Hampden County

ABOUT PATHLIGHT: Founded in 1952, Pathlight (formerly known as The Association For Community Living) partners with people with disabilities to create opportunities and build relationships throughout their lives. We are the parent company of Autism Connections, Whole Children, Milestones, Whole Selves, Family Empowerment, and the Down Syndrome Resource Group of Western Massachusetts.

DIVISION: Family Services

PROGRAM: Shared Living

TITLE: Individual Support Specialist (ISS) - This is a 1-on-1 Community Companion Role

GRADE: Non-Exempt

LOCATION: Springfield and Surrounding Towns in Hampden County

HOURS: Per Diem, Based on the needs of the individual (TYPICALLY, most individuals are looking to go out weekday evenings and/or on the weekends.).

PAY:

* $18/hour - ISS 1
* $19/hour - ISS 2

Summary of Position:

This opportunity is perfect for those who enjoy supporting and helping others through meaningful work. In addition to acting as a resource, staff are responsible for engaging with, assisting, instructing, monitoring, and motivating the individual(s) they are paired with in social and recreational activities when out in the community. Examples of outings include taking walks in the park, grabbing a bite to eat, visiting libraries, attending local events, going to the movies, bringing someone to their scheduled appointments, etc.

Availability needed for these roles are typically weekday evenings and/or the weekends - making this an excellent employment option for college students, retirees, or anyone looking to pick up a manageable AND rewarding job

Staff must have a valid driver's license and be comfortable transporting the individual(s) in their own vehicle. Good communication skills, patience, and dependability are also required.

Essential Job Functions:

* Engage, assist, instruct, motivate and monitor individuals in social/recreational, skill building and family directed activities. Model appropriate behavior in social situations and assist in development of independence skills.
* Learn the individualized services of each person and participate in their routine implementation. Follow clearly established methods, techniques and procedures for engaging, assisting, instructing and monitoring individuals while assuring safety and well-being in accordance with the services. Confer with the supervisor, family, care provider and other service team members about an individual's goals, implementation and other related questions, concerns, or problems.
* Remain in the attendance of, and fully available to Individuals served at all times, unless specified otherwise within the individualized services of the person.
* Apply Pathlight and program policies and procedures, particularly in the areas of crisis, emergency, health and safety, individual rights and preventing and reporting abuse. Ensure confidentiality regarding all information shared concerning the individual, family, care providers. Seek emergency care as needed.
* Complete related records as required and instructed by contract or supervisor per standard format ensuring confidentiality and safe-keeping of documents.
* Accompany individual to appointments, social functions, recreational activities and other planned events as requested by the supervisor, to include providing transportation. Inform care provider or family and supervisor of activities carried out, individual's level of participation, any behavioral issues or other challenges encountered. Maintain professional boundaries in relationship with the individual and family.
* Respond and relate to routine inquiries, visitors, the Individual's family, friends and allied staff or professionals as outlined in program standards or by the program supervisor.
* Submit weekly or bi-weekly time sheets with summaries of activities in a timely manner. Submit timely and accurate mileage reimbursement requests. Participate in periodic meetings regarding the Individual's progress, and carry out changes as recommended.
* Attend and participate in program and related meetings or required training as directed. Perform other similar and related duties as needed or assigned by supervisor.
* Perform other similar and related duties as needed or assigned by supervisor.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

* Minimum 18 years of age.
* High school diploma or equivalent.
* Years of related experience preferred:
* ISS 1 - 1 year
* ISS 2 - 2 years


* Valid driver's license and reliable transportation/vehicle as required by program.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED TO BE COMPLETED WITHIN 6 MONTHS:

* First Aid/CPR, OSHA
* Basic understanding of developmental disabilities and/or autism.
* Plus additional person specific training

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

* Must be able to maintain regular attendance.
* Must be able to read, write and communicate in English
* A variety of duties to assist with the routine personal care of individuals with developmental disabilities, involving a number of procedures and the application of clearly established standard practice as specified by programmatic operations and within the individual client service plans/implementation strategies and program policies.
* Regular contacts with clients providing limited personal care, instructing, assisting and monitoring in daily living, social and community based skills. Requires patience, responsibility, good judgment and tact to maintain rapport with children, individuals and families.
* Work with confidential data such as client case history and personal data which if disclosed, could have significant internal effect or minor external effect.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

* Reports to designated Supervisor.
* Interacts frequently with existing support personnel.

Pathlight has demonstrated a commitment to issues of diversity. We welcome all applicants. EOE equal opportunity employer.