Forever Yours

Pay: $16.00 - $19.00 per hour

Job description:

Community Support Specialist

Direct Supervisor: Operations Manager

POSITION SUMMARY

The Community Support Specialist is responsible for providing structured, individualized, and community-based supports to adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The Specialist promotes skill development, emotional regulation, and meaningful participation in community and group activities through individualized support strategies and data-informed interventions.

This position requires candidates with strong backgrounds in special education, psychology, human services, or related disciplines, capable of understanding behavioral cues, reinforcing positive coping and communication skills, and supporting individuals to meet their personal and program goals.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

• Implement and document Individual Support Plans (ISP) and related behavioral or skill-building objectives.
• Reinforce individualized teaching methods to promote communication, emotional regulation, and independence.
• Support individuals in identifying and participating in recreational, social, and community activities based on interests and goals.
• Observe and track progress through accurate, timely documentation of data, notes, and incident reports using agency-approved systems.
• Encourage and assist individuals with personal care routines, self-advocacy, and positive social interactions.
• Identify changes in behavior, mood, or health and report observations to the Program Manager immediately.
• Maintain confidentiality, dignity, and respect for each individual at all times.
• Assist individuals safely during transportation, community outings, and building transitions.
• Support crisis prevention and response efforts by utilizing approved intervention and de-escalation techniques consistent with agency policy.
• Participate in regular training, supervision, and quality improvement activities to ensure continued compliance.
• Maintain a safe, inclusive, and positive environment within all program settings.
• Collaborate with program staff, managers, and therapeutic consultants to ensure consistent and effective service delivery.
• Complete all other duties as assigned by management.

JOB REQUIREMENTS

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree (or higher) in Special Education, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field preferred.
• Minimum one (1) year of experience working directly with individuals with ID/DD or behavioral support needs in a community, day support, or educational setting.
• Demonstrated ability to implement structured support strategies and follow individualized plans.
• Strong interpersonal and written communication skills; ability to complete detailed documentation.
• Ability to maintain CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration (MAT), Human Rights, Abuse/Neglect/Exploitation, HIPAA, and approved Crisis Intervention training as required by DBHDS.
• Valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and clean driving record.
• Must pass criminal background, Central Registry, and DMV checks per DBHDS requirements.
• Flexibility to support individuals during scheduled program hours and community outings.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Experience providing structured, data-driven support in educational, behavioral, or therapeutic settings.
• Familiarity with goal documentation, behavior tracking, and skill progression tools.
• Ability to coach or prompt individuals through problem-solving and decision-making in social or community settings.

WORK ENVIRONMENT

• Requires direct interaction with individuals with disabilities in both community and center-based environments.
• Involves physical activity, occasional lifting, and responding quickly to ensure individual safety.
• Staff must maintain professionalism, teamwork, and discretion while representing Forever Yours LLC with families, guardians, and community partners.

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Paid time off

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Woodbridge, VA 22192: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Experience:

• Direct Support: 2 years (Preferred)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Work Location: In person