Community Support Specialist - Adult Family Care - Advocates

Overview:

Starting rate: $21.25/hour

The Community Support Specialist is a public health worker who applies their unique understanding of the experience, language, or culture of the populations they serve in order to carry out their responsibilities in Adult Family Care (AFC) qualified settings. An AFC Community Support Specialist provides ongoing support, guidance, and role modeling on a consistent basis. 

Minimum Education Required:High School Diploma/GEDResponsibilities:

1. Conduct on-site visits of the member at the qualified setting in place of the nurse or care manager if determined appropriate by the Multidisciplinary Team.
2. Complete a community support specialist progress note corresponding with each on-site visit and encounter with members, as well as, ensuring and maintaining that all program record keeping, documentation and reviews are accurate and up to date.
3. Provide to the member and caregiver culturally appropriate health education, information, support, and counseling.
4. Develop positive relationships with members, families and monitor/assess placements as needed.
5. Train and supervise families in all facets of their responsibilities.
6. Monitor, review, and document the safety and suitability of the member’s qualified setting.
7. Support the development and growth of all participants served in the program.
8. Participate in the development, implementation, and ongoing review of the AFC plan of care.
9. Participate in the grievance policy for families and participants, as needed.
10. Actively participate in discharge planning as needed.
11. Coordinate member referrals and the admission process, as identified in Mass Health regulations.
12. Attend all trainings as assigned; maintain current certifications and licenses.
13. Actively participate in program development, special projects and any other duties as assigned by Program Director.
14. Assist with clerical needs of the program, either remote or onsite, as needed and directed by the Program Director or Assistant Program Director.
15. Attend and actively participate in supervision and staff meetings.

1. Ensure that individuals we support are treated with dignity and respect in accordance with Advocates’ Human Rights Policy.
2. Perform all duties in accordance with the agency’s policies and procedures.

1. Adhere to all principles related to the Advocates Way.

1. Strictly follow all agency performance standards.

Qualifications:

1. High School Diploma or equivalent degree required and at least one year of experience working with elders or adults with disabilities.
2. Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving culturally diverse populations.
3. Ability to communicate effectively verbally and in writing.
4. Intermediate computer skills and knowledge of Microsoft Office products.
5. Sensitivity to the needs of the population served.
6. Commitment to Advocates values and mission.
7. Must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.
8. Ability to develop/maintain satisfactory working relationships with employees & providers.
9. High energy level, superior interpersonal skills and ability to function in a team atmosphere.
10. Must hold a valid drivers’ license.  Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and pass a Motor Vehicle Record check.
11. Must be able to pass a CORI, SORI, and OIG check.
12. Must not be a direct Caregiver or be legally responsible for the member receiving AFC.
13. Must have satisfactorily and received a tuberculosis screening within the previous 12 months.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

 

Why Should I Consider a Career in Human Services?

Our Team members are dedicated to engaging and empowering individuals by forming lasting relationships, collaboratively achieving personal goals, offering creative solutions to everyday and complex situations, and actively listening.  We exercise independent judgement and contribute to the overall success and benefit of the Team.

 

Is Human Services a Fit for Me?

Successful Team members are open-minded, eager and compassionate, and will exercise solid, independent judgement while fostering trustworthy relationships with the individuals that we serve.  We put the individual first.