Intellectual Disability - Community Participation Associate

As a Community Participation Associate at Keystone Human Services, your primary responsibilities include developing support systems tailored to the strengths and needs of individuals, facilitating community participation activities, and identifying potential employment opportunities. You will assist individuals in setting personalized goals for employment and provide guidance on community resources, ensuring they have the necessary tools for independence and success.

To apply for the Community Participation Associate position at Keystone Human Services, you need to be at least 18 years old, possess basic computer skills, and exhibit strong verbal and written communication abilities. It's also required to have a valid driver’s license and access to a privately maintained vehicle. While a high school diploma is preferred, it is not mandatory.

The training process for a Community Participation Associate at Keystone Human Services includes comprehensive programs addressing essential skills and knowledge necessary for the role. New hires are expected to complete trainings in areas such as Medication Administration, First Aid, and CPR within designated timeframes, ensuring they are well-prepared to support individuals in various community settings.

Working as a Community Participation Associate at Keystone Human Services, you’ll find a positive and collaborative environment. The culture emphasizes making meaningful connections with individuals, promoting independence, and enhancing community inclusion. You’ll work with a supportive team that values your contributions in helping others achieve their goals.

Keystone Human Services offers competitive benefits for Community Participation Associates, including a pay rate of $20.50 per hour, a comprehensive benefits package with medical coverage, a 401K plan, and extensive training opportunities. Additionally, employees find career development and advancement prospects, along with the fulfillment of making a difference in their community.

In your response, emphasize the importance of person-centered planning and understanding the individual’s strengths and needs. Describe how you would conduct assessments, initiate open discussions, and involve the individual in the support planning process to ensure they are engaged and motivated.

Discuss your familiarity with local community resources, such as vocational training programs, volunteer opportunities, and transportation services. Highlight any successful partnerships or community engagement projects you have been involved in and how they could translate to this role.

Mention specific strategies you have used, which might include tailored community engagement activities, building relationships with local businesses for potential employment, and involving family members in the process to encourage broader participation and support.

Explain your approach to resistance, emphasizing patience, active listening, and finding common ground. Share examples where you have successfully motivated individuals to participate by discovering their interests and aligning activities with their preferences.

Outline your knowledge of safety protocols and how to assess situations to ensure a safe environment for individuals. Discuss training you’ve received, as well as any certifications, like First Aid or CPR, that prepare you to respond to emergencies effectively.

Illustrate your process for guiding individuals through the goal-setting process, such as conducting workshops, helping them identify skills and interests, and providing regular feedback as they try different job experiences to identify what works best for them.

Discuss the importance of using clear, simple language, active listening, and non-verbal cues. Share techniques such as demonstrating tasks, using visual aids, and encouraging feedback from the individuals to ensure they understand and can engage effectively.

Emphasize the value of creating a support network involving family members or guardians. Discuss how you would communicate openly with them, provide updates, and encourage their participation in care plans, reinforcing that collaboration can enhance the support individuals receive.

Share a specific instance where you organized or led a community initiative. Focus on your role, the challenges faced, and how you navigated them to achieve a successful outcome, demonstrating your leadership and commitment to community engagement.

Here, articulate your passion for helping others and how it aligns with Keystone's mission. Discuss your values, experience in the field, and how you believe that this role will allow you to make a meaningful impact in the lives of individuals and the community.