Community Integration Specialist

JOB SUMMARY

The Community Integration Specialist (CIS) plays a vital role in creating enriching and inclusive opportunities for the young adults residing at Albero House. Under the supervision of the Albero House Program Manager and as a member of each resident’s Interdisciplinary (ID) Team, the CIS collaborates with Nursing, Physical Therapy (PT), Occupational Therapy (OT), Recreation Therapy (RT), Speech-Language Pathology (SLP), and others to support individuals in building meaningful relationships, engaging in their community, and living happy, fulfilling lives.

RESPONSIBILITIES

Community Integration

• Cultivate and maintain connections with community organizations, ensuring consistent engagement in activities such as volunteer work, classes, or social groups.
• Collaboratively develop individualized goals for community engagement, focusing on building meaningful relationships, volunteer experiences, and job opportunities.
• Partner with ID Team members to coordinate community-based activities that complement current in-house programs, recreation schedules, and personal interests.
• Work alongside Speech-Language Pathology to support effective communication during community interactions.
• Document progress and engagement in the Care Tracker system, ensuring alignment with each individual’s ISP (Individual Support Plan).
• Create a schedule that includes evening, weekend, and holiday activities to maximize opportunities for community involvement.

Supports

• Mentor and guide Direct Support Professionals (DSPs) to ensure individuals receive quality support during community activities and while developing new relationships.
• Assist with preparation and participation in community outings, ensuring individuals are dressed, groomed, and ready for activities.
• Provide physical support, including mobility assistance and use of adaptive equipment, to promote safety and inclusion.
• Facilitate enjoyable and engaging activities such as sporting events, library visits, cooking classes, or arts and crafts, helping individuals connect with their community in meaningful ways.

Skills Development

• Implements support programs as written and at the frequency required as identified in an individual’s ISP
• Collect and document accurate data on skill development and progress toward ISP goals.
• Incorporate skill-building into everyday experiences, fostering growth in natural and enjoyable ways.
• Participate in team planning meetings and provide feedback in order to ensure the development of meaningful and appropriate ISPs

Behavior Development

• Serves as role model and mentor, demonstrating desired behaviors, and coaching individuals using approved techniques and strategies
• Uses approved physical intervention techniques as directed to protect individuals and others
• Provides support and assistance by participating in each individual’s specific behavior training programs and completing necessary documentation

Advocacy

• Assists individuals with achieving personal goals and works on behalf of individuals to overcome barriers
• Helps individuals participate in activities of their choice and supports their gifts and talents
• Supports individuals in the development of friendships and other meaningful relationships
• Acts in the best interest of each individual’s personal beliefs, choices, and interests rather than in response to perceived shortcomings or staff interests

Operational Support

• Mentors and models appropriate skill building for DSP2s
• Maintains and cares for each individual’s personal belongings and adaptive equipment
• Provides supervision and ensure safety of individuals at all times
• Works collaboratively with others to implement and oversee a variety of activities
• Ensures appropriate support and supervision to all individuals while promoting increased independence and choice as they pursue community integration and establishment of new relationships
• Reports any equipment problems, unusual incidents or injuries to the appropriate individual and completes necessary paperwork.

CONDUCT

• Demonstrate kindness, patience, and compassion when working with staff, residents, and visitors.
• Collaborate effectively with all team members, maintaining a positive, respectful attitude.
• Approach challenges with creativity and a commitment to fostering a fun, engaging environment.
• Consistently uphold the standards of the organization by following all policies and procedures.

Requirements

EDUCATION/EXPERIENCE

• Must have a high school diploma or GED; some college preferred.
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) in community settings.
• Demonstrated ability to establish and maintain community relationships.
• Drivers’ license, acceptable driving record, CPR, Basic First Aid, and DSP experienced preferred.
• Familiarity with vans that have lifts and safety lock downs for wheelchairs.

REQUIREMENTS

• Must complete Person Centered Training
• Must complete training for and demonstrate competency of Safety Care concepts and physical interventions
• Must be able to sit, stand, walk, bend, and squat for variable periods of time.
• Must be able to follow proper procedures to safely lift up to thirty-five (35) pounds, use lifting equipment, and position individuals in a variety of positioning equipment, such as wheelchairs, walkers, etc.
• Adhere to the Home’s dress code policy, and always wear a company-issued ID badge.