MAPPING YOUR CAREER A Commitment in Social Services Community Access is a leader in a social movement committed to equality and integration of all people into society at large, regardless of their disabilities and background. Community Access focus is on people with disabilities and youth-at-risk. Additionally it is a leading provider of affordable housing in Union County. Community Access is a membership organization, not owned by a corporation with absentee stockholders. It is owned by the people we serve, the staff employed here, and other organizations which share our beliefs and values. The people we serve and the staff who work for Community Access are equally called members of CAU. We believe that people whom CAU provides supports are entitled to be productive, independent citizens living real lives integrated into a real community. We provide supports to become economically self-sufficient through one or more of the following: employment, entitlements (like rental subsidies, social security, welfare, food stamps), or financial resources and control their own housing, finances, social life, and supports. We assist our members in exercising all the rights and assuming all the responsibilities offered to all legal citizens of the United States like voting, paying taxes, etc. If you believe that all people deserve no less than this, why don t you consider joining us in this great movement?
Introducing Community Access to you What we do Community Access Unlimited has supported people with disabilities and youth aging out of foster care since 1979. We provide individualized, in-home services. How we do it Supports for People with Disabilities Community Access provides services ranging from around -the-clock, supervised, residential care to in-home supports offered two hours per week. Supports include independent living skills training, employment assistance, social and educational activities. Supports for Youth Community Access provides a continuum of residential services and life skills training, after-school supports and recreation programs for youth ages 13 through 21 years. Personal Preference Program Community Access provides fiscal intermediary services to Medicaid-eligible individuals who manage their own personal care services. 1
Community Access promotes over 15% of its work force annually! Maybe YOU could have a successful career here. At Community Access we are proud to have an environment that fosters advancement for our employees and believe that every supervisor has an obligation to encourage their staff to take advantage of promotional opportunities. We do not want you to think of this just as a job but as a career, so we have created a career ladder. We offer training classes to employees to enhance their skills so one day they can be promoted. In the past year we have promoted 118 employees. Many were promoted into a supervisory position including Support Leader, Assistant Director, Coordinator, Director or Assistant Executive Director. Not only do we look at promoting full time employees but we offer the opportunity for part time employees to become full time. 45 part time employees were promoted into full time positions such as: full time Awake Overnights, Assistant Support Counselors, Support Counselor or Support Leaders. We also consider experience from previous positions and your educational experience if you are interested in advancement. People have been promoted into positions that were not in their original departments for example: employees have gone from DD Services to the Agency s Personal Preference Program, Youth Services to DD Services or DD Services to Facilities. This year 5 new programs opened which totaled about 60 new positions. In addition to the expansion we have increased the number of positions or enhanced positions in other departments such as: Facilities, Human Resources, Accounting, Administration, IT and Professional Services (Behaviorists and Nurses). 2
My CAU Story Aisha I graduated from Rutgers University in May 2007, with a BA in sociology and a minor in psychology. My field work was at the Douglass Developmental Disabilities Center working with children with autism. After this experience at DDDC, I knew I wanted to work in this field. After graduation, I attended a Career Fair at Rutgers where I met the CAU Recruitment Director who told me to attend the open house at CAU. I was hired on June 26, 2007, as an Assistant Support Counselor at one of CAU s Supervised Apartment Programs. Working with adults with developmental disabilities was very different than working with children, but I was still assisting and helping these adults. On October 8, 2007, I was promoted to a Support Counselor position, working with Community members. Within these next two years, I successfully assisted a member and helped her attain her goals. In the spring of 2009, I was promoted to Support Leader. I worked ensuring members medical files were current and at the same time learned to complete schedules. Later that same year, I was promoted to Assistant Director-Residential. As an AD, I prepared for DDD licensing as a supervisor for the first time. Again, my supervisors saw the dedication I had for my program and I was promoted to a Director in July 2010. Within the next year, I was running the recreation department. The Agency has seen my dedication to the members we serve, and I was promoted on September 22, 2011 to Assistant Executive Director of DD Services. 3
