Community Habilitation Specialist

Job Summary: The community habilitation specialist will work directly with individuals in program activities, both in their homes and in the community. Assist individuals (service recipients) in skills development by implementing individual specific and general programs. The Community Habilitation Specialist will have the ability to interact with individuals and staff professionally and ethically, understand and implement service plans, and Staff Action Plans as written, and to complete all required documentation clearly, legibly in a timely manner.

RESPONSBILITIES INCLUDE BUT ARE NOT LIMITED TO:

• Participate in the life of the individual in their home to foster a person-centered atmosphere conducive to the growth of the individual and towards their maximum independence in all areas of daily living. Commit to person-centered supports and honor the personality, preferences, culture, and strengths of the individuals. Promote and protect the health, safety and emotional well-being of the individuals
• Assist in planning and implementation of the program.

o Maintain daily Community-Habilitation bi-weekly progress reports, datasheets, timesheets and other required documentation. Community Habilitation Specialist will document each training session in the appropriate databases and report the progress and barriers with each client.

o Attend and participate in staff mandatory and In-service training and meetings as required. It is essential that Community Habilitation Specialist know and protect individual’s rights.

o Maintain contact with Program Supervisors and individuals and family about changes in schedules, lateness, absences and other issues that will affect working with the individual. o Communicate relevant information to Program Supervisors verbally and in writing, i.e., daily notes, incident reports, etc.

o Complete documentation electronically as required. Follow up with electronic visit verification (EVV) on assigned dates.

• Follow all specified policies and procedures, for managing behaviors, emergencies and reporting incidents.
• Accompany and advocate for the individual when in the community. Community Habilitation Specialist will travel to borough assigned.
• Act as a role model for consumers by appropriate behavior and offering assistance as indicated in Individual Service Plans.
• Community Habilitation Specialist meet with the assigned individual for a few times per week depending on the individual’s coordinated hours.
• Provide personal care consistent with participant’s skill level and as outlined in the habilitation plan (including; bathing, toileting, dressing, laundry, travel safety, etc.)
• Support the mission and vision of the organization.
• Performs other related duties as requested by supervisor or the organization as a whole.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED.
• Some prior experience on a personal level with developmentally disabled people
• Must have a personal computer device, such as smartphone, or tablet, and be able to perform required documentation on the personal device using company’s software.
• Unrestricted NYS Driver's License (Preferred) and proof of car insurance needed if client’s goals require the use of a vehicle.
• CPR Certification (Preferred).

The Community Habilitation Specialist must be able to prioritize situations and manage time, and may find that they are needed at irregular hours causing fatigue and stress. The Specialist may experience stress and stress related symptoms due to interacting with a person in crisis. They may also have to manage physically threatening situations and be prepared to be responsible for their own safety, and the safety of others. Work is performed in a family home environment and in the person’s community