Community Companion (9422)

About the Organization: 

The Arc Prince George’s County serves more than 600 individuals with disabilities through a variety of programs, services and supports. Our primary areas of support are community living, family and personal supports, employment services, and day programs - all with an emphasis on person-centered community involvement and inclusion. To learn more about us and to review the complete job description, please visit www.thearcofpgc.org 

Position Summary:

The Community Companion is responsible for supporting one (or more) individual(s) with developmental disabilities in the individual or family’s home.  The Community Companion-Community Integration Specialist primarily provides assistance to the individual(s) in the development of linkages to the community through recreation planning, transportation, and accompaniment to community- based events.  Other responsibilities include providing assistance with household maintenance, budgetary/financial management, shopping, and meal preparation.

Here’s a Snapshot of What You’ll Be Doing Day-to-Day: 

Community Integration and Participation:

• Locates and facilitates individual’s participation in community and leisure activities to include providing transportation to appointments or activities in a personal automobile.
• Provides training and assistance to individual in developing safety skills as well as daily living skills with an outcome of increased independence in these areas.
• Encourages individual to make choices and to develop relationships with people outside of the individual’s or family’s home.
• Encourages regular exercise and healthy lifestyles via training, planning, and advocacy.
• Coordinates supports so the individual may worship as he/she chooses, to include transportation to house of worship when indicated.

Personal Care:

•  Provides instruction, guidance, follow-up, monitoring, and assistance, when necessary, in personal grooming and hygiene.
•  Assists with and/or dispenses medications and other medical treatments to the individual as necessary

Financial Management:

• Assists individual with the responsible management of his/her personal funds as per the Individual Plan.
• Provides assistance with banking as per the Individual Plan.

Communication and Documentation:

• Uses effective, respectful, and frequent communication with the individual and the individual’s family members and/or other interested parties.
• Documents and completes required records and reports in a clear, consistent, and legible manner.
• Communicates with the family to ensure appropriate support provision to the individual served.
• Provides training to relief staff members.  Provides training documentation to Administrative Supervisor.
• Submits paperwork that is complete and legible by prescribed due dates.
• Accurately records work hours on timesheet.
• Accurately

General:

• Demonstrates appropriate workplace behavior, modeling the agency’s philosophy.
• Demonstrates positive role-model behavior.
• Maintains confidentiality in regards to individuals and in relation to staff issues.
• records mileage on travel reimbursement log.

Qualifications

You are the Ideal Candidate If You Have: 

• A high school diploma.  
• At least 1 year of related experience working with children or adults in a care-giving setting.  
• A good driving record, reliable vehicle, and current Maryland Driver’s license. 
• The ability to successfully complete training requirements of The Arc.  
• Strong communication skills and demonstrated care-giving skills

Total Rewards

The Arc offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, to include medical, dental and vision plans. A 403(b) retirement plan w/ employer match, tuition reimbursement, benevolence program, paid holidays, generous paid time-off, paid training, company paid life insurance, and much more!