What are the responsibilities and job description for the Community Support Specialist position at Frederick County Government, Maryland?
JOB INFORMATION
Are you someone who likes to work with people? Are you self-driven? Do you like making a difference? If so, the Scott Key Center needs People like You!
Our history as an organization, who supports people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), has been astounding, but even more important today is our drive to keep evolving. With the talent and skill of our employees, we are proud to help make a difference in the lives of people living with an I/DD in the communities that we work and live in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbaoSubHv6c
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full benefits; multiple vacancies are available
This professional position will independently supervise the work of a group of adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include the preparation, implementation and evaluation of specific skills of (or individual) intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults at the Scott Key Center (SKC). The Community Support Specialist is responsible for the care (to include personal hygiene needs), safety, supervision and well being of each individual in his/her charge during specific activities. This position must be willing to be flexible with job assignments to meet the specific needs of the program. Supervision is received from a Community Support Manager and/or a Day Support Manager.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
Do you possess a valid automobile operator's license?
Which best describes your level of education?
If you have a college degree, what was the field of study?
05
How many years of experience providing personal care services, mental health services, family/community support services, education services or other related human services experience do you have? NOTE: Volunteer, internships, or personal life experience may be accepted.
Please provide details regarding that history in the text area below. The history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed, OR information regarding your personal life experiences. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
07
Do you have experience working in an employment program (or another closely related program)?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
09
Do you have experience working directly with adults with developmental / intellectual disabilities?
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
Are you someone who likes to work with people? Are you self-driven? Do you like making a difference? If so, the Scott Key Center needs People like You!
Our history as an organization, who supports people with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (I/DD), has been astounding, but even more important today is our drive to keep evolving. With the talent and skill of our employees, we are proud to help make a difference in the lives of people living with an I/DD in the communities that we work and live in.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cbaoSubHv6c
Non-exempt (compensatory and/or overtime eligible); full-time; 40 hours per week; Monday - Friday; 7:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.; full benefits; multiple vacancies are available
This professional position will independently supervise the work of a group of adults with developmental disabilities. Responsibilities include the preparation, implementation and evaluation of specific skills of (or individual) intellectual and developmentally disabled (I/DD) adults at the Scott Key Center (SKC). The Community Support Specialist is responsible for the care (to include personal hygiene needs), safety, supervision and well being of each individual in his/her charge during specific activities. This position must be willing to be flexible with job assignments to meet the specific needs of the program. Supervision is received from a Community Support Manager and/or a Day Support Manager.
NOTE: The upper pay range reflects possible wage rates for internal County transfers and promotions. For transfers and promotions, wage rates are calculated per County policy.
Frederick County Government values the principles of diversity and inclusion, and strives to ensure equal opportunities for its workforce, applicants and community members. If you are a person who wants to make a difference, give back to your community, and be a voice for change, apply to Frederick County Government today.
Total Compensation Package
Frederick County offers an extensive compensation package to reflect how highly we value our employees. The following is what you can expect in your first year as a full-time benefited Frederick County Government employee.
- 11 days of Vacation leave with increase after 2 years of employment
- 15 days of Sick leave with unlimited annual carryover
- 11 paid holidays, plus 2 additional floating holidays
- Day 1 coverage of comprehensive Medical Insurance Plan options to include generous County Health Savings Account (HSA) contribution (if enrolled in the high-deductible plan). This is part of a full range of benefits including Dental, Vision, and Flexible Spending
- 100% County paid 2x annual salary Group Term Life Insurance and Accidental Death & Dismemberment (AD&D) benefit
- County and Employee funded Defined Benefit Pension Plan
- Vesting after 5 years of service
- Additional service credit for eligible previous public service, military service, etc.
- Work/Life balance programs include: Employee Assistance Program and Employee Wellness Program
- Generous Tuition Reimbursement Program
- Other employee-paid benefits such as Deferred Compensation Plan, Legal Resources, Supplemental Life Insurance, Critical Illness, Accident, and Hospital Indemnity Insurance, Lifetime Benefit with Long Term Care plan.
