The Community Living & Supports (CLS) Specialist provides individualized, person-centered support to individuals receiving Community Living & Supports services. The CLS Specialist assists individuals with developing, maintaining, and improving skills necessary for greater independence, community participation, personal safety, and successful daily living. Services are provided according to the individual's approved person-centered plan, service authorization, identified goals, and agency policies and procedures. Essential Duties and Responsibilities The CLS Specialist will: Provide direct support in accordance with the individual's person-centered plan and authorized CLS services. Assist individuals in developing and maintaining daily living and independent living skills. Support individuals with personal care and activities of daily living when identified in the service plan. Encourage independence and provide the appropriate level of assistance based on the individual's needs and abilities. Assist with developing skills related to communication, decision-making, household activities, organization, and community participation. Support individuals with accessing and participating in meaningful activities within their community. Promote socialization, relationship-building, self-advocacy, and natural community supports. Reinforce health, wellness, personal safety, and appropriate community behaviors. Follow established strategies for behavioral, emotional, or developmental support as outlined in the individual's plan. Maintain professional boundaries and protect the dignity, privacy, rights, and confidentiality of individuals served. Observe and promptly report changes in the individual's condition, behavior, environment, or support needs to the appropriate supervisor. Report incidents, suspected abuse, neglect, exploitation, or other health and safety concerns according to agency policy and applicable requirements. Complete accurate service documentation, progress notes, timesheets, EVV entries, and other required records within established timeframes. Document the individual's progress toward identified goals and the specific supports provided during each service encounter. Participate in required orientation, training, supervision, staff meetings, and competency assessments. Communicate professionally with individuals, families, guardians, supervisors, care team members, and other authorized providers. Follow all applicable agency policies, person-centered planning requirements, Medicaid requirements, and health and safety procedures. Perform other duties related to the individual's authorized CLS services as assigned. Minimum Qualifications High school diploma or GED required. Must meet all applicable qualifications and competency requirements for providing Community Living & Supports services. Must successfully complete required background checks and screenings. Must complete all agency and service-specific training requirements before providing services independently. Must possess effective communication, documentation, and interpersonal skills. Must be able to follow written service plans and supervisory instructions. Must demonstrate reliability, professionalism, patience, and respect for individuals with varying support needs. Valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, and reliable transportation may be required when transportation or community-based activities are part of assigned duties. Physical Requirements The employee must be able to safely perform the essential functions associated with the individual's assessed needs. Depending on the assignment, duties may include standing, walking, bending, assisting with mobility, and providing other physical assistance consistent with the individual's service plan. Reasonable accommodations may be provided in accordance with applicable law. Documentation Responsibilities The CLS Specialist is responsible for completing timely, accurate, and individualized documentation for each service provided.
Documentation must reflect:
The service provided; The individual's applicable goal(s); Activities and interventions completed; The individual's participation and response; Progress, barriers, or changes observed; and Any significant health, safety, behavioral, or service-related concerns. Documentation must accurately reflect the actual service delivered and may not be falsified, duplicated, pre-documented, or completed for services that were not provided. Professional Expectations CLS Specialists are expected to maintain: Person-centered and respectful interactions; Confidentiality and HIPAA compliance; Appropriate professional boundaries; Dependable attendance and punctuality; Accurate documentation; Appropriate communication with supervisors and the individual's support team; and Compliance with agency policies, training requirements, and applicable service standards.