Community Access Specialist

A community access specialist helps people with intellectual and developmental disabilities become more independent and involved in their communities. They work with participants to develop a network of support, including friends, neighbors, and community organizations.

Requirements:

• At least one (1) year of experience in the field of intellectual or developmental disabilities; and
• Eighteen (18) years old and has a high school diploma or GED; or
• Twenty-one (21) years old;
• Meets the personnel and training requirements established in Section 3 of SCL regulations
• Has the ability to Communicate effectively with a participant and the participant’s family;
• Read, understand, and implement written and oral instructions;
• Perform required documentation; and
• Participate as a member of the participant’s person-centered team if requested by the participant;
• Demonstrates competence and knowledge on topics required to safely support the participant as described in the participant’s person-centered service plan
• Previously qualified or been credentialed by the department to provide community access services prior to April 1, 2017; or
• Completed a department approved training program within one (1) year of application while providing community access services under the direct supervision of a community access specialist; and
• Meets the personnel and training requirements established in Section 3 or 10 of SCL Regulations.

Job Description

• A community access service:
• Shall be provided by a community access specialist;
• Shall be designed to support a participant to participate in meaningful routines, events, and activities through various community organizations;
• Shall be designed to empower a participant in developing natural supports;
• May be participant directed;
• If participant directed, may be provided by an immediate family member, guardian, or legally responsible individual of the participant in accordance with Section 10 of this administrative regulation;
• Shall stress training that empowers a participant in acquiring, practicing, utilizing, and improving skills related to:
• Connecting with others;
• Independent functioning;
• Self advocacy;
• Socialization;
• Community participation;
• Personal responsibility;
• Financial responsibility; and
• Other skills related to optimal well-being as defined in the participant’s person-centered service plan;
• Shall be designed to result in an increased ability to develop natural supports and access community resources including educational, recreational, religious, civic, or volunteer opportunities with an outcome of:
• Less reliance on formal supports; and
• Greater reliance on natural or unpaid supports as established in the participant’s person-centered service plan;
• Shall have an emphasis on the development of personal social networks, membership opportunities, friendships, and relationships for the participant as established in the participant’s person-centered service plan;
• Shall be provided outside the participant’s home or residential setting and occur during the day, in the evening, or on weekends;
• Shall not duplicate residential support or day training services, or authorized therapies;
• Shall be provided to a participant with a:
• One (1) to one (1) staff to participant ratio; or
• Ratio of one (1) staff to no more than two (2) participants according to the participant’s person-centered service plan, if the participant invites a friend;
• Shall occur in an integrated community setting;
• Shall be an impact service and the participant’s person-centered service plan shall define steps to decrease the provision of the service as the participant becomes more independent in accessing and becoming part of the community;

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $15.00 - $16.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Gym membership

Schedule:

• Monday to Friday

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15 - $16