Community Support Specialist - Transition Age Youth

Seven Counties Services - Louisville, KY

Full-time - Entry Level

Louisville, KY

Ambulatory Health Care Services

About the position

The Community Support Specialist for Transition Age Youth at Seven Counties Services plays a crucial role in providing therapeutic support to young individuals as they navigate their transition into adulthood. This position operates under moderate supervision, adhering to established policies, procedures, and training. The primary focus is on fostering recovery, independence, socialization, and integration within the community, while promoting fulfilling and productive lives for the clients. The specialist will engage in teaching and modeling healthy behaviors that align with the treatment goals of the individuals served. In this role, the specialist will be responsible for teaching and coaching activities of daily living (ADL), which include personal hygiene, meal preparation, and money management. They will also conduct psychoeducation classes that cover essential topics such as medication management, communication skills, and stress management strategies. The specialist will plan and facilitate community-based activities, ensuring clients have access to necessary resources and support systems, including medical appointments and socialization opportunities. The position requires the specialist to contribute to a safe and therapeutic environment by employing verbal de-escalation techniques and other behavior management strategies as needed. They will act as an ambassador for Seven Counties Services, integrating clients into the community and educating others about disabilities and available services. Collaboration with various community systems, such as schools and employers, is essential to advocate for the individuals served. Transportation is a key component of this role, as the specialist will provide rides using the SCS van or their personal vehicle, while also teaching clients how to utilize public transportation. Personal care assistance may be required, along with the administration of First Aid and CPR when necessary. The specialist will supervise self-administered medication and communicate relevant information regarding care and treatment with other staff members to ensure quality support. Documentation of services provided is critical, and the specialist must maintain confidentiality in accordance with legal standards. Participation in staff meetings and ongoing training is expected to enhance skills and knowledge in working with clients. Overall, this position is vital in supporting the transition of youth into independent living and community engagement.

Responsibilities

• Teaches, models, and coaches activities of daily living (ADL) such as personal hygiene, housekeeping, and meal preparation.
• Teaches psychoeducation classes on recovery topics including medication side effects and stress management strategies.
• Plans and facilitates community-based activities, ensuring access to resources like medical appointments and socialization opportunities.
• Practices verbal de-escalation and other behavior management techniques to maintain a safe environment.
• Acts as an ambassador for SCS, integrating clients into the community and educating others about disabilities.
• Collaborates with community systems on behalf of individuals served, including schools and employers.
• Provides transportation for clients, ensuring adherence to safety practices and teaching public transportation use.
• Provides personal care as needed, including assistance with hygiene and meal preparation.
• Administers First Aid and CPR as required.
• Supervises self-administered medication and communicates relevant care information with staff.
• Documents services and care provided in accordance with SCS standards.
• Maintains confidentiality of protected health information and participates in required meetings and trainings.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• CPR Certification is mandatory.
• One year of full-time experience working with individuals receiving mental health services.
• Ability to provide caring and nurturing attention to individuals with disabilities.
• Good interpersonal skills and ability to communicate effectively with both verbal and nonverbal individuals.
• Teaching skills, patience, empathy, maturity, and sound judgment are essential.
• Completion of required trainings within six months of hire.

Nice-to-haves

• Experience in direct care of individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Knowledge of community resources and support systems for individuals with disabilities.

Benefits

• Paid training
• Continuing education credits
• 403(b) matching
• Health savings account
• AD&D insurance
• Disability insurance
• Health insurance
• Dental insurance
• Flexible spending account
• Financial planning services
• Tuition reimbursement
• Paid time off
• Employee assistance program
• Vision insurance
• Loan forgiveness options
• Flexible schedule
• Life insurance