- Coming in 2025: Employee Health Center with no or low cost primary and urgent care
- Provide direction and supervision in integrated community settings
- Provide instruction and supervision in community settings
- Provide job coaching/training to individuals in integrated community settings
- Provide community activities to include: development of specific activities that align with the person’s Individual plan and implementation of activity
- Assist with personal care, hygiene needs to include toileting (to include helping on/off toilet and cleaning the person) and meal assistance (to include heating up, getting food out of container, and at times feeding the person, and cleanup of person after eating)
- As assigned, lead a small janitorial group (3-5 individuals); as needed assist individuals in performing janitorial duties as a means of training and performance follow-up
- Utilize behavior management techniques to ensure appropriate work behavior
- Assist assigned workers in their relationships with employers and co-workers
- Compile and prepare daily progress notes, records and reports and participate in progress reviews
- Participate in the Individual Plan process and assist in the development of Individual Plans
- Analyze job tasks to develop training programs
- Prepare vocational assessment of workers with developmental disabilities to determine individual strengths and needs which factor into appropriate job placement
- Maintain daily records and time records
- Participate in staff meetings and in-service training sessions
- Transport adults to off-site work locations and/or to and from the Scott Key Center
- Participate in the Discovery Process, which includes job development prep assessments, employment and meaningful activities, in conjunction with the Job Development Specialist
- Participate in the Individual Plan process and assist in the development of Individual Plans
- Analyze skill sets to develop training programs as needed for people with I/DD
- Prepare a Positive Personal Profile (PPP) of workers with developmental disabilities to determine individual strengths and needs which factor into appropriate job placement
- Attend extra-curricular client activities, as needed
- Assure activities meet the HCBS Final Rule setting
- Perform other related duties as required
Qualifications And Requirements
The qualifications/requirements, knowledge/skills/abilities and physical requirements or working conditions described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
- High school graduation or the equivalency
- Minimum 1 year experience (volunteer, internships, or personal life experience may be accepted) providing personal care services, mental health services, family/community support services, education services or other related human services experience.
- Possession of a valid automobile operator's license
- Current certification in First Aid and CPR, or ability to obtain same within 90 days of hire
- NOTE: A related college degree may reduce the experience requirement
- Ability to maintain County Authorized Driver privileges
- Willingness to obtain Medication Monitor certification from the MD State Department of Health and Mental Hygiene, Developmental Disabilities Administration
- Ability to effectively initiate programs and activities and to provide active leadership and motivation for persons with developmental disabilities, with in-depth perception of client/employer needs and priorities
- Discretion and good judgment in working with sensitive information, with ability to maintain appropriate confidentiality
- Ability to effectively organize day-to-day assignments; determine priorities and complete assigned tasks with minimal supervision
- Ability to effectively access and utilize computerized systems and equipment (e.g. word processing, spreadsheet, e-mail)
- Ability to develop and maintain effective, objective working relationships with clients, co-workers, employers and the general public
- Strong and effective spoken and written (English) communication skills, including the ability to prepare clear, concise reports using behavioral terminology
- Experience working in an employment program (or another closely related program)
- Experience working with adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities
- While working in this position, the employee is frequently walking, stooping, lifting up to 50 pounds, reaching, performing repetitive motions and driving; occasionally sitting, pushing over 40 pounds, and pulling over 40 pounds
- While working in this position, the employee is frequently working indoors, working in a noisy environment, near chemicals / fumes with potential exposure to infectious diseases; occasionally working outdoors, walking on uneven ground; and rarely is required to wear protective equipment.
- Ability to work varied working hours for special activities, meetings, programs, etc.
- Required licenses and certifications must be maintained throughout employment
- This position is subject to random drug testing
- In case of an emergency, available for duties in a shelter or Family Assistance Center or other duties to support County functions
- An evaluation of training and experience
- One or more interviews
- A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation
- A pre-employment physical examination with tuberculosis clearance
- A pre-employment drug test without marijuana
A defined benefit retirement plan is provided for all regular County employees. Employees are automatically enrolled in either the Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting) or the Non-Uniformed Plan (5 year vesting, effective 07/01/2024) depending upon position classification. The majority of support for the plan is provided by the County; however, employees are required to make a mandatory pre-tax contribution towards their benefit. Retirement benefits are payable at normal, early or delayed retirement. Retirement benefits are also payable upon termination and in the event of death or disability.
Health Insurance
County employees have a choice of two medical insurance plans, an In-Network (HMO) Plan or a High Deductible medical plan with a Health Care Savings Account, to provide coverage for medical and surgical expenses, hospital and emergency care expenses, mental health expenses and prescription drugs. The County and participants share in the cost of the health insurance with the employee having the benefit of pre tax contribution deductions. Medical insurance goes into effect on the first day of active employment.
Dental Insurance
Employees may select coverage from one of three dental plan options, ranging from a PPO plan to a dental HMO plan. Coverage includes preventive care, fillings, crowns, bridges and dentures, and the cost of dental insurance is shared by both the County and the employee. Dental insurance goes into effect on the first day of the month that follows the eligible employee's completion of 30 days of active employment
NOTE: Employees working 75% or greater of a 35 or 40 hour position are eligible for health & dental insurance.
