A Day Program Community Specialist supports individuals with developmental disabilities or special needs by facilitating community integration and socialization, enhancing daily living skills, and promoting independence. Key duties include providing direct care, planning social activities, documenting progress, and ensuring a safe, supportive environment.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Actively accompany and support individuals in accessing community resources, volunteering, recreational activities, and social events.
• Teach and practice daily living, vocational, and social skills to increase independence, such as hygiene, cooking, money management, and making informed choices.
• Provide or assist with physical care, including hygiene, mobility, and safety supervision in community settings.
• Maintain accurate, timely documentation of progress, incident reports, and behavior tracking, ensuring adherence to ISP (Individual Service Plan) goals.
• Foster relationships between clients and community members to promote inclusion and advocate for the needs of the individuals while contributing to person centered activities.
• Transport individuals to and from activities using agency vehicles.

REQUIRED SKILLS AND ABILITIES:

• Working knowledge of developmental disabilities.
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing.
• Proficient in Windows operating systems with competency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel) and/or Google Workspace (Docs, Sheets); efficient in managing email and Google Calendar; skilled in basic data entry and organizing digital files
• Ability to understand and apply operating policies and licensing and certification standards.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of others.
• Working knowledge of simple budgeting.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:

• The employee is regularly required to stand, walk, sit, and talk and/or hear.
• The employee is required to have the ability to stand on their feet for extended periods of time reach with hands and arms and stoop, kneel, bend, carry, pull, or push heavy objects or materials; must work in stressful and hectic environments.
• Requires the ability to handle multiple tasks with frequent interruptions at times.
• Employees must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, and depth perception.
• Requires physical and emotional endurance; must be able to work long and irregular hours at times; and requires regular and consistent attendance and physical presence at the job.

MEASURES OF SUCCESS:

• At Ralph Scott Lifeservices, care and compassion are at the core of our mission. We are committed to excellence, quality services and collaboration, recognizing that every team member plays a vital role in our success.
• Will complete a minimum of 4 hours per year of professional training approved in advance by his/her supervisor over and above required training or updates of required training.
• Employee’s work performance positively supports the mission and culture of the organization.
• Work is done competently, efficiently, and within budget.
• Compliance is maintained with regulatory and accreditation standards.
• Needs of individuals served are addressed and met; and, as often as possible, services are provided beyond minimum standards required.
• Relevant concerns are presented to supervisory staff for review and resolution.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS AND CREDENTIALS:

• Minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent and must meet the criteria for a Paraprofessional as outlined in 10A NCAC 27G.0204, and have knowledge, skills, and abilities to support people with IDD
• 18 years of age or older required.
• Must hold a valid NC driver's license and be deemed an acceptable driver by RSL insurance carrier.
• Experience with household appliances, office equipment, Hoyer lifts, van lifts, and adaptive devices such as wheelchairs and scooters.
• 2-5 years of experience working with persons who have developmental disabilities or working in an intensive behavior, psychiatric, nursing home or childcare setting.
• Must have own transportation for travel on RSL business.