Administrative Support Specialist

As an Administrative Support Specialist at Hope Services, you will be responsible for providing after-hours on-call support for the Supported Living Services program. Your duties will include fielding emergency phone calls, ensuring adequate staffing through scheduling, supervising staff, providing one-on-one support in consumers' homes, and acting as an advocate for consumers' rights. Additionally, you’ll handle necessary documentation and represent Hope Services in the community.

To qualify for the Administrative Support Specialist position at Hope Services, you need a Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation, social sciences, special education, health, public administration, social work, or a related field. Additionally, three years of relevant experience in rehabilitation or social work is essential, or you may qualify through an equivalent combination of education and experience.

At Hope Services, we celebrate diversity and are committed to ensuring an inclusive environment for all our employees. We actively promote diversity across all levels of our organization and are dedicated to creating a workplace that values individuals based on race, gender, disability, sexual orientation, and other personal characteristics, ensuring a respectful and supportive atmosphere.

The on-call duty schedule for an Administrative Support Specialist at Hope Services typically includes evening and overnight shifts five days a week, along with some holiday coverage. This schedule may vary based on program needs, but flexibility and commitment to supporting our consumers during these times are crucial.

The work environment for an Administrative Support Specialist at Hope Services is dynamic, community-based, and primarily occurs in consumers' homes. You can expect to engage in extensive driving in various weather conditions, collaborate closely with others, and handle both indoor and outdoor activities, making interpersonal skills and adaptability key components of the job.

When facing challenging situations with consumers, my approach centers on active listening and empathy. I strive to remain calm, assess the situation carefully, and engage with the consumer to understand their needs. By fostering an open dialogue, I can collaborate effectively and find a resolution that aligns with their personal goals.

To maintain proper documentation as an Administrative Support Specialist, I would utilize organized systems and regular updates, ensuring that all forms are completed accurately and promptly. It’s also essential to establish a routine for reviewing documentation and utilizing digital tools for efficiency while prioritizing confidentiality and consumer rights.

Certainly! My previous roles have provided me with extensive experience working with various community services. I have collaborated with local organizations to create a comprehensive support network for consumers, ensuring they have access to the resources needed for their personal development and well-being.

In the role of an Administrative Support Specialist, advocacy is fundamental. It involves not only voicing consumers' needs and rights but also empowering them by actively including them in their personal planning processes. I believe an advocate's role is to ensure that consumers are respected and that their preferences shape the services provided.

An effective approach to scheduling direct service staff involves balancing consumer needs with staff availability while considering individual skills. I would utilize scheduling software to streamline this process and foster clear communication among the team to address potential conflicts swiftly, ensuring optimal support for consumers.

My interest in working for Hope Services stems from its deep commitment to enhancing the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities and mental health needs. The organization's recognition as a top workplace reflects its supportive culture, which aligns perfectly with my values of compassion, respect, and inclusivity in providing quality services.

I manage stress in fast-paced environments by prioritizing tasks effectively and remaining organized. I also practice mindfulness techniques such as deep breathing and staying focused on the present moment. Furthermore, constructive feedback from my colleagues helps create a supportive atmosphere conducive to collaboration during hectic times.

One of my most successful experiences in a team setting occurred during a community outreach project, where we collaborated to assist individuals in accessing essential services. My role involved communication coordination among our team members, and we achieved our goal of connecting several consumers with needed resources, showing the importance of teamwork and shared objectives.

To ensure effective advocacy for consumers, I employ active listening techniques to fully understand their needs and priorities. I also familiarize myself with their Personal Plans and help facilitate meetings that promote their involvement in decision-making processes, emphasizing their rights and preferences in all discussions.

To stay informed about community resources available to consumers, I regularly access local resource directories, build relationships with community organizations, and participate in relevant workshops and training. This proactive approach enables me to guide consumers toward services that best meet their unique needs.