Community Support Specialist

Community Support Specialist

Reports to: Senior Program Manager - MH Comm Based Services

Location: 572 South Salina Street, Syracuse, NY

Pay Rate: $17.70 - $18.96

Schedule: Monday – Friday: 8:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.

The people we care for come from all walks of life, and so do we. We strive to diversify our workforce, not because it’s the right thing to do, but because it makes our agency stronger!

About Us

With a history stretching back more than 70 years, AccessCNY is continually growing and expanding our reach. Offering person-centered services that empower individuals of all ages and abilities to reach their full potential as part of our community. Our focus is supporting individuals by ways of residential housing, mental health and clinical services, and immersing our participants in community engagement. Working closely with the Office for People with Developmental Disabilities and the Office of Mental Health, we support 27 housing locations and 3 administrative buildings.

About the Role:

We are looking for a proactive employee to assist individuals enrolled in community-based services to achieve independence and maintain their health and safety.

Responsibilities:

• Implement participants’ goals as written in Service Plans
• Support participants by providing assistance with daily living skills, as needed
• Promote advocacy with participants by seeking out services, promoting choice, and assisting in their understanding of rights and responsibilities
• Encourage and support opportunities that promote natural connections within each participant’s community
• Assist participants with identifying needs and barriers in the areas of housing, socialization, education, employment, and physical/mental health, in order to promote overall well-being
• Respond to crisis situations by using good judgment through prevention, intervention, resolution, and reporting, to ensure the safety and well-being of participants
• Assist in the referral process for Agency and community programs in a timely manner

Education/Experience:

High school diploma/GED with 1 year of experience working with people with a mental health diagnosis, required. Associate degree in a human services field, preferred. Basic word processing and e-mail skills are required. Lived experience with mental health conditions is valued, and applicants who identify as peers (with or without certification) are encouraged to apply.

Conditions of Employment:

Must have a valid New York State driver’s license in accordance with the Agency Vehicle and Driving policy and transportation necessary to meet program needs. Must be able to lift 75 pounds.

Did you know that AccessCNY offers great health, dental and vision insurance? Additionally, we provide a 401(k) match upon hire, PTO, and 11 paid holidays.