ORGANIZATION OVERVIEW: At Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington, your knowledge and service in areas such as immigrants and refugees, mental health, social work, employment and adult education, legal and financial services, health care, food assistance, shelter and housing, developmental disabilities and prison outreach can make a profound difference in the lives of many. Through more than 50 programs across the district and five surrounding counties, Catholic Charities is opening doors to help and hope. At CCADW, we continue to build an inclusive culture that celebrates a diverse workforce. We offer so much more than just a job. We offer careers. We take pride in our "promote from within" culture. We offer professional development, a comprehensive benefits package, a hybrid work model with both remote and in-office work, and a passion for building and motivating world class, high performing teams. Explore your career opportunity with Catholic Charities. Join us in Inspiring Hope and Building Futures.

Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington values the safety of our employees, our clients, and our visitors. In support of these values, if you are selected for this job, you must be fully vaccinated against COVID-19, except when vaccination is not medically advised or violates your sincerely held religious beliefs. If you are invited to join our team, you must submit proof that you are up to date with your COVID vaccinations, including the booster dose or you must request an exemption from your representative. New employees must either provide proof of vaccination or be granted a medical or religious exemption before working with Catholic Charities of the Archdiocese of Washington.

Our Benefits:

• Medical, prescriptions, dental and vision insurance
• Retirement savings plan with company match
• Company-paid and supplemental life insurance
• Flexible spending accounts
• Paid vacation, sick and personal leave
• 11 paid holidays
• Professional development and training
• Tuition reimbursement
• Employee referral bonus program
• Flexible work arrangements
• Clinical supervision for licensed social workers and counselors

JOB SUMMARY: The Personal Support Specialist is responsible for ensuring that adults with disabilities are provided with opportunities to be a meaningfully, engaging and centered in community.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES and RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Creates experiences that promote individual's interests, choices, and personal growth by:

1. Assisting individuals in discovering and pursuing new interests.
2. Helping individuals have control over their daily lives.
3. Assisting individuals in planning their daily/weekly schedules (i.e. - work schedules, activities, medical/dental appointments, vacations, etc.) and carrying out activities.
4. Informing the team of schedule changes (i.e. - calling in sick to work/day program, visits home with family, etc.).
5. Assisting individuals with planning and preparing for team meetings and sharing preferences and interests.
6. Ensuring that individuals are on time for scheduled activities (i.e. - classes, workshops, appointments, etc.).
7. Teaching skills for increased independence (i.e. - self-help, personal hygiene, social skills, etc.).
8. Encouraging and supporting individual's pursuit for self-advocacy (i.e., learning skills; identifying self-advocacy activities and providing necessary assistance to attend and participate).

• Transports individuals from their homes to various activities within the community and back safely.

EDUCATION and EXPERIENCE:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• One (1) year of experience supporting persons with disabilities and/or behaviorally challenged.
• Experience in behavior management, crisis intervention, and hands off problem-solving are a plus.

SKILLS and COMPETENCIES:

• Ability to identify and support individual personalities and preferences of people supported.
• Ability to identify and access community activities desired by people supported.