Community Support Staff - CSS

Job Title: Community Support Staff (CSS)

Department: CMG – Community Employment Services

Reports To: CMG Manager

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

Revision Date: November 2025

Equal Employment Opportunity and ADA Statement

Gaston Residential Services provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the position.

Mission Alignment

The Community Support Staff supports Gaston Residential Services’ mission of empowering individuals with disabilities to work, participate, and thrive in their communities by providing high-quality supports that promote independence, skill development, and meaningful inclusion.

Position Summary

The Community Support Staff (CSS) provides direct support to individuals in competitive employment, volunteer roles, community integration activities, and recreation/leisure pursuits. The CSS assists individuals in developing, refining, and maintaining the skills needed to succeed in community settings while promoting independence, advocacy, and safety.
This role requires strong communication skills, sound judgment, reliability, and the ability to work independently across multiple community locations.

Core Competencies

• Person-Centered Support
• Independence & Skill Development
• Community Integration & Advocacy
• Professional Communication
• Problem-Solving & Adaptability
• Documentation Accuracy
• Safety Awareness & Compliance

Essential Functions (including but not limited to):

Employment & Volunteer Support

• Provide job coaching and on-the-job support to help individuals maintain competitive employment.
• Ensure work tasks meet employer standards for accuracy, quality, and timeliness.
• Teach new work skills, refine existing skills, and support development of natural workplace supports.
• Assist individuals in following employer policies, workplace expectations, and safety guidelines.
• Identify and develop adaptive equipment or tools needed for job success.

Community Integration & Recreation Support

• Assist individuals in accessing community activities, volunteer opportunities, and recreation/leisure programs.
• Provide social interaction support and encourage independence in community settings.
• Ensure all community site rules and expectations are followed.

Advocacy & Person-Centered Support

• Promote self-advocacy and support individuals in expressing personal goals, preferences, and needs.
• Build a trusting, professional relationship with each individual.
• Identify opportunities for increased independence and skill improvement.
• Ensure goals and supports align with the individual’s service plan.

Communication & Collaboration

• Maintain open communication with employers, CMG staff, VR counselors, caregivers, case managers, and other stakeholders.
• Communicate daily updates and relevant changes to the CMG team.
• Facilitate accurate and professional interactions with coworkers, supervisors, and community partners.

Documentation & Scheduling

• Complete daily documentation in accordance with funding source requirements.
• Submit accurate timecards as required.
• Prepare weekly schedules that include all work sites, community activities, meetings, and travel time.

Transportation & Resource Support

• Assist individuals in securing transportation as needed, which may include coordinating public or specialized transportation.
• Provide supportive counseling related to workplace, social, or personal challenges.

Performance Indicators

• Accuracy and timeliness of daily documentation.
• Quality of on-site job coaching and community integration support.
• Employer and community partner satisfaction.
• Progress toward individual goals and independence.
• Effective communication with the CMG team and external partners.
• Compliance with safety, training, and program policies.