My CAU Story Susanne I started working at CAU in November of 2000 as an Assistant Support Instructor. I did not have any prior experience in working with people with developmental disabilities. Despite my lack of experience, I assured my interviewers that if given the opportunity I would do my very best to succeed in this field. I put forth my best effort, and was eventually promoted to a Support Leader position here at CAU. I was unsure if I would be able to handle all the new responsibilities that would accompany this new position, but with encouragement from my peers and excellent trainings, I embraced the new advancement opportunity. Once again, I put forth my best effort, and was recognized with an Employee of the Month award. I am so proud of these accomplishments and wear them as my badges of courage. At CAU, even without a college degree I was given a chance to do meaningful and rewarding work with very wonderful individuals. My goal is to be the best Support Leader in the history of CAU or at least one of the best. The Support Leader position is a great fit for me until I retire. I have never taken a recreation cruise with members, maybe I can do that before I retire! 4
Starting a career at Community Access Perhaps Start Part Time Part-time Support Worker Typically works set shifts on the weekends either 7am-3pm or 3pm- 11pm. 8am-4pm or 2pm-10pm in TOP. Typically work 16 hours per week but can work up to 29 hours per week. The starting pay is $10.25 per hour & increases to $10.50 per hour after 1 year and $10.75 per hour after 3 years High School Diploma/GED, experience with direct care, 6 months-1 yr exp w/at-risk youth for TOP. Car and valid driver s license. General Duties: Assisting with daily living skills, attending recreation trips, administering medications, planning menus, food shopping, documentation, etc. Awake Overnight (FT) or (PT) Varying shifts typically 11pm-9am 4 days for FT and 2-3 days for PT. 12am-9am in TOP. $10.25 per hour High School Diploma/GED, experience with direct care, 6 months- 1yr exp w/at-risk youth for TOP. Car and Valid driver s license. General Duties: Assisting with daily living skills, administering medications, transfer on an hourly basis, file, organize staff office, documentation, etc. 5
Starting a career at Community Access Perhaps Start Full Time Assistant Support Counselor Typically 3pm-11pm and includes weekends. Typically 4pm-12am in TOP. Steady shifts. $11.50 per hour High School Diploma/GED, experience with direct care, 1 yr exp w/at-risk youth for TOP. Car and Valid driver s license. General Duties: Assisting with daily living skills, attending recreation trips, administering medications, planning menus, food shopping, paperwork including monthly reports, documentation in daily logs, taking members on medical appointments, etc. Support Counselor Typically 3-11pm and includes weekends. Some programs may have different requirements based on member need. Steady shifts. $13.46-13.75, depending on assignment BA/BS Degree or High School Diploma/GED and experience with direct care, 1yr exp w/at-risk youth for TOP. Car and Valid driver s license. Degree waived with relevant experience and longevity. General Duties: Responsible for development and coordination of training programs for members which enhance their quality of life and increase their independence. Develop community support and utilizes normalization principles in order to provide educational training to members. 6
Mapping a career at Community Access Promotional Opportunities Support Leader-DD Typically 3-11pm Sun-Thurs and includes weekends. Steady Shifts $14.42 per hour Minimum of one year experience working with adults with disabilities, previous supervisory experience preferred, BA/ BS Degree in special education, social work, psychology, or related field required. Degree waived with relevant experience and longevity. General Duties: Responsible for supervising Part-time Staff, coordination of medication and medical binders, quality assurance, and monitoring of program and member finances. Education Specialist-TOP 8:00am-4:00pm Su & M, 2:00pm- 10:00pm Tue-Thu $13.95 per hour One year related experience & B.A. degree in social work, psychology, special education or related field preferred. General Duties: Responsible for developing and implementing Independent Living Skills curriculum for members and maintaining accurate records of their progress. Participate with members during recreational, educational and vocational programming & activities. Ensure a safe and supportive environment through counseling, crisis management & supervision of members. DD AD Residential/AD Community/Residential Coordinator-TOP Vary including evenings & weekends as needed, On-call responsibilities. Min of 1 year exp working w/at-risk youth/indiv w/ dev disabilities, previous sup exp preferred, BA/BS Degree in related field. Degree waived w/ relevant job exp & longevity. $35-40,000 per year, depending on assignment, successful completion of orient period or longevity/job performanceevaluation. General Duties-AD-Residential TOP Coordinator Responsible for the day-to-day operation of a residential program including staff supervision, coordination of quality support services for members, quality assurance, monitoring of program & member finances & submits weekly staff, program & member schedules. General Duties-AD Community Responsible to assist in the operation of program in addition to providing direct service to members in the community and supervision of staff with the Assistant Director (Residential) develop weekly staff, program and member schedule for total program. 7
