Position Overview
The Arc of the South Shore has been awarded a contract from the Department of Developmental Services (DDS) for a new Home-Based Residential Supports Pilot. The Arc is working with five individuals who are supported by their loved ones in the family home as an alternative to a placement in a 24/7 group home. All individuals have significant medical and/or behavioral support needs.
Reporting to the Family Care Coordination Manager, the Community Supports Specialist II (RBT) provides individualized support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities including autism, and their families participating in the Home-Based Residential Supports Pilot. Working collaboratively with individuals, families, Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs), and interdisciplinary team members, the Community Supports Specialist II (RBT) develops and implements individualized support strategies that promote skill development, community engagement, behavioral success, and increased independence.
Using person-centered, trauma-informed, and evidence-based behavioral practices, the Community Supports Specialist II (RBT) supports individuals with complex behavioral, developmental, and support needs in home and community settings. This role is responsible for implementing behavior support plans, collecting and documenting behavioral data, coaching caregivers on effective support strategies, and collaborating with clinical providers to promote positive outcomes. The Community Supports Specialist II (RBT) promotes each individual's health, safety, dignity, and self-determination while supporting meaningful participation in family and community life. This role helps individuals achieve personal goals, strengthen functional and social skills, and maintain successful living arrangements within the family home.
The Community Supports Specialist II (RBT) will work 1:1 with two young adults on the South Shore (Cohasset and Abington). The HBRS program is contract funded and contingent upon continued support from DDS.
Key Responsibilities
Individual & Family Support
- Build and maintain positive, trusting relationships with individuals and their families, utilizing person-centered and trauma-informed approaches that promote choice, self-determination, and overall well-being.
- Assess individual and family strengths, needs, and available resources to support goal achievement, increased independence, and meaningful community participation.
- Provide individualized support with activities of daily living as needed while ensuring each person's health, safety, dignity, rights, and quality of life.
Service Planning, Skill Development & Direct Support
- Develop, implement, and monitor Individual Support Plans (ISPs) in partnership with individuals, families, and team members. Monitor progress toward goals and adjust supports as needed in collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.
- Provide direct support and instruction to promote skill development, functional independence, and community engagement. Teach and support activities of daily living, socialization skills, self-care, communication, and other individualized goals.
- Coordinate and implement services and supports that help individuals achieve personal goals and maintain successful living arrangements within the family home.
Behavioral Support & Intervention
- Implement behavior support plans and skill acquisition programs using Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), and other evidence-based strategies to promote independence, skill development, and community participation.
- Collect, monitor, and report behavioral data; identify trends, triggers, and environmental factors; and communicate observations and recommendations to families, supervisors, and clinical team members.
- Collaborate with caregivers and interdisciplinary providers to ensure consistent implementation of behavioral strategies, model proactive supports and de-escalation techniques, and promote positive behavioral outcomes across home and community settings.
Clinical Collaboration & Care Coordination
- Collaborate with individuals, families, BCBAs, nursing staff, clinical providers, DDS representatives, and other team members to ensure coordinated, person-centered services and consistent support across settings.
- Implement clinical and behavioral recommendations, communicate observations and progress, and support ongoing assessment, service planning, and goal achievement.
- Participate in team meetings, case reviews, and problem-solving efforts while supporting caregivers in the implementation of behavioral and skill-building strategies to promote positive outcomes and quality of life.
Documentation, Data Collection & Compliance
- Maintain accurate, timely, and compliant documentation, reports, service records, and data collection in accordance with DDS, agency, and clinical standards.
- Document and report individual progress toward ISP goals, behavioral objectives, and other identified outcomes, while communicating relevant observations and concerns to supervisors and interdisciplinary team members.
- Exercise sound judgment, maintain confidentiality, and adhere to all applicable regulations, policies, and best practices.
Education & Training
- Three years' experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including autism required. One year of experience working as an RBT required.
- Experience supporting individuals with significant behavioral, medical, and/or physical needs required.
- Registered Behavior Technician (RBT) certification required and must remain current throughout employment.
- Demonstrated experience implementing behavior support plans and collecting behavioral data.
- Experience with/knowledge of DDS-funded services for individuals with I/DD, including autism, preferred. Experience with Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA), Positive Behavioral Supports (PBS), and trauma-informed practices preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to effectively engage and support individuals from diverse backgrounds, including across protected characteristics such as race, color, ethnicity, culture, language, gender identity, sexual orientation, age, disability, religion, national origin, and genetic information, in accordance with applicable federal and Massachusetts anti-discrimination laws.
- High School Diploma/GED required. Associate or bachelor’s degree in human services, Psychology, Special Education, Social Work, or a related field preferred.
- Current First Aid and CPR certification required. Must have valid driver's license, satisfactory driving record, and acceptable background checks. Must have access to a reliable and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.
- Must be comfortable working both in a family's home and in the local community.
Compensation
Job Type: Full-time. Benefit eligible.
Pay: $26-33/hour (commensurate with experience, education, and qualifications)
Expected hours: 40 hours per week. Benefit-eligible. M-F schedule with the potential for weekend hours. Schedule is flexible and will be based on families’ needs.
Pay: $26.00 - $33.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 403(b)
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Flexible schedule
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Vision insurance
Work Location: In person