Community Support Specialist

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.


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

For more information, visit our benefits page on the Frederick County Government job opportunities webpage.

• 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
   

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.  Any single position may not be assigned all duties listed above, nor do the examples cover all duties that may be assigned. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

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

KNOWLEDGE / SKILLS / ABILITIES:

• 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

PREFERENCE MAY BE GIVEN FOR:

• Experience working in an employment program (or another closely related program)
• Experience working with adults with developmental/intellectual disabilities 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS / WORKING CONDITIONS:

• 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

1. An evaluation of training and experience
2. One or more interviews
3. A pre-employment fingerprint supported background investigation
4. A pre-employment physical examination with tuberculosis clearance
5. A pre-employment drug test without marijuana 
    

Salary : $20 - $31