Mapping a career at Community Access Promotional Opportunities Residential Director Vary including evenings & weekends as needed, On-call responsibilities. $45-50,000 per year, depending on assignment TOP-3 years experience working with at-risk youth, two years supervisory experience, BA/BS degree in special education, psychology, social work, or related field required. DD-3 years experience working with indiv with disabilities, 2 years supervisory experience, BA/BS degree in special education, psychology, social work, or related field required. General Duties: Responsible for the administrative oversight of assigned programs including staff supervision and development, quality assurance functions, and program administration. Ensure timely and accurate weekly staff, program and member schedules. Assistant Executive Director Vary including evenings & weekends as needed, On-call responsibilities. $65K per year BA/BS required (MSW with related MA preferred) plus five years administrative/supervisory experience with social service agency (ies) required. Valid driver's license and car required. General Duties: Responsible for the administrative oversight of assigned programs including: licensing inspections/program audits, ensuring all contractual obligations, budget analysis, and providing staff supervision and development 8
In a recent survey, staff gave the following reasons why they LOVE working at Community Access: The Agency has a mission which I agree with and it not only talks the talk but it promotes the mission every day in the lives of its staff and the people it serves. I am proud to work for an Agency which does so much good. CAU values me as a productive, hard-working staff and appreciates my service, demonstrating its appreciation in many ways. The Agency is committed to assisting me in my career goals through tuition remission loans, promotional opportunities, state of the art trainings, and outside exposure to other agencies who share our mission. CAU offers an array of competitive benefits which are free or inexpensive to me. These include an excellent health insurance and 401K plan, as well as paid time off. The Agency is flexible in hours and opportunities. As life evolves for me, I have changed from part time to full time and back again without a hassle. I can work hours that meet my needs and availability. The Agency is growing, evolving and dynamic. As it grows, CAU is open to suggestions for improvement, values staff feedback, and its management is in touch with employee concerns. CAU is concerned about the individual employee when personal problems arise. Staff work flexibility, financial assistance, employee counseling, and peer support have been helpful to me in the past. Additionally, many of the skills I have learned like budgeting and keeping up with doctors appointments are valuable to me and my family. Common job vacancies Common vacancies in DD Services and Youth Services are: -Full and part time overnight counselors; the shifts are typically 11pm-9am -Part Time Support Workers which include weekend hours 7am-3pm or 3pm-11pm -Full Time Assistant Support Counselors hours are typically 3pm-11pm Some supervisory vacancies that we have periodically available are: -Assistant Director-Residential in DD Services and Coordinators in Youth Services. These positions include on-call and can include evenings and weekends as needed Professional Services positions: Licensed practical nurses, registered nurses, behaviorists Personal Preference Program: -PT Consultants are available throughout most counties in NJ 9
Your Hidden Paycheck Employee Benefit Statement Prepared For: An Assistant Support Counselor at the end of the first year of employment and at 2 years of employment Community Access Unlimited Provided Benefits: Annual Base Compensation: $23,920 At the end At the end of Year 1 of Year 2 Social Security $1,830 $1,830 Worker s Compensation Insurance 543 543 Paid Time Off 1,472 1,840 Paid Holidays 1,104 1,104 Group Term Life 95 95 Agency 401k Contribution - 897 Medical & Dental Insurance 5,856 5,856 Long Term Disability 60 60 State Disability Insurance & Unemployment 586 586 Merit increase at 5% of base - 1,196 Total Value Benefits $11,546 $14,007 Benefits as a Percentage of Annual Base Compensation: 48% 59% Total Value of Compensation Package: $35,466 $37,927 Assumptions: 1. In Year 2, assumes you are in the 401K plan and contributing 3% on your own. The number shows the value of Agency contributions. 2. If you have not yet been at CAU for 3 months, assumes you choose the basic health plan. 3. PTO is on an annual basis. 4. No overtime is included, but is periodically available. 5. Merit increase assumes highest evaluation score. 10
