Positive Support Specialist

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is a dynamic social service organization serving children, youth and families, people with disabilities, older adults, and military veterans. Trustworthiness is a value and strength shared by our employees and recognized by the communities we serve. We offer an ALIVE Workplace (Supportive, Positive and Fun) and careers that challenge, energize, and reward employees. Consider joining us!

LSS is dedicated to providing community-based services in the most integrated setting possible. We developed Specialized Community Supports in response to a need in our community for more options for individuals with complex needs.

Job Summary:

Positive Support Specialists (PSS) work in our Specialized Community Support (SCS) programs. These are highly specialized programs in which we serve individuals with intensive medical, behavioral and mental health needs. We utilize a person-centered approach to creating a program that focuses on supporting people to reach their goals, while still considering the safety of the individual, team members and the community. Consistency and routine are key factors in the proven success of these programs. Highly trained Positive Support Specialists will assist individuals both at home and the community to participate in events and activities that are meaningful to the individual.

As a PSS team member, you will also:

• Assist individuals to be more independent in performing essential life skills such as meal preparation, personal hygiene and navigating the community.
• Advocate for the people supported in areas such as rights, medical care and in the community.
• Complete necessary documentation and record-keeping every shift.
• Manage crisis situations safely and effectively - this can include potential use of manual restraints. Candidates will receive training for Positive Behavioral Supports and manual restraints in conjunction with the 245D requirements.
• Engage in trauma-informed care daily.

What We Offer You:

• An excellent benefits package that includes medical, dental, life, vision, 403(b) plan with a match, wellness program, and other ancillary plans.
• A generous PTO plan, holiday pay, and float days.
• Training paid at full wage.
• Opportunities for continued professional development and growth within the organization.
• An ALIVE Workplace that is Supportive, Positive, Healthy, and Fun!
• A workplace that embraces diversity.
• An outstanding reputation.

Requirements:

• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to work with a variety of individuals.
• Must physically be able to stand, squat, bend, or walk for long periods of time. The ability to lift 50 lbs. is necessary.
• Knowledge of local community resources is a plus.
• Must be cleared by a Bureau of Criminal Affairs (BCA) background study and have a driver's license - a Motor Vehicle Check (MVR) is also required.

Qualifications:

• Minimum education is a high school diploma, but the preference is a degree in a field relevant to this role.
• Minimum experience is 1-2 years of working with people with complex needs, but the preference is for 3-5 years of relevant experience

Lutheran Social Service of Minnesota is an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer of all people regardless of gender, race, culture, religion, ethnicity, protected veteran status and/or disability. We actively foster an environment that is free of racism, discrimination, bias, and harassment where all individuals are treated with dignity, safety, and respect.

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities

The contractor will not discharge or in any other manner discriminate against employees or applicants because they have inquired about, discussed, or disclosed their own pay or the pay of another employee or applicant. However, employees who have access to the compensation information of other employees or applicants as a part of their essential job functions cannot disclose the pay of other employees or applicants to individuals who do not otherwise have access to compensation information, unless the disclosure is (a) in response to a formal complaint or charge, (b) in furtherance of an investigation, proceeding, hearing, or action, including an investigation conducted by the employer, or (c) consistent with the contractor’s legal duty to furnish information. 41 CFR 60-1.35(c)