Who We Are
Mission  |  Vision  |  Philosophy  |  History  |  Volunteer Opportunities  |  Leadership

Mission
Our mission is to provide or obtain services for people with developmental disabilities and their families in Western New York, which will assist in achieving their highest level of independent living, enable their fullest participation in society, ensure that their civil and human rights are protected, and promote their ability to be productive, contributing members of the community.

Vision
Striving for Excellence
    Supporting Partnerships
        Creating Solutions
            Fulfilling Dreams

Philosophy
Community Services promotes and protects the right of every person we serve to make their own decisions and to express their preferences in each area of their life.  We also take a "person-centered" approach to service delivery, emphasizing the individuals' personal goals and wishes when providing linkage to services.  Community Services supports its active self-advocacy group, L.E.A.D.E.R.S.

President Mark R. Foley plants a tree in celebration of the 452 Delaware Opening.

History
Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled began offering services in Western New York in 1989.  At that time, there were 82 employees, many of whom were part-time, working out of a rented storefront on Hertel Avenue.

Two decades later, Community Services now has a staff of over 700 and offers more than 40 programs. The Agency's administrative offices are strategically located throughout Erie County with offices in Buffalo, Lackawanna, and Kenmore.  In addition, Community Services provides residential housing in neighborhoods throughout Western New York.

While the Agency has grown significantly over the years, its commitment to providing community-based services has remained the same.  "Community Services seeks to assist individuals with developmental disabilities who desire greater independence within their community," explains Mark R. Foley, President and CEO.  "Many of the people we serve are already living independently within the community, but need additional support to maximize their potential.  Others are not at the point where they can live independently, but our staff assist them in taking steps towards that direction."

After years of providing consistent, comprehensive services in Western New York, Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled has earned a reputation of successfully serving individuals who present unique challenges.  "This Agency is known for creating an entire program around one specific person who presents a unique need," explains Mark.  "We have also been successful in identifying trends and responding to those trends with practical solutions that benefit both individuals with developmental disabilities and the communities in which they live."

Ribbon-cutting ceremony at 1179 Kenmore Avenue grand opening in 1998.

Volunteer Opportunities
Community Services for the Developmentally Disabled welcomes youth, adult, and senior volunteer support.  The mission of our volunteer program is to increase community interaction among individuals with developmental disabilities by offering them an opportunity to build relationships with a volunteer supporter.

Community Services values its volunteers and provides on-going training and support to enhance their volunteer experience with the Agency.

For more information, contact Gail Baehre at 883-8002.



Click here to download and print our volunteer application form


Current Volunteer Opportunities
Please view the positions below

Administrative and Managerial Positions
Positions available as of July 28, 2010

Specialized Behavior Clinician Provides Intensive Behavior Services (IBS. Provides Behavioral Supports for the Specialized and Adolescent IRAs, including participation and facilitation of Social Skills and Relapse Prevention Groups. Conducts Functional Behavioral Assessments. Designs and implements functional Behavioral Support Plans. Researches, identifies and administers tools and testing for assessing individual needs and diagnosis. Maintains required records including case notes, assessments and behavior support plans. Attends ISP meetings and participates as an active team member in person-centered planning. Attends Relapse Prevention Groups at the Specialized IRA. Meets with the Consultant Psychologist to discuss oversight, status and needs of Intensive Behavioral Services cases. Coordinates with Consulting Psychologist and agency approved IB Service providers to initiate services. Assists in the risk management process for individuals living in our IRAs and Shelters. Presents Behavior Plans to the necessary Committees for approval as needed. Significant knowledge and experience in serving individuals with challenging behaviors and or dual diagnosis preferred. Experience in clinical assessment, intervention planning and implementation, and follow-up care is necessary in addition to experience in providing clinical counseling services. Must have the ability to self-initiate. Good communication, analytical, and organizational skills are essential. Must be or be able to become a SCIP-R Instructor. Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW), Licensed Master Social Worker (LMSW), or an individual with a Master’s degree in a clinical and/or treatment field of psychology from an accredited institution, a Master’s degree in a related human services field from an accredited institution, and specialized training or experience in conducting functional behavioral assessments and developing behavior management plans.