Flexible Spending Accounts
The Flex Spending plan allows employees to pay health and day care expenses with pre-tax dollars. Employees may set aside part of their salary in a special account that can be used throughout the year to reimburse themselves for out-of-pocket medical expenses. The maximum contribution is $2,700 per year for Health Care Spending and $5,000 for Dependent Care Spending (work-related day care expenses). Examples of expenses that can be reimbursed for Health Care Spending include, but are not limited to: deductibles, co-payments, dental fees, chiropractors' services, and eyeglasses / contact lenses.
Life Insurance
Employees are insured for 2 times their annual salary in case of death plus 2 times their annual salary for accidental death. Employees do not contribute to the premiums for this coverage. A Voluntary Life Insurance Program is offered to regular County employees. The plan allows employees to purchase individually owned term life insurance for themselves, spouses and dependents.
Savings Plan - Deferred Compensation
The County offers a Section 457 Plan. Deferred compensation plans allow participants to save for retirement in either a pre tax or post tax (Roth) investment account. Contributions are invested at the employee's direction into one or more of the variety of investment options offered by the plan. Changes may be made to the contribution levels, investment options, etc. at any time.
Educational Reimbursement Program
County employees who have successfully passed their probationary period may take up to two job-related courses per semester at any accredited educational institution. The benefit also covers the costs of job-related non-credit courses. If the employee receives a grade of at least a C, or successfully passes a non-credit course, the County reimburses the employee 75% of the costs of tuition, fees and books. If an employee doesn't remain employed with Frederick County Government for two years after a class is taken, the benefit needs to be reimbursed to FCG.
Employee Assistance Program
This confidential assessment, referral and counseling service is available at no cost to all employees who may need help with a personal or job-related problem.
Leave
Annual Leave – Employees are eligible to use Annual Leave after their 6 month probationary period. Annual Leave accrues as follows: Years of service days per year
0 – 2 years 11 days
2 – 10 years 17 days
10 years 24 days
Sick Leave - Employees will earn sick leave at a rate of 15 days per calendar year.
Sick Leave may also be used for illness of an employee's child, dependent, spouse, parent or parent-in-law. There is no limit on the amount of sick leave accumulated. Unused Sick Leave may be used for additional credit in the pension plan at the time of retirement.
NOTE: Regular benefited part-time employees earn annual and sick leave on a pro-rated basis based on their actual number of hours worked biweekly up to their assigned number of regularly scheduled work hours.
Other available types of leave include, but are not limited to, Family Medical Leave, Bereavement, Jury, Military.
Holidays
The County observes 10 holidays every year and 11 are observed on years of General Elections.
For additional information on Frederick County Governments benefit package, please visit the Division of Human Resources website at www.FrederickCountyMD.gov.
All hires before January 1, 2012, will follow the all benefit and leave rules as described in the Personnel Rules amended October 3, 2013.
01
Your application, which includes any associated supplemental questions, must be complete at the time of submission and must clearly articulate the required work experience relevant to the position for which you are applying. The experience you indicate in your responses to the supplemental questions must also be described, in detail, on the Work History section of this application. Your application may be considered incomplete if vague descriptions of experience are included or if you cite experience in your supplemental question response that is not included on the Work History section of this application. When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience based on the information submitted, or if you state "see resume" as your response, your application may not be considered further.
- I have read and acknowledge the above instructions.
Do you possess a valid automobile operator's license?
- Yes
- No
Which best describes your level of education?
- Less than high school graduation
- High school graduation or the equivalent
- Some college
- Associate's degree received
- Advanced degree received
If you have a college degree, what was the field of study?
05
How many years of experience providing personal care services, mental health services, family/community support services, education services or other related human services experience do you have? NOTE: Volunteer, internships, or personal life experience may be accepted.
- I do not have this related experience
- Less than 1 year of related experience
- 1 year of related experience
- 2 years of related experience
- 3 or more years of related experience
Please provide details regarding that history in the text area below. The history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed, OR information regarding your personal life experiences. NOTE: If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related experience, based on the information submitted, you will not be granted the requirement.
07
Do you have experience working in an employment program (or another closely related program)?
- Yes
- No
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
09
Do you have experience working directly with adults with developmental / intellectual disabilities?
- Yes
- No
Please provide details regarding that work history in the text area below. The work history details provided should include the employer or organization name, dates of employment/service and the duties you performed. NOTE: When considering work history, 1 year of employment = 2,080 hours. If Human Resources staff is unable to confirm your related work experience, based on the information submitted, you will not receive the preference credit.
- Required Question
Salary : $2,700
