Direct Support Professional - Instructional Assistant
About The Position
Under general supervision, Direct Support Professionals in Grafton Integrated Health Network’s Education program participate in direct care and implement plans for clients as prescribed by physicians and treatment teams. They assist Academic Teachers with instructional and therapeutic activities, lesson planning and preparation of instructional materials, and assessment of client progress. They help adapt teaching techniques to promote achievement of assigned clients’ goals. During academic breaks and holidays, they may work with clients in residences; in community-based programs, they provide transportation between residences and school. The role includes client supervision, safety and crisis management, documenting behavior and participation, following scheduled activities, modeling positive behavior, and using proactive behavioral strategies. The position reports to a teacher or program supervisor/manager. The role supports client health, safety and wellness; implements individualized treatment, education and support plans; collects and documents behavioral and instructional data; and maintains active engagement with clients. It also fosters respectful relationships and a supportive, solution-focused environment, collaborates with treatment teams, and supports classroom or residence operations, including cleanliness, nutrition, transportation and handling purchases or client funds as applicable.
Requirements
- Bachelor’s degree in human services; or an associate’s degree and 3 months of experience working with children; or high school diploma/GED and 6 months of experience working with children.
- Must be at least 19 years old.
- Must pass a criminal background check and pre-employment drug screen.
- Valid driver’s license with an acceptable driving record.
- Moderate computer skills, including logging in, navigating the web, creating and saving a Microsoft Word document, and basic keyboarding.
Responsibilities
- Ensure medications are delivered accurately and on time; support client well-being, safety, health and hygiene; and use infection-control procedures.
- Report serious incidents, participate in reviews and implement follow-up measures as applicable.
- Understand assigned clients’ strengths, needs, abilities, preferences, goals, objectives, outcomes and treatment strategies in current Treatment Plans, IEPs and ISPs.
- Implement behavioral strategies and teach alternative behaviors to support clients’ behavioral goals.
- Instruct assigned clients to help them achieve education and residential goals and objectives or ID Waiver outcomes.
- Collect and accurately and reliably document behavioral and instructional data, and document services accurately and promptly.
- Maintain client engagement and monitoring, and implement planned activities throughout the workday.
- Build trusting, respectful relationships with clients and support them in building respectful relationships.
- Apply knowledge of client diagnoses, related supports and trauma-informed care.
- Manage behavioral crises safely and collaborate with the Treatment Team to provide continuity of support and care.
- Communicate and contribute to team discussions and decisions, and provide exemplary customer service to guardians, agency personnel and visitors.
- Maintain a safe, clean and organized residence or classroom environment; promote good nutrition and assist with meal preparation in group homes.
- Provide transportation and community mobility; assist with purchases and account for program and client money as applicable.
- Demonstrate knowledge of the organization and its core values of personal integrity and accountability.
- Perform other duties as assigned.
Benefits
- Free meals during shifts, as available.
- Medical, dental and vision coverage.
- Flexible Spending and Health Savings Accounts.
- Paid Time Off plan and attendance incentives.
- Employer-paid life insurance.
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
- Short-term disability and long-term disability.
- Paid career development and training, including CPR, Ukeru and Mandt certification.
- 401(k) with an employer match of up to $2,500 annually.
- Education assistance of up to $5,250 annually.
- Potential eligibility for federal student loan forgiveness through Grafton’s 501(c)(3) nonprofit status.
- Opportunity for overtime and shift differentials.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Entry Level
