Community Companion

Job TypePart-time
DescriptionPOSITION: Community Companion              FLSA CLASSIFICATION: Non-Exempt
RATE: ($19.66-$20.84)                                                           NORMAL WORKING HOURS/DAYS: Saturday 12:00pm-4:00pm (4hrs/wk)               LOCATION : Forestville, MD                                                 $$$$$ We offer a Sign on Bonus of $1000.00 $$$$$          
  Bilingual Spanish- Speaking(Optional)                                  
About the Organization: The Arc Prince George’s County serves more than 600 individuals with disabilities through a variety of programs, services and supports. Our primary areas of support are community living, family and personal supports, employment services, and day programs - all with an emphasis on person-centered community involvement and inclusion. To learn more about us and to review the complete job description, please visit www.thearcofpgc.org .
Position Overview:The Community Companion is responsible for supporting one (or more) individual(s) with developmental disabilities in the individual or family’s home.  The Community Companion-Community Integration Specialist primarily provides assistance to the individual(s) in the development of linkages to the community through recreation planning, transportation, and accompaniment to community- based events.  Other responsibilities include providing assistance with household maintenance, budgetary/financial management, shopping, and meal preparation.
Here’s a Snapshot of What You’ll Be Doing Day-to-Day:  
Responsibilities: 
Community Integration and Participation:

• Locates and facilitates individual’s participation in community and leisure activities to include providing transportation to appointments or activities in a personal automobile.
• Provides training and assistance to individual in developing safety skills as well as daily living skills with an outcome of increased independence in these areas.
• Encourages individual to make choices and to develop relationships with people outside of the individual’s or family’s home.
• Encourages regular exercise and healthy lifestyles via training, planning, and advocacy.
• Coordinates supports so the individual may worship as he/she chooses, to include transportation to house of worship when indicated.

Personal Care:

• Provides instruction, guidance, follow-up, monitoring, and assistance, when necessary, in personal grooming and hygiene.
• Assists with and/or dispenses medications and other medical treatments to the individual as necessary

Financial Management:

• Assists individual with the responsible management of his/her personal funds as per the Individual Plan.
• Provides assistance with banking as per the Individual Plan.

Communication and Documentation:

• Uses effective, respectful, and frequent communication with the individual and the individual’s family members and/or other interested parties.
• Documents and completes required records and reports in a clear, consistent, and legible manner.
• Communicates with the family to ensure appropriate support provision to the individual served.
• Provides training to relief staff members.  Provides training documentation to Administrative Supervisor.
• Submits paperwork that is complete and legible by prescribed due dates.
• Accurately records work hours on timesheet.
• Accurately records mileage on travel reimbursement log.

General:

• Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior, modeling the agency’s philosophy.
• Demonstrates positive role-model behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality in regards to individuals and in relation to staff issues.

Requirements:

• A high school diploma.  
• At least 1 year of related experience working with children or adults in a care-giving setting.  
• A good driving record, reliable vehicle, and current Maryland Driver’s license. 
• The ability to successfully complete training requirements of The Arc.  
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated care-giving skills

Salary Description:($19.66-$20.84)

About The Arc of Prince George's County:

Since 1952, The Arc Prince George’s County has been providing support services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities and their families throughout the county. We serve more than 600 individuals with disabilities. Our primary areas of support are: • Community Living where we provide and manage group living homes; • Family and Personal supports where we provide 1:1 individual supports; • Employment Services provides job training and employment opportunities for the people we support; and • Day Programs where we offer meaningful outings in the community.

---