Life Skills Instructor - FY 25-26 # 97

Alternative Services Connecticut, Inc•Norwich, CT

2d•$19 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

The Life Skills Instructor is responsible for serving individuals in a supportive and guiding role, assisting them in mastering independent living skills. This role involves implementing all Agency policies and procedures related to the safety and welfare of individuals and acting as a role model by promoting fun, safe, and healthy activities.

Requirements

Minimum possession of a High School Diploma or a G.E.D.
Minimum two years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or that are dually diagnosed. Experience requirement may be substituted with education on a year for year basis.
Valid driver's license and the ability to be insured by our insurance company throughout employment.
Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
The ability to obtain and maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, PMT and DDS State Medication Administration.
The ability to lift up to 75 pounds, transfer and physically intervene with individuals as required.

Responsibilities

Monitor consumer behavior and implement consumer behavior management programs or other programs as applicable. Document everything on appropriate forms.
Document all shift activities and incidents in the log and on consumers in Therap.
Provide programmatic and statistical reports as required.
Maintain safety, appearance, and cleanliness of the home. Conduct sanitation and safety inspections of all internal and external areas of equipment/house. Make minor repairs and/or alert supervisor to potential major problems.
Maintain a professional attitude with co-workers, management, and outside agencies.
Responsible for knowing consumers' location at all times and implementing all Agency policies and procedures governing Agency operations, including medication administration, key control, following consumer's IP's, evacuation and emergency procedures, compliance with licensing regulations, and DDS contracts.
Alert appropriate personnel immediately regarding problems or unusual occurrences. Complete incident reports pertaining to consumers and/or workers compensation in a timely and accurate manner.
Implement and adhere to all policies, procedures, and/or legal and program commitments to consumers as required by the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, ASI, and other state and federal agencies.
Fulfill delegated responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties as required.
Act as an advocate and appropriate role model for consumers, treating individuals with respect and dignity.
Assist or complete any necessary hygiene for consumers.
Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned individuals to address issues of progress, problems, interests, etc.
Assist in supervising and safely transporting residents to community activities, day programs, jobs, errands, social events, etc.
Know and follow emergency procedures for fire, hurricanes, power outages, accidents, or other serious incidents affecting individuals. Immediately notify supervisor in all emergency situations.
Assist guardians, parents, and other people in understanding and working towards implementing normalization/person-centered-planning principles in contact with individuals.
Serve individuals in a supportive and guiding role to assist their mastery of independent living skills (e.g., personal management, household management, nutritional awareness, survival-oriented academic skills, money management, human sexuality, safety and health, community participation, social skills, time management, etc.).
Assume responsibility for an assigned caseload of individuals in the program and perform relative duties as outlined by supervisor, including goal work, program planning, and completion of individuals' daily/weekly/monthly paperwork.
Establish and adhere to own work schedule within guidelines approved by supervisor. Understands that this is a field position.
Report and immediately respond to any violation of individuals' rights directly to the Executive Director or designee. Participate in investigations as directed by the Executive Director or designee.
Attend in-service training, seminars, or other opportunities for professional development as made available by the Agency. Provide training for Agency personnel as required. Actively participate in staff meetings, trainings, etc.
Has thorough working knowledge of Agency policies and procedures.
Distribute all medications according to each consumer's medication schedule and DDS Medication Certification guidelines and Agency policies.
Assist in shopping, meal preparation, set-up, and clean-up when on duty.
Other duties as assigned by the Individualized Supports Manager or from the upper management team.