Communication Support Coordinator I

COMMUNICATION SUPPORT COORDINATOR I

Department: Day Services

Reports To: Director of Day Services

FLSA: Exempt

Job Status: Full Time

Work Schedule: 8 am until 4 pm (Monday - Friday)

Traveled Required: 10% to 30% as needed

Positions Supervised: Direct Support Professionals (as assigned)

POSITION SUMMARY

The Communication Support Coordinator will assist in developing and maintaining a "Culture of Communication" within the agency. The Communication Support Coordinator will also provide support to individuals who have been identified as needing additional support in developing and/or enhancing their communication skills. Will serve as a liaison for the agency's Communication Support Department.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

To perform this job successfully, the Communications Support Coordinator, must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Communication Support Coordinator Functions:

• Assess the communication needs of individuals through formal assessments, staff input, family input and direct observation.
• Attend ISP meetings as applicable.
• Coordinate and maintain record of all Assistive Technology (AT) devices and accessories.
• Create and maintain visual and tactile communication aides. Use Board Maker and other software programs to create AT picture insets, visual schedules and activity/outing communication aides.
• Program all AT devices to be used by individuals and staff.
• Provide training to individuals supported and their staff on the use of AT devices and individual specific communication systems/support plans.
• Provide American Sign Language (ASL) training to Hi Hope individuals, staff, parents and community partners.
• Develop reports that identify the communication progress of individuals supported. These reports shall include graphed data, a summary of the individual's progress, recommendations for individual specific goals and additional supports needed.
• Develop reports that identify organization wide communication support progress. These reports shall provide detail on all communication support provided with respect to the agency's strategic plan and information that is needed for grants (as applicable).

DSP Supervision Functions:

• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Serves as a team leader and resource person for Direct Support Professionals.
• Guides and monitors the work/daily tasks of DSPs and mentors them in their professional development.
• Monitors and evaluates performance of all assigned DSPs.
• Ensures that all documentation is complete and reviews documentation for compliance and quality.
• Provides real-time monitoring, feedback, coaching and assistance/modeling for documentation completed by DSPs, daily activity development and implementation and day-to-day support for individuals receiving services.
• Works directly with DSPs as assigned to resolve conflict.
• Provides training to DSPs on various topics related to services provided, individual support needs and to assist with maintaining compliance with DBHDD policies and procedures
• Assists individuals with supervised self-administration of medication as indicated on the individual's prescription and MAR. Observes and reports adverse reaction and side effects. Administers medication as required when trained by approved medical personnel.
• Provides supervision to persons supported according to their individual service plan (ISP) and individual needs and protocols always being mindful of what is important to and important for the individual.
• Follows de-escalation philosophy and techniques. Intervenes in problem situations according to de-escalation philosophy and techniques.
• Treats individuals supported with respect, dignity, courtesy and sensitivity at all times.
• Records all entries in a clear, concise, legible timely manner.
• Completes all assigned paperwork or documentation in accordance with the organization's policies and procedures and utilizing approved language.
• Maintains basic care for all equipment and supplies.
• Provides for and maintains a safe, secure, clean, healthy and attractive environment for persons served visitors and staff. Identifies and reports safety concerns.
• Actively participates in staff development trainings, staff meetings, seminars, conferences, web-based training, and other meetings as scheduled by management. Reads and reviews written material as provided or assigned by your supervisor or the organization. Applies concepts that are learned to your daily activities.
• Follows all rules, guidelines, and policies in the HHSC employee handbook and any other pertinent agency or regulatory documents.
• Acts appropriately and professionally on behalf of HHSC when in the community with or without individuals served. Follows dress code as mandated by the department and the organization.
• Observes confidentiality practices according to Hi-Hope policy and federal and state guidelines.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

POSITION QUALIFICATIONS

Competency Statement(s):

• Accuracy - Ability to perform work accurately and thoroughly.
• Communication, Oral - Ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word.
• Communication, Written - Ability to communicate in writing clearly and concisely.
• Accountability - Ability to accept responsibility and