Community Specialist I

Status: Non-Exempt

Hourly Rate: $19.62

Sign-On Bonus: Earn $500 after six (6) months of full-time employment, and an additional $500 after nine (9) months of full-time employment.

Department: Direct Care

About The Arc Rockland

The Arc Rockland is a proud chapter of The Arc United States, serving nearly 800 individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities throughout Rockland County. We offer a wide range of programs, including early childhood education, residential services, employment opportunities, autism-specific supports, family resources, medical care, and recreational activities. With a team of over 600 dedicated professionals, we focus on abilities and work hand-in-hand with individuals and families to promote inclusion and independence. At The Arc Rockland, every person is valued as an integral member of the community.

Position Summary

The Community Specialist I will play a vital role in empowering individuals with developmental disabilities to learn, grow, and thrive. You’ll help people build essential life skills, foster independence, and experience greater inclusion through engaging activities and personalized plans. From teaching work readiness and community integration to assisting with daily living needs, you’ll be a trusted guide and advocate. Your work ensures health, safety, and dignity while creating opportunities for connection and achievement.

Role’s Responsibilities

The following statements are intended to describe the general nature and level of work being performed. They are not intended to be construed as an exhaustive list of all responsibilities, duties and skills required of personnel so classified. Employees may be required to perform other job-related duties as instructed by the Supervisor, subject to reasonable accommodations.

• Assist in carrying out lesson plans, activities, and provide supervision and assistance for identified groups of people supported based on individual program plans.

• Follow established classroom schedules and activities to teaching people receiving supports functional skills as determined by each individual’s program plans and assessments. This may include but is not limited to work readiness and/or pre-employment skills, behavior management, independent living, community integration and/or other skill development.

• Attend to personal hygiene needs of program participants, which may include toileting, changing, feeding, and showering program participants as the situation warrants.

• In a timely manner, complete electronic/manual documentation for people supported according to guidelines.

• Operate Agency vehicles for transportation and travel training of the people receiving supports as assigned.

• Administer prescribed medications to program participants after successful completion of AMAP medication administration course.

• Communicate information related to persons receiving support to Community Specialist III for progress and planning purposes.

• Perform required bus duty functions as required. Duties included traffic monitoring, paging, loading, and unloading, escorting and attendance documentation.

• Write case notes, reports incidents, and provides information on incidents as required by 624 Regulation in a timely manner.

• Responsible for health, welfare, and safety of program participants both on program site and while in the community with program participants.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED

• At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is preferred

What We Offer

• Comprehensive Health Coverage including Medical plans with low premium contributions, Dental, and Vision plans

• 403(b) Retirement Savings plan with employer match

• Employer-Paid Life Insurance

• Generous Paid Time Off (starts at 20 days annually for new non-union employees)

• Paid Training to set you up for success from day one

• Flexible Scheduling Options including morning, evening, overnight, and weekend shifts

• Part-Time and Full-Time Roles to fit your lifestyle

• Tuition Assistance Program & Career Advancement opportunities

• Voluntary Benefits including Short-Term Disability, Cancer Care & Accident, Pet Insurance, and Auto & Renters Insurance

• Employee Assistance Program

How To Apply?
Please complete our employment application and email it to [email protected]. We look forward to hearing from you! There is never a fee to apply for a role at The Arc Rockland.

The Arc Rockland is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

The Arc Rockland strives to create and maintain a work environment in which people are treated with dignity, decency, and respect, providing everyone with an equal opportunity to thrive. We are committed to building a diverse and inclusive workplace that values the unique perspectives and contributions of all of our employees – a workplace where every employee is able to bring their whole self to work.