience using electronic medical records preferred.
5. Ability to work a flexible schedule including a combination of day, evening, weekend, and some holiday hours to meet the program needs and service plan goals/preference/interests of CSRS program participants/residents serviced by the CSRS unit.
6. Possession of a valid driver’s license from state of residence, ability to meet the Agency’s
automobile insurance requirements and ability to drive a van.
7. Must be able to lift at least 50 pounds.
8. Clearance in accordance with PA Acts 33 & 80
Intercommunity Action, Inc. is an EO Employer – M/F/Veteran/Disability
Interested candidates may forward their cover letter and resume to Human Resources:
Intercommunity Action, Inc.
6122 Ridge Avenue
Philadelphia, PA 19128
kbrown@intercommunityaction.org (email preferred)