Compliance Coordinator Responsible for the overall coordination, planning, and implementation of the Agency’s general compliance activities. Coordinators all compliance surveys and activities to ensure that the Agency is adhering to rules, regulations, and Agency policies that it is governed by. Monitors for trends and responses (corrective action) to issues identified. Coordinates corporate compliance audits, including developing an annual plan of audits to be completed. Maintains a summary of compliance audit outcomes and follow-up. Ensures completion of program fiscal audits and addresses any billing issues. Monitors and reviews results of Medicaid Service Coordination internal review activities and ensures initial and ongoing training is occurring. Makes recommendations for corrective action and coordinates follow-up in response to internal and external survey concerns/deficiencies identified in order to ensure corrective actions were implemented. Provides consultation and assistance in the development of corrective action as needed. Coordinates the completion of corporate compliance investigations. Participates in the development of Compliance Policies and Procedures and in the review of all other program policies to insure that they are in compliance with regulations and certification standards. Maintains professional growth and development through seminars, workshops, and affiliations to keep abreast of latest trends, rules, regulations, and requirements in the area of job responsibilities. Must be capable of organizing information and self monitoring of completion of responsibilities and duties. Must be timely and prompt in performing tasks, have good writing skills, working knowledge of programs, procedures, and policies. Must be familiar with N.Y.S. Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Erie County Department of Mental Health Rules and Regulations appropriate to quality management and compliance. Bachelor’s Degree and two years of experience including one supervisory experience.

Quality Assurance Specialist Conducts Agency investigations for incidents and allegations of abuse. Assesses and evaluates possible contributing factors and makes recommendations for any needed system changes and/or recommendations for quality improvement. Ensures all necessary paperwork relative to the completion and submission of incidents and allegations are accomplished and forwarded to the appropriate parties. Conducts general quality assurance and improvement activities including employee training. Provides training and education to employees on topics related to the investigation process as needed. Assists in resolving complaints of people being served and contacts program staff to resolve dissatisfaction. Maintains records of all contacts and activities. Must be capable of organizing information and performing tasks in a timely and prompt manner, have good communication skills and have working knowledge of programs, procedures and policies. Must be familiar with N.Y.S. Office for People With Developmental Disabilities and Erie County Department of Mental Health Rules and Regulations appropriate to Quality Assurance. Bachelor’s Degree OR Associate’s Degree and one year of directly related experience. Valid NY Driver License and use of personal vehicle required.

Site Manager Provides on site management of the IRA. Oversees hiring, training, scheduling and supervision of staff. Manages petty case expenditures and consumer accounts. Responsible for monitoring and implementing Residential Habilitation Plans. Ensures compliance with OPWDD certification requirements. Provides 24 hour rotational on call support. Must have the ability to self-initiate, organize and schedule, analyze tasks, good communication skills and flexibility required. Significant knowledge and experience working in residential setting preferred. Associate’s Degree and two years of OMRDD experience. Supervisory experience preferred. Must have a valid NYSDL with Agency approved record.

IRA Program Coordinator Responsible for overall management of IRAs. Ensures protection and care of residents through review of Incident Reports and completion of Incident Review Responses. Responsible for ensuring compliance with state and federal regulations. Conducts initial intake interviews and paperwork for new residents including Intake Assessments, Sexuality Assessments and obtaining and recording all information needed to provide /obtain services. Reviews and monitors completion of daily logs, case summaries, notes and medication logs. Tracks statistical information and completes necessary reports. Significant knowledge of program management and experience serving individuals in a residential setting required. Must have the ability to self-initiate as well as good communication, analytical and organizational skills. Bachelor’s degree and two years of experience in Human Services including one year of supervisory experience required. Valid NYSDL required.

Maintenance Technician Performs minor and routine maintenance, repairs and janitorial duties. Repairs equipment and fixtures including stoves, sinks and toilets. Completes painting and wall repairs. Must have knowledge of basic maintenance skills including minor carpentry, drywall repair, minor plumbing repairs, minor electrical repairs and general maintenance. Requires the ability to operate tools in a safe manner as well as the ability to work independently and follow instructions. Clean and valid NYSDL and use of personal vehicle required. Must pass pre-employment skills test.