0028 Adaptive Skills-Adaptive Skills Trainer

Jay Nolan Community Services•La Mirada, CA

About The Position

As an Adaptive Skills Trainer at Jay Nolan Community Services, you support individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to live with dignity, independence, and choice. The role focuses on empowering individuals to build relationships, live safely in their own homes, and pursue personal, educational, and career goals by teaching skills rather than doing tasks for them. Services are delivered in an individual’s home, workplace, and/or community settings as authorized. The trainer implements individualized training and support plans, provides hands-on instruction and accommodations, supports meaningful participation in age-appropriate and culturally normative activities, and promotes the generalization of skills across settings and situations. The position also requires collaboration with supervisors, families, service coordinators, and other care team members, as well as consistent documentation and compliance with organizational and Regional Center requirements.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in social work, psychology, human services, or a related field is required for Adaptive Skills-605 services.
Minimum of 1 year of experience with developmental disabilities.
Knowledge of appropriate, non-invasive behavioral supports.
Knowledge of Positive Behavior Supports and Person-Centered Planning, and understanding that behavior communicates an unmet need.
Clear, concise, and persuasive communication skills, including strong oral and written communication.
Ability to interact effectively at all levels and across diverse cultures and to work effectively as a team member.
Strong customer, quality, and results presentation.
Excellent working knowledge of technology, including smartphone apps.
Strong time management, proactive planning, and conflict-resolution skills.
Valid driver’s license, working/reliable vehicle, and proof of current insurance are listed as qualifications.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Applied Behavior Analysis; preferred but not required.
Experience working with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities, personally or professionally; preferred but not required.
A bachelor’s degree in education, psychology, counseling, nursing, social work, applied behavior analysis, behavioral medicine, speech and language, rehabilitation, marriage and family therapy, or a comparable human services field is listed in the preferred qualifications.
Depending on position, a valid driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current auto insurance may be required.

Responsibilities

Implement individualized adaptive skills training plans and individual Support Plans developed with or by the supervising professional.
Provide direct, hands-on instruction in safety and community navigation; hygiene, dressing, and grooming; toileting and feeding; housekeeping and home management; food purchasing and meal preparation; technology use; communication and social functioning; choice-making; and self-advocacy.
Assist individuals with challenges as directed by the supervising professional and provide support and supervision appropriate to their identified needs.
Deliver authorized services in the individual’s home, workplace, and/or community settings, and provide accommodations for behavioral, physical, communication, and other challenges.
Promote generalization of skills across settings, people, and situations using evidence-based instructional strategies aligned with individual needs and IPP goals.
Support individuals in establishing daily and weekly activity schedules and participating in meaningful, age-appropriate, culturally normative home and community activities.
Provide feedback and interventions specified in the Individual Support Plan, and act as a mentor and role model for socially acceptable and culturally valued interactions.
Participate hands-on in activities, introduce individuals to new activities and people within the Support Plan, and support their personal safety and well-being.
Document progress toward outcomes using data collection, daily notes, progress data, anecdotal notes, and incident documentation; complete and submit records within required timeframes and in accordance with applicable policies and standards.
Complete Electronic Visit Verification (EVV) requirements for all in-home service sessions and support preparation of Semi-Annual progress reports with consistent, measurable data.
Maintain regular communication and meetings with the supervising Adaptive Skills Training Professional, including ongoing meetings at least monthly, and report progress, barriers, and potential plan adjustments.
Collaborate with service coordinators, family members, and other care team members to provide consistent support across environments; share information with family members about the individual’s needs when appropriate.
Participate in IPP meetings, scheduled meetings, and training sessions as requested.
Cooperatively develop an Individualized Training Plan with the supervisor to build skills for supporting individuals with complex support needs.
Understand cultural and family dynamics as they relate to instructional milestones and use appropriate, non-invasive, non-intrusive support methods.
Follow JNCS’s mission, values, policies, procedures, and DDS/Regional Center requirements, including documentation and billing requirements for the assigned Regional Center authorization (service code 605).
Perform other responsibilities as assigned.