Community Support Specialist - Independence

Part-Time Mountain Shadows Ancillary Services, San Marcos, CA, US

5 days ago Requisition

Salary Range: $20.50 To $21.50 Annually

The Direct Support Staff for Tailored Day Program is responsible for providing one-on-one, community-based support to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities, with a focus on promoting independence through employment, education, and socialization opportunities.

• Provide direct, individualized community-based support to participants in alignment with their Individualized Service Plan (ISP) goals and objectives.
• Participate in Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings and contribute meaningful feedback regarding participant progress, goals, strengths, and support needs.
• Uphold and protect participants' personal rights by promoting dignity, respect, independence, and individual choice in all interactions and services provided.
• Support participants with self-medication assistance, as assigned and in accordance with agency policies and procedures.
• Assist participants with daily activities and community engagement, which may require standing for extended periods, bending, stooping, and lifting.
• Monitor participants for changes in physical or emotional well-being, recognize signs of illness or distress, and seek appropriate medical assistance when necessary.
• Accurately document participant progress, billing information, and program records in the Therap system in a timely and compliant manner.
• Report unusual incidents, safety concerns, and all observed or suspected abuse or neglect in accordance with mandated reporting requirements.
• Maintain continuous awareness of participants' whereabouts and ensure participant safety and supervision at all times.
• Provide support with personal care and toileting needs, as required.
• Attend all required trainings, staff meetings, and in-service sessions while maintaining reliable and punctual attendance.
• Immediately notify the Program Director of emergencies, incidents, or critical situations.
• Communicate professionally and effectively with participants, families, case managers, community partners, businesses, colleges, and other organizations to support participant engagement and service coordination.
• Adhere to all Mountain Shadows policies, procedures, and regulatory requirements.

• Support and empower participants in exploring and identifying competitive and non-competitive employment opportunities that align with their individual interests, strengths, abilities, and personal goals.
• Provide guidance and assistance throughout all stages of the employment process, including career exploration, job searches, application completion, resume building, interview preparation, and onboarding activities.
• Assist participants in developing practical workplace skills and gaining hands-on experience through volunteer opportunities, internships, job shadowing, job sampling, and other community-based vocational experiences, as appropriate.

• Assist and support participants with enrolling in community colleges, vocational schools, and other educational or career training programs that align with their goals and interests.
• Guide participants in navigating educational systems and accessing available campus and community resources, including Disabled Student Services, tutoring centers, academic counselors, professors, and other support services as needed.
• Provide individualized support to participants with attending classes, completing coursework, managing assignments, and developing skills that promote academic success and independence.

• Support and encourage participants in identifying, accessing, and engaging in community activities and resources, including senior centers, recreational programs, and other community-based opportunities that promote social inclusion and independence.
• Assist, teach, and support participants in safely navigating public transportation systems when identified as a goal within the participant's Individualized Service Plan (ISP), promoting increased independence and community access skills.