Community Services Specialist

Company: Kota Connections Inc
Location: Lakeville
Posted on: November 17, 2021

Job Description:

Community Services Specialist Kota Connections Inc. is currently seeking a Community Services Specialist to join their team in Lakeville, MN 55044. Who we are: Kota Connections Inc has been providing Services for Individuals with Disabilities Since 1992. We are a family run business that treats all the clients we serve as an extension of our family. Although the world is constantly changing, Kota Connections values and core beliefs have always remained the same. Our mission is to provide individuals with disabilities creative, empowering services and supports to lead rich, full lives at home, in the community, and at work. Our Community Employment Specialists (CES) assist clients in figuring out the right path to search for a job (exploration), Searching for a job (Development), and maintaining a job (Support). Residential services include apartment checks, community integration activities, and a one-of-a-kind Independent Living Preview. All our Community Coordinators work with all our clients to ensure that there is never a gap in services. At Kota Connections we believe very strongly in being upfront with what we think we can or cannot accomplish. We work very hard on following through with what we say we can do. What you'll do: This position is primarily responsible for meeting the individual needs of our clients by providing empowering, positive, and inclusive support, training, and supervision. ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES: Core duties and responsibilities include the following. Other duties may be assigned. Client Support: * Support clients in developing and utilizing problem solving skills, decision-making skills, and independent living skills. * Foster the development of self-sufficiency. * Guide clients in having positive interactions with support persons, peers, co-workers, and supervisors. * Models pro-social, respectful behavior, and positive social interactions. * Understands the purpose and implementation procedures for all client programs, directing questions to the Program Administrator as needed. * Document observations, client progress, and other significant activity or events, accurately and objectively. * Performs other programming duties as assigned by the Program Administrator. Client In-Take, Job Development, and Searching: * Prepare in-take documents as required by MN statutes and Kota Connections policies. Input client in-take information into the Kota Connections records. * Perform and document initial job search planning including assessment of work experience; job preferences, individual strengths, limitations, and needs; and financial considerations including benefits analysis using DB101 * Assist clients to various degrees based upon their needs and preferences in completing job searching tasks including but not limited to resume and cover letter completion, visiting potential employers, attending interviews, attending job fairs, and performing other employment-related tasks in the community. * Document meeting notes including tasks completed and observations in a short narrative format accurately and promptly. * Regularly send job search updates to team members. * Provides transportation to clients, as assigned, adhering to Safe Transportation Policy. On-Going Support: * Work with client and team members, as appropriate, to develop a plan of on-going job support. Document plan using appropriate forms. * Maintain current and accurate contact information for a job contact at the client---s place of employment. * Maintain regular contact with the client and their job contact. * Assist in providing problem-solving, decision-making, and other support as needed to help maintain employment. * Document meeting notes including tasks completed and observations in a short narrative format accurately and promptly. * Regularly send on-going support updates to team members. * Performs other On-Going Support duties as assigned by the Program Administrator. Client Living Check ins and Community Events: * Visit clients living independently to assist them with their goals and programming. * Take clients to the grocery store to assist them in getting their groceries. * Help clients write out checks to pay their bills and reconcile their bank statements. * Assist clients in make calls to schedule medical appointments. * Pick up clients and attend events in the community from the activity calendar. * Promptly and accurately record notes following all client meetings and interactions. * Maintain current and accurate client records including paper files and electronic records in accordance with company procedures and as instructed by the Program Administrator. * Create and update, as needed, client-specific programs. * Promptly and accurately record client performance or non-performance of programs * Prepare reports and plans for client meetings (including in-take, 45-day, annual, semi-annual and other special meetings) in accordance with MN statutes and as instructed by the Program Administrator. * Attend and schedule, as needed, team meetings in accordance with MN statutes and as requested by team members and as instructed by the Program Administrator. * Performs other Documentation and Team Meeting duties as assigned by the Program Administrator. General Duties: * Attend all required training and staff meetings as scheduled or arrange a times to review meeting/training content with Program Administrator or Program Director. * Ensure all documentation is completed in a timely manner and no later than the end of each pay period. * Complete incident reports as needed and follow reporting mandates (outlined in the Reporting Procedures section of the policy manual). * Competently handle emergencies as they arise, confer with the Program Administrator as needed, and use judgment to determine whether to call 911. Report emergencies and/or results to the Program Administrator and request additional assistance as needed. * Willing to provide transportation and perform job searching and employment-related tasks with all clients as assigned. We currently provide services to individuals living in Lakeville, Apple Valley, Eagan, Burnsville, Rosemount, Farmington, Inver Grove Heights, Mendota Heights, Hastings, and West St. Paul. We may accept individuals living in additional areas in the future. * Perform other duties as assigned by the Program Administrator. Our ideal candidate: Education and experience --- Bachelor---s degree or four years--- experience working with people with disabilities or a combination of education and experience LANGUAGE SKILLS: * Ability to read and interpret documents such as safety rules, operating and maintenance instructions, and procedure manuals. Ability to write routine reports and correspondence. Ability to speak effectively before groups of customers or employees of organization. MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: * Ability to add and subtract two-digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance. REASONING ABILITY: * Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. COMPUTER SKILLS: * To perform this job successfully, an individual should have knowledge of: Word Processing Software (Word); and Electronic Mail Software (Outlook). * Valid driver's license * Current auto insurance * Willingness to transport individuals in personally owned vehicle. Skills and abilities: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: * Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; Develops alternative solutions; Works well in group problem solving situations; Uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics. * Customer Service - Manages difficult or emotional customer situations; Responds promptly to customer needs; Responds to requests for service and assistance; Meets commitments. * Interpersonal Skills - Maintains confidentiality; Keeps emotions under control. * Oral Communication - Speaks clearly and persuasively in positive or negative situations; listens and gets clarification; Responds well to questions. * Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; Edits work for spelling and grammar; Able to read and interpret written information. * Teamwork - 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. * Diversity - Shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment. * Ethics - Treats people with respect; Keeps commitments. * Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; Completes administrative tasks correctly and on time. * Judgment - Displays willingness to make decisions; Exhibits sound and accurate judgment; Supports and explains reasoning for decisions; Includes appropriate people in decision-making process; Makes timely decisions. * Professionalism - Approaches others in a tactful manner; Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; Accepts responsibility for own actions; Follows through on commitments. * Safety and Security - Observes safety and security procedures; Determines appropriate action beyond guidelines. * Adaptability - Adapts to changes in the work environment; Changes approach or method to best fit the situation; Able to deal with frequent change, delays, or unexpected events. * Attendance/Punctuality - Is consistently at work and on time; Ensures work responsibilities are covered when absent. * Dependability - Follows instructions, responds to management direction; Takes responsibility for own actions; Keeps commitments. What We Offer: * Competitive pay; commensurate with experience * Comprehensive benefits package available including 401k, dental, medical & paid vacations To Apply: Please submit your resume via the "APPLY NOW" button

Keywords: Kota Connections Inc, Lakeville , Community Services Specialist, Other , Lakeville, Minnesota