JOB SUMMARY: This non-exempt position, in cooperation with the Shared Living Coordinator, ensures that people receiving waiver services in both residential and community settings are supported in ways that promote dignity, respect, and individualized care. The Shared Living Advocate promotes meaningful relationships, community involvement, and DSP support and supervision. The position includes service coordination, DSP oversight, training, scheduling, and service coverage when needed. The Shared Living Advocate is trained in one or more Assisted Living Homes and cover shifts as needed. This role requires scheduling flexibility, including availability on weekends and outside the Kenai/Soldotna area.
KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES:
- Strong verbal, written, organizational, and time management skills
- Effective leadership, public speaking, coaching, and mentoring skills
- Conflict resolution and problem-solving abilities
- Understanding of Medicaid regulations and service documentation
- Working knowledge of smart devices, Microsoft Office, and AlayaCare
- Friendly, professional, and respectful demeanor
- Ability to work independently and as a team
- Delegation, supervision, and staff development skills
- Understanding of community-based services and disability supports
- Ability to share your knowledge with others
- Working knowledge of smart phones, computers, computer programs including Excel, Word, Publisher, Power Point, and Outlook.
- Ability to communicate professionally in text, emails, and face to face
- Ability to be organized and efficient
- Ability to multi-task and work well with interruptions
- Friendly and professional in demeanor and appearance
- Maintain a tidy workspace
- Ability to be kind
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:
Coordination Duties
- Be responsible for developing and maintaining sound financial practices.
- Must possess excellent verbal and written communication skills, foster organizational skills, and time management skills.
- Detail oriented, with the ability to prioritize and handle multiple tasks simultaneously.
- Effective leadership skills, public speaking and group presentation skills, and the desire to function as a team member.
- Delegating Responsibility—Ability to allocate authority and/or task responsibility to appropriate people.
- Coaching and Development—ability to provide guidance and feedback to help others strengthen specific knowledge/skill areas.
- Demonstrated conflict resolution and problem-solving skills.
- Ensure all program specific timelines are met.
- Knowledge of Medicaid billing regulations and ensure programs are billing in accordance with regulations.
- Know and understand Assisted Living Home licensing regulations and ensure the home maintains compliance with licensing if applicable.
- Ensure that job descriptions are developed, that regular performance evaluations are held, and that sound human resource practices are in place.
- See that an effective management team, with appropriate provision for succession, is in place.
- Encourage staff development and education.
- Assist program staff in relating their specialized work to the organization.
- Complete annual assessments as needed based on state, grant, and COA standards and requirements.
- Complete supply order inventory, grocery shopping, credit card reconciliation, monthly/quarterly paperwork and client funds requests as needed for homes/clients identified on caseload.
- Complete client education and meet and greets for new hires as applicable to caseload.
- Conduct training with clients for Direct Support Professionals on a backup basis, as needed.
- Monitoring the implementation of services, including encouraging and motivating clients to engage with providers and participate in their own care/services management.
- Take clients to medical appointments as directed by the Medical Coordinator.
- Ensure documentation of all noteworthy events and activities are maintained in accordance with agency policy.
- Convene and facilitate person-centered service team planning meetings.
- Develop and update as needed information in Alayacare including service goals and objectives.
- Monitor the health and safety of clients, making necessary reports to appropriate person or persons, i.e. Critical Incident Reports, Adult Protective Services Reports, etc.
- Respond to individual and/or team member service-related concerns.
- Participate in transfer meetings pertaining to newly referred individual(s).
- Participate in community events to promote FCS Services as needed.
Direct Support Professional Supervision Duties
- Supervise Direct Support Staff (DSPs) assigned to caseload. This includes coordinating interviews for new employees as needed for Individuals on caseload. Engage in reflective supervision monthly-quarterly after an initial 90-day probationary period. Provide weekly reflective supervision in the initial 90-day probationary period.
- Problem-solving for shift coverage with the Scheduling and department leadership.
- Provide customer service for clients, employees, and visitors.
- Must know the overall services provided by Frontier Community Services to assist with client, employees, and community questions about program information.
- Assist with planning social connection activities that may occur in the evenings and weekends.
- Provide coverage for client shifts that may occur on the evenings, weekends, and holidays.
- Ensure each staff has training and orientation related to the Individual and the specific services provided and training on Global Hazard Systems and Safety Data Sheets.
- Provide ongoing supervision, coaching and mentoring to DSPs to support quality service delivery. Develop performance improvement plans as needed.
- Conduct timely performance appraisals, including assessing how the employee has performed and what they can do to improve performance.
- Respond to DSPs after hours, weekends, and holidays to resolve staffing issues and service concerns on an on-call rotation.
- Create and implement ongoing schedules for Direct Support Professionals
- Conduct interviews for new Direct Support Professional positions.
- Complete disciplinary process for Direct Support Professionals with HR and Senior Management.
- Lead Quarterly meetings for those under your supervision, both community and group home DSP's.
- Participate in hiring events with management and HR ongoing.
- Participate in community events to promote FCS services.
- Participate in meetings as assigned and scheduled.
- Schedule and complete 10 hours or more of ongoing service hours with clients.
ADDITIONAL JOB DUTIES:
- Attend required trainings and meetings
- Interact and support people experiencing a disability
- Conduct quarterly file reviews and participate in quality improvement initiatives
- Promote FCS services through community involvement
- Participate in spirit committee and agency-wide communication efforts
- Perform other related duties as assigned
PHYSICAL DEMANDS:
- standing □ walking □ sitting
- handling/dexterity □ climb □ crawl
- reach outward □ reach above shoulder
- squat and/or kneel □ bend
- lift, push or pull up to _50_pounds
HEALTH AND SAFETY REQUIREMENTS:
- Maintain safe work practices in accordance with agency policy
- TB testing, drug screening, and background check required
- Must have an acceptable driving record and valid Alaska driver’s license
- Must be 18 years of age with a minimum of 3 years of documented driving experience
- Work occurs in an office environment, personal vehicles and agency owned facilities
- CPR/First Aid certification required
QUALIFICATIONS, EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services field + 1 year experience, OR
- Two years of college in human services field + 2 years’ experience, OR
- Four years’ full-time paid experience with human service recipients and providers
- Frontline Leadership Certification (must be obtained within 6 months if not currently certified)
- Knowledge of community resources and Medicaid Waiver system preferred
- Ability to transport individuals in personal vehicle with valid insurance
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: $24.34 - $25.58 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- 403(b)
- 403(b) matching
- Dental insurance
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Retirement plan
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- All positions are driving positions. Do you have a vehicle you're able to transport a client in?
- Are you willing to undergo a background check in accordance with local law and regulations?
- Please note this is a full-time position. Are you available full-time, 40 hours a week?
- Have you previously worked for Frontier Community Services?
Experience:
- Direct Support Professional: 1 year (Preferred)
- Administrative: 1 year (Preferred)
Ability to Commute:
- Soldotna, AK 99669 (Required)
Ability to Relocate:
- Soldotna, AK 99669: Relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
