Community Access Specialist

Join a TEAM dedicated to making a difference in the lives of the people we serve!

Become a Community Access Specialist with Southwest Center!

The Community Access Specialist provides support and training to individuals with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities, helping them build a network of natural supports and achieve a meaningful, valued social role within their community.

This service is designed to promote participation in meaningful routines, events, and activities by connecting participants with opportunities through various community organizations.

Paid Training & Certification Opportunity
Starting pay is $18.00/hour, with an increase to $20.00/hour upon successful certification as a Community Access Specialist. Certification must be completed within 6 months of employment.

FLSA Status:

• Non-Exempt

Employment Status:

• Full-time
• Part-time

Benefits:

• Medical Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Wellness Program
• Employee Assistance Program
• Dental Plan
• Vision Plan 
• 100% Employer Paid Basic Life 
• Voluntary Life
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Group Accident
• Group Critical Illness
• 401(k) (Employee Contributions 100% Vested)
• Paid Time Off
• Paid Holidays

Qualifications/Requirements:

• Must be 18 years of age
• Must have a high school diploma or its equivalent
• Must have at least one year of experience working with adults with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities
• Must complete all required training as outlined by DDID regulations, including first aid and CPR certification
• Must be able to read, understand and implement written and oral instructions
• Must pass a criminal background check
• Must pass pre-employment and random drug testing
• Must have a valid driver's license, good driving record, and proof of auto insurance
• Must be available to work weekends and holidays

Responsibilities:

• Assess skills and interests of clients
• Provide community access service to a participant with a one-to-one staff to participant ratio occurring in an integrated community setting
• Document services provided to clients in the Kentucky Medicaid Waiver Management Application (MWMA), when it is available for use
• Identify community resources and activities pertaining to the interest and skill level of clients
• Facilitate the participation of clients in typical and integrated activities, events and organizations in the clients’ neighborhood or local community in ways similar to other persons of the same age and interests
• Gain access to community activities which are attended by persons without disabilities
• Foster connections between the clients and persons without disabilities who are not paid to be with the person
• Develop and maintain relationships with businesses in the community, other nonprofits, and funders to aid in identifying resources for services
• Accompany clients to community activities, if needed, and facilitate their involvement
• Develop and implement personalized Community Access Plans (CAP) for clients on caseload based skills, goals and interests, and provide six month reviews of plan
• Ensure personal safety of assigned client

Southwest Center is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and employees and do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, or gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.