Direct Support Specialist – Community: Part-Time

Description:

Come work for the Bucks IU! A great opportunity to be part of a collaborative work environment and do meaningful work that impacts the local community. 

Summary/Objective: Under the direction of the Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services, provide direct support to adults with disabilities in varied settings within the community in the Central Bucks area. Support adults with disabilities in developing, refining, and generalizing skills necessary for successful integration within the community.  

Essential Functions:

• Enhance the ability of the participant to lead a self-determining life by providing the support and information necessary to build self-esteem, and assertiveness; and to make decisions.
• Apply effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of participant communication styles.
• Provides direct support to assist the individual within the community.
• Assist the participant to meet physical (i.e., health, grooming, toileting, eating) and personal management needs (i.e., human development, human sexuality), by teaching skills, providing
• Demonstrate the importance of community involvement, social interactions, and maintaining relationships. Develop and facilitate community connections and relationships.
• Coordinate activities with an emphasis on community participation and socialization.
• Ensure the safety of all individuals within the community settings.
• Match specific supports and interventions to the unique needs of individual participants and recognize the importance of friends, family, and community relationships.

Other Duties: This position description does not express, nor does it imply that the above duties are the only duties to be performed by the incumbent(s) in this position.  Additional duties may be assigned by the Administrator of the department, as needed, to adapt to the changing needs of the organization.

Competencies:

• Problem Solving – Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Gathers and analyzes information skillfully; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in-group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Technical Skills – Assesses own strengths and weaknesses; Pursues training and development opportunities; Strives to continuously build knowledge and skills; Shares expertise with others.
• Interpersonal Skills – Focuses on solving conflict, not blaming; Maintains confidentiality; Listens to others without interrupting; Keeps emotions under control; Remains open to others’ ideas and tries new things.
• Oral Communication – Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; Listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions; Demonstrates group presentation skills; Participates in meetings.
• Written Communication – Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Varies writing style to meet needs; Presents numerical data effectively; Able to read and interpret written information.
• Teamwork – Balances team and individual responsibilities; Exhibits objectivity and openness to others’ views; Gives and welcomes feedback; Contributes to building a positive team spirit; Puts success of team above own interests; Able to build morale and group commitments to goals and objectives; Supports everyone’s efforts to succeed.

Supervisory Responsibility: No direct supervisory responsibilities.

Work Environment:  The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.

Physical Demands:  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.

While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk; reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and/or move up to 25 pounds.  Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

Position Type/Expected Hours of Work: This is a part-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are Monday and Wednesday 3:30pm – 7:30pm and/or Friday 8:30 – 4:00pm. Up to 20 hours a week total. Flexible evening and/or weekend work may be required as job duties demand. 

Travel: travel between buildings and locations in the community required

Qualifications:

Education and Experience:

1. Experience with students or adults with disabilities preferred

2. Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License required if transporting students

3. Able to pass Motor Vehicle background check

Level of Degree:

• High School Diploma required.
• Associate degree or bachelor’s degree in education, business, marketing, communications, public relations, rehabilitation, psychology, or an area related to job development for persons with disabilities is desired. 
• Successfully complete the mandatory Orientation and Community Participation Support webinars through ODP within ten days of hire
• Participation in ongoing training in Community Participation Support training

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

The Community Participation Support Aide must demonstrate ability to

• Ensure the client always remains safe while making their training journeys
• Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken with the client
• Ensure clients have access to meaningful engagement in activities of interest
• Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
• Knowledge of disabilities.
• Ability to take initiative, establish and maintain working relationships with community businesses/ volunteer work sites.
• Work effectively with individuals from a variety of educational, socio-economic, ethnic and disability groups.
• Impart and obtain information tactfully and accurately.
• Strong organization skills
• Ability to keep accurate records

Work Authorization/Security Clearance (if applicable):  Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.

EEO/AA/VEVRAA Employer:  The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture. Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.