The Community Support Specialist works under the leadership of the Program Manager of Community Support Services and provides direct care and habilitation services to individuals in the GR and PASRR Programs. Supports include in home training, community integration, and respite services. The Community Support Specialist provides transportation, training, and employment services that enable individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities to have a more independent life. Work involves implementing treatment programs and performing therapeutic and developmental activities

Education, Training, and Experience

• Graduation from a standard senior high school or equivalent. Some college in a related field is preferred..

Registration, Certification, Licensure, and Other Qualifications

• Must have and maintain a background and criminal history free from any disqualifying offenses as outlined by the Texas Administrative Code (TAC) and the Health and Human Services Commission (HHSC).
• Must possess and maintain a valid driver's license and automobile insurance.

• Individuals with an out-of-state driver's license must be able to obtain a driver's license in the state of Texas within thirty (30) days.

• Successful completion of all position-specific training within thirty (30) days of employment is required.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of regulatory agencies and rehabilitative programs for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

• Skill in the operation of standard office equipment and associated software.

• Ability to prepare and maintain records. Communicate with management, teammates, and individuals served, and the community must be articulate and professional.

• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles.

• Ability to display regular and reliable (in-person, if required) attendance.
• Understanding and practice of Trauma Informed Care principles. 

Essential Duties

The following list outlines key responsibilities for the position; however, it is not exhaustive and does not encompass all responsibilities. Additional duties may be assigned as needed.

• Services are provided to individuals living with their family members or residing in their own homes. Supports should only be provided per the individual's Person Directed Plan and may include the following:

•  Provide direct personal assistance with activities of daily living (grooming, eating, bathing, dressing, and personal hygiene).

• Arrange transportation services or provide training when unable to give direct assistance.

• Assist with housekeeping.

• Assist with ambulation and mobility.

• Reinforce counseling and therapy activities.

• Provide habilitation services (not including contracted day habilitation)

• Facilitate the development of socially valued behaviors.

• Adjust your schedule regularly to accommodate therapeutic appointments.

•  Respite Services to GR individuals as directed. Services are provided on an emergency or planned basis as short-term relief to the primary caregiver. 

• Ensure services are provided per the individual's service plan.

• Ensure all respite services are arranged through appropriate supervisory personnel.

• Follow the caregiver routine to provide personal assistance in daily living activities.

•   Implementation of the individual's service plan including formal and informal training goals:

• Evaluate all service outcome objectives per individual's service plan and therapy activities. 

• Completes all documentation required per the Data Verification including Service Notes and Activity Logs.

• Service delivery notes include a written narrative for each service event that describes the service and includes information about the individual's progress toward goals and objectives identified in the service plan.

• Incorporates training identified in the service plan into daily activities as required, including reinforcement of specialized therapies as directed.

• Completes legible and accurate documentation that reflects service provision.

• Submit all documentation, including but not limited to, Activity Logs, Streamline Service Notes (electronic), and e3 timesheets within designated time frames.

• Provides a written narrative, containing all required components, following each service event.

• Review his or her documentation to ensure that it is complete, detailed, correct, and legible, before submitting it electronically.

• Submit documentation of services performed within two business days.

• Correct all errors within three business days.

• Submit departmental paperwork per departmental protocols.

• Banking, record keeping, and purchasing as required per Center procedures.

• Retains and submits receipts as required.

• Assures adequate funds are available before assisting with purchases.

• Submit receipts promptly.

• Assist individuals who may struggle with financial record keeping and/or transactions.

• Provides transportation for individuals and adheres to Center guidelines and state laws.

• Safely transports individuals using Center vehicles and/or personal vehicles without accident, citation, or another incident.

• Follow all Center guidelines while driving, including restriction of food, drink, smoking, and cell phone use.

• Completes all required vehicle checklists as scheduled.

• Maintains fuel and fluid levels of vehicles and reports all maintenance issues immediately to the appropriate supervisor.

• Maintains personal driving record within agency standards and requirements.

•  Provides ongoing evidence of current auto liability insurance.

•  Provides transportation in own vehicle only as approved by supervisory staff.

•  Maintain his or her personal vehicle and company vehicles to ensure the safety of individuals and other staff.

•  Complete vehicle paperwork on time.

•  Keep company vehicles clean and dispose of trash and clutter daily.

•  Drive safely and adhere to all Center and state laws.

• Van driver training class required.

 Community Integration. 

•  Assist individuals with community shopping, recreation, employment assistance, and leisure activities.

• Facilitate inclusion in community and leisure activities and social interaction.

• Promote and encourage choice of activities.

• Consistently offer a variety of activities.

•  Inform individuals of free activity opportunities.

 Reliability.

•  Completes tasks within assigned timelines.

• Is consistently available to support individuals served so that programs and services occur without interruption.

• Report to work as scheduled in compliance with the Center and departmental policies and procedures. 

•  Independently communicate changes to schedule with supervisory personnel.

• Inform his or her supervisor when they have free time to help with other departmental duties.

•  Be on time to provide services to individuals.

  Communication

• Ensures that internal communications follow departmental procedures concerning protocol and lines of authority.

• Advises supervisor promptly of incidents or situations that would have an unusual effect on the agency's mission, productivity, or direct services. Either positive or negative.

•  Independently communicate with other employees as needed, in a manner that is respectful, friendly, and communicates all pertinent information.

 Work Safety and Health

•  Adhere to all emergency and preventative safety procedures, including Universal Precautions, in the performance of all work duties.

• Identify and immediately report safety hazards to designated personnel.

• Complete incident reports for all on-the-job injuries and report incidents to supervisory personnel.

• Independently complete incident reports as needed.

•  Promptly address and report any safety or health concerns.

10.  Participates in the Center's Zero Suicide Initiative.

o  Supports individuals experiencing a crisis by promptly connecting them with appropriate Center programs, such as the Mobile Crisis Outreach Team (MCOT), Psychiatric Triage, Crisis Prevention services, and/or other applicable resources. Ensure seamless coordination to facilitate timely intervention.

o  Remains with individuals, when deemed safe, to provide support and maintain a calm environment until specialized crisis staff or emergency personnel arrive to take over intervention efforts. Adheres to safety protocols to prevent escalation of the crisis situation.

o  Participates in debriefing sessions with the immediate supervisor or designated staff following a crisis event. Collaborate with the team to review the incident, identify lessons learned, and ensure all HHSC guidelines and Center policies are followed.