Benefits* that Community Access offers which are periodic, as-needed or as-awarded: Medical Insurance Free to you after three months and free to you and your family after three years if you are full time Dental Insurance Choice of dental plans premium free for full time staff Vision Plan Biannual allowance for glasses/contacts with free exam for full time staff Paid Holidays 12 paid holidays each year for full time staff Paid Time Off Paid time off accrued from the beginning of employment at a rate of approximately 5 hours per pay period for full time staff Longevity awards Project assistance loans or grants of up to $500 Tuition loans with forgiveness of loan with a C or better grade Legal Plan/Employee Assistance Plan use Referral bonuses rewarded Semi-annual merit awards based on annual evaluation performance score up to 5% of base pay Training Over 3,900 hours of training was provided in the past year to our staff. AFLAC - supplemental and optional disability and life insurance through payroll deductions available Employee discounts Liberty Mutual Insurance-qualified staff may purchase discounted auto, home or life insurance through payroll deductions Verizon Wireless staff may obtain substantial discounts *Some benefits are available only to full time staff; all benefits listed are subject to budgetary constraints. 11
What trainings can I expect to receive in my first year of employment? Before you go to your first program assignment, the Agency s goal is that you will receive the following trainings: First Aid/CPR Medication Administration Before you complete your first 4 months of employment, the Agency s goal is that you will receive these additional trainings: Overview of Development Disabilities or Youth-at-Risk Services Preventing Abuse and Neglect Computer Use Core Expectations and Van Driving Before you complete your first 12 months of employment, depending on whether you serve members with developmental disabilities or youth members, you might receive these additional trainings: Employment Training Basic Counseling Defensive Techniques Budgeting Crisis intervention Positive Behavior Supports Other Trainings available to staff are Defensive Driving Insulin Administration Support Plan Sign Language Special trainings for you to develop supervisory skills 12
Direct care staff are the backbone of the Agency, but what exactly is direct care? What is Direct Care? Depending on individual needs, you may perform physical tasks or provide guidance in activities of daily living. Such as: assistance with bathing, dressing, eating, toileting, and transferring members in and out of a wheelchair. People doing this type of support need to be comfortable providing this level of care to our members. You may also help prepare meals, do household chores, and participate in leisure activities. Some of our members may require a different kind of support. You may have to remind or assist members with taking medications, help arrange social activities, assist with paperwork and help our members budget their money. When working with our members it is important to have a good understanding of what needs to be done and provide services in a respectful manner. What tasks do direct staff do in a typical workweek? Each day when working with members can vary but here are some tasks that need to be completed daily such as: -Reviewing the communication log -Direct Care -Administering medication -Writing in Daily logs -Preparing meals Tasks completed one or more times per week: -Picking up a member from work or a day program -Taking a member to a medical appointment -Doing laundry -Budgeting -Food Shopping -Attending/planning a recreation event -Assisting with menu planning -Banking -Household chores -Working with a member on an IHP goal like crossing the street or assisting them with reading -Update tracking sheets, checking binders or other paperwork tasks -Attend a agency training 13
Community Inclusion Community Access offers a variety of opportunities for our members and staff to become involved in the community. No matter the interest, CAU works to create connections between members and the community that will enhance quality of life. We encourage our members to explore these opportunities every day and welcome people from the community who would like to take part in CAU created recreation. THE CA [YOU] GET INVOLVED IN YOUR COMMUNITY The CA[You] is your one-stop shop newsletter for both CAU and community recreational events, clubs, classes and more! COMMUNITY CHAT! Staff and members are welcome to gather in the Chat Center to discuss their interests and share resources to become involved. Community Chat meets every week and discussion topics change monthly. breaking down barriers and stereotypes through inclusion and teamwork www.caucommunityplayers.com 14
So why should you choose CAU? You agree with the values and beliefs that CAU has regarding inclusion and integration for all people, regardless of any disability, background, or economic status. You are looking for an employer that will value your hard work and offer you a sense of fulfillment at assisting others meet their goals toward independent living. You are looking for an employer that is growing, financially stable, and here for the long haul. You want a package of pay and benefits that is competitive with other organizations in this area. You want an opportunity to grow in your career based on your own success and efforts. You are looking for a place to work where you will receive the best possible training. You are possibly looking for a second job, one that is flexible in hours and fulfilling nevertheless. Visit our website at www.caunj.org 80 West Grand Street Elizabeth, NJ 07202 Tel. 908-354-3040 Fax: 908-354-2665 Apply on line at: recruit@caunj.org Ver 2 15