Independent Living Instructor

Pathway to Choices•Fremont, CA

12h

About The Position

The Independent Living Instructor provides direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes and community. The instructor teaches skills that support independence, including social and communication skills, money management, meal planning, self-care, household management, recreation, housing search, advocacy, and self-advocacy. The role works with consumers toward their Individual Service Plan (ISP) and personal goals, while promoting the agency’s philosophy, mission, policies, and values. The instructor communicates with consumers, colleagues, supervisors, case managers, medical and dental professionals, families, conservators, payees, and other stakeholders. The position also includes arranging or providing transportation, assisting with forms and appointments, supporting consumers during crises, reporting emergencies and suspected abuse or rights violations, and completing required documentation. Work may take place indoors or outdoors in varied weather and household conditions. Full-time and part-time openings are available.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
Six months of experience working in developmental disabilities or a related field.
Computer literacy or knowledge, including Microsoft Word, WordPerfect, or MS Works.
Ability to read and write English to perform essential duties.
ASL skills, or willingness and ability to learn ASL if applicable.
Basic math skills for paperwork such as timecards and medication administration records.
Valid California Driver’s License, current auto insurance, a clean DMV record, and reliable transportation.
Possess or be willing to complete CPR, First Aid, and RESPECT certifications within the first three months of employment, and maintain the certifications throughout employment.
Pass a background investigation through ADP Services.
Treat everyone with respect and dignity; teach a variety of individuals; analyze difficult situations and exercise professional judgment; maintain strict confidentiality and a professional demeanor; and be willing to learn and use new skills.
Demonstrate punctuality, flexibility, reliability, adaptability, creativity, patience, self-confidence, and trustworthiness.
Understand and use agency policies, philosophy, vision, and values.
Ability to work in stressful situations and under limited supervision.
Ability to sit for extended periods; sit and stand for extended periods while working with consumers; lift up to 80 pounds using proper techniques; push or pull mobility devices; assist with ambulation, transfers, and repositioning; manipulate medical or adaptive equipment; and kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, twist the upper body, grasp, and run as needed.
Ability to work indoors and outdoors in varied weather and in conditions involving cleaning-supply chemical hazards, household electrical items, bodily fluids and odors, and possible assaultive consumer behavior.

Responsibilities

Follow, exemplify, and actively teach the agency’s philosophy and mission, and follow agency policies and procedures.
Work with consumers in their homes and community toward ISP goals and personal goals.
Advocate for clients’ rights, requests, and concerns by communicating with supervisors and other stakeholders.
Teach self-advocacy and personal, domestic, medical, financial, social and recreational, communication, and behavior-management skills to encourage independence.
Drive consumers or help arrange transportation with family, friends, or public transportation providers for appointments and other needs.
Immediately report emergencies and life-threatening situations to a supervisor.
Use mobility, adaptive, and medical equipment and devices correctly and safely.
Provide intervention and ongoing support during crises using RESPECT principles and established behavior plans.
Assist consumers with forms from city and county agencies and other organizations.
Communicate professionally, accurately, and consistently with clients, coworkers, supervisors, case managers, medical and dental professionals, families, conservators, payees, and other stakeholders.
Complete required paperwork accurately and submit it to the immediate supervisor by scheduled due dates.
Attend and participate in consumers’ ID teams as specified.
Maintain a professional appearance and follow procedures for time-off requests or absences.
Arrive on time for appointments and meetings.
Immediately report suspected incidents of abuse or denial of clients’ rights, and report work-related injuries or illnesses to Human Resources.
Report changes in residence or phone number to Human Resources.
Maintain a positive work environment and ask for help when needed.