The Employment and Community First Skills Specialist will provide person-centered services and support for adults with intellectual, developmental, and other disabilities to promote independence, self-determination, and full community inclusion. The ECF Skills Specialist conducts assessments, develops individualized training plans, provides direct skills instruction, and collaborates with support networks to help individuals achieve their personal goals and maximize their independence across all aspects of daily life.

Services are delivered in a variety of settings, including the individual's home, workplace, and community environments. The ECF Skills Specialist supports individuals in developing and maintaining essential life skills, while ensuring services are provided in accordance with Home and Community-Based Services (HCBS) standards under Section 1915(c) of the Social Security Act, the individual's assessed needs, and their Person-Centered Support Plan (PCSP).

The ECF Skills Specialist promotes informed choice, dignity of risk, self-advocacy, and community participation while ensuring that services uphold everyone’s rights to privacy, dignity, respect, autonomy, and freedom from coercion or restraint.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Independent Living Skills and group Training

Provide individualized, as needed, instruction, coaching, and support in areas including, but not limited to:

• Money management and budgeting
• Meal planning, grocery shopping, and food preparation
• Personal hygiene, health, and appearance
• Household management and organization
• Community access and transportation
• Social, interpersonal, and communication skills
• Self-advocacy and decision-making
• Employment readiness and volunteer opportunities
• Travel and community participation

Assessment and Person-Centered Planning

• Conduct interviews, intakes, assessments, and ongoing evaluations of independent living skills.
• Utilize assessment tools, self-reporting methods, hands-on activities, worksheets, and community-based observations to evaluate strengths and support needs.
• Compile assessment data and prepare comprehensive reports identifying individual strengths, barriers, and training recommendations.
• Collaborate with individuals and their support teams to develop person-centered goals and outcomes.
• Monitor progress toward goals and implement follow-up recommendations as needed.

Case Coordination and Advocacy

• Collaborate with case managers, family members, conservators, support teams, healthcare providers, and community partners to ensure coordinated service delivery.
• Advocate for individuals to access services, supports, and opportunities that promote independence and community inclusion.
• Assist individuals in securing and maintaining benefits, employment, housing, healthcare, transportation, and other community resources.
• Provide information, referrals, and resource navigation services to individuals and families.

Medication and Health Support

• Provide oversight and assistance with self-administered medications as authorized.
• Administer medications when required and appropriately certified through the Department of Disability and Aging.
• Perform approved non-complex health maintenance tasks in accordance with agency policies and applicable regulations.
• Maintain all required certifications and training related to medication administration and health supports.

Program Development and Documentation

• Develop, implement, and maintain individualized training programs for assigned individuals.
• Assist in the development, revision, and enhancement of independent living skills curricula to address diverse learning needs.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation of assessments, services provided, progress notes, and program outcomes.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, funding requirements, and regulatory standards.
• Document all program activities and client interactions within established timelines.

Community Engagement and Peer Support

• Coordinate and facilitate peer support activities that encourage learning, social engagement, and community participation.
• Support individuals in accessing community resources and building meaningful relationships.
• Lead assigned agency initiatives, special projects, and program activities.
• Assist with the coordination and supervision of volunteers and interns, as needed.
• Demonstrate flexibility and initiative in responding to changing program priorities and community needs.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Understanding of and commitment to the Independent Living Philosophy and Disability Rights Movement.
• Excellent verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
• Strong organizational, time management, and documentation skills.
• Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively within a team environment.
• Demonstrated ability to build respectful and supportive relationships with individuals from diverse backgrounds and experiences.
• Knowledge of community resources and ability to connect individuals with appropriate services and supports.
• Flexibility to accommodate program and participant needs, including community-based service delivery.
• Ability and willingness to travel and to work in the participant’s homes, community locations, and meetings.
• Reliable transportation and valid driver's license with ability to obtain an F-endorsement.
• Proficiency with computer systems, electronic documentation, and standard office software.
• Successful completion of all required agency and Department of Disability and Aging training, including First Aid, CPR, and AED certification.
• Successful completion of all required DRS and other associated State agencies including ACRE and others. Wages will increase with successful completions of required certifications and educational commitments.

Preferred Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in human services, Social Work, Psychology, Education, Rehabilitation, or a related field preferred; relevant experience may be considered in lieu of education.
• Experience working with individuals with intellectual, developmental, physical, or behavioral disabilities.
• Experience in case management, skills training, advocacy, or community-based services.

Additional Requirements

• Valid Tennessee Driver License with the ability to obtain an F Endorsement.
• Successful completion of all required background checks, including:
• Nationwide criminal background check
• Tennessee criminal background check
• National Sex Offender Registry search
• Office of Inspector General (OIG) screening
• System for Award Management (SAM) verification
• Substantiated Investigations Records Inquiry
• Terminated Providers List review
• Felony Offender review
• Interstate Compact for Adult Offender screening
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screening

Core Values

The Employment and Community First Specialist is committed to promoting independence, self-determination, inclusion, accessibility, and equal opportunity for all individuals served. Services are delivered through a person-centered approach that respects individual choice, supports informed decision-making, and empowers individuals to achieve meaningful and self-directed lives within their communities.

EOE. Employment and Community First(ECF)Provider Agency