Community Support Worker- IDD

About Us:

Join the Northern Lakes Community Mental Health Authority (NLCMA) team and make a positive impact on people's lives! At NLCMA, we value individuals with lived experience and are committed to creating a culture that fosters recovery and gentleness.

Community Support Worker Position Overview:

As a Community Support Worker, you'll play a vital role in assisting individuals with disabilities in their journey towards independence. This position is community based and involves travel within the six counties we serve - Crawford, Grand Traverse, Leelanau, Missaukee, Roscommon, and Wexford. Depending on the needs of the consumer, you will provide personalized instruction, assistance, and support in various aspects of daily living, including personal care, household maintenance, cooking, budgeting, use of leisure time, transportation, utilization of community resources, and more. You will provide the opportunity for persons served to participate in new activities and visit new places while teaching essential life skills and fostering independence in the community.

Key Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist individuals in gaining access to social, recreational, and community-based activities and provide transportation to such activities.
• Foster independence by teaching essential life skills, encouraging health and safety awareness.
• Support individuals in making choices that align with their goals for a more integrated lifestyle.
• Develop and maintain positive community relationships for those we serve.
• Support person served in community activities, medical appointments, shopping, social/recreational activities of their choosing.
• Prepare progress notes, reports and any required documentation and submit in a timely manner.
• Demonstrate support needed to promote integration into the community for the individual that adheres to “person-centered-planning” and principles of self-determination.
• Locate, obtain, coordinate, and collaborate with resources/services inside and outside the NLCMHA system as indicated by the Individual Plan of Service.
• Work effectively with other service providers, families, guardians, and case managers concerning assessments, service implementation, and consumer participation.

Supplementary Functions:

• May represent NLCMHA on internal/external committees or work groups to enhance organizational performance, development and quality of care, including Quality Improvement activities.
• May participate in community education/community caregiver activities.
• May receive and assist in resolving complaints or inquiries related to services provided by NLCMHA.

General Performance Responsibilities:

• Set priorities and make decisions that reflect consistency with NLCMHA vision and mission statements, goals, values, policies, and procedures.
• Provide services and conduct tasks in accordance with terms/conditions required by the funding source, i.e. Northern Michigan Regional Entity (NMRE Contract), MDHHS, CMHSP Master Contract and with applicable laws and regulations.
• Participate in approved staff development activities, in-services, and supervisory sessions.
• Behave and communicate in a manner that promotes a positive work atmosphere.
• Perform duties in an accurate and timely manner.
• Maintain up-to-date documentation/records/reports as applicable for position performance accountability.
• Adjust work schedule (with supervisory approval) to meet consumer and/or NLCMHA needs.
• Maintain an awareness to provide a safe and healthy environment and report all hazards and/or concerns.
• Accept other responsibilities and duties required by the supervisor, consistent with the accomplishments of NLCMHA’s goals and objectives and the functions of this position. Such responsibilities shall be incorporated into the job description if they involve a lengthy commitment of time and are on-going.
• Advise supervisor if actual practice (activity) begins to deviate from specified essential functions.

Qualities We're Looking For:

• Good judgment and positive role modeling.
• Effective and respectful communication with individuals and their support teams.
• Embrace and practice philosophies of gentle teaching.
• Commitment to person-centered planning and principles of self-determination

Minimum Qualifications:

• High school degree/GED required.
• One year of experience in Mental Health services; a related degree in Human Services is preferred.
• Must have a working telephone, possess/maintain a valid Michigan Driver’s License, a good driving record, a reliable vehicle, and valid auto insurance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Basic knowledge of Mental Health Code and NLCMHA services
• Uphold professional Code of Conduct and Ethics
• Effective communication in English, both oral and written
• Understand and carry out oral/written directions effectively in English.
• Clearly present information on a level suitable for public groups.
• Familiarity with health information technology used to link services, facilitate communication and data collection in an electronic system.
• Advocacy skills on behalf of consumers, families, guardians, and NLCMHA
• Knowledge of and ability to use screening tools for chronic illness, substance use disorder, mental illness, and prevalent risk factors.
• Ability to maintain effective working relationships and productively serve as a member of a team with the public, fellow employees, agency board members, various groups, committees, and professional organizations.
• Ability to deal with problems courteously and tactfully.

Working Conditions:

• Irregular hours may be required for first shift.
• Weekends and holidays are required for all shifts.
• Travel by personal vehicle when agency vehicle is unavailable.

Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• Occasional lifting - up to 25 lbs.
• Exertion to help meet personal care needs.
• Stretching/Reaching
• Exposure to bloodborne pathogens and infectious diseases
• Exposure to hazardous materials
• Hand/finger dexterity
• Stooping (bend at waist)
• Effective communication in person and on the telephone
• Hearing in person and on the telephone
• Vision for close work

Staff Development/Training:

• Participation in initial/orientation training and ongoing professional development
• Completion of Community Health Worker Certification course w/in 6 months of hire

Apply Now and Be a Catalyst for Positive Change!

Join us in making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities. Apply today and contribute to our mission of creating a supportive and empowering community!