LIFE SKILLS PROFESSIONAL

Apis Services Inc•Walnutport, PA

15d

About The Position

The Life Skills Specialist is responsible for collaboratively and actively assisting and supporting participants in the development of life skills, facilitating groups, and the establishment and attainment of goals identified in the individual’s Behavioral Health Treatment Plans.

Requirements

High School diploma/GED
2 years of experience in the social service field
Valid Driver’s License

Responsibilities

Support/assist the program participant with the development and maintenance of necessary daily living skills to live independently within their community, i.e., cooking, shopping, household chores, seeking employment and education opportunities, medication management, interpersonal relations, utilizing community resources, vocational, budgeting, banking, accessing transportation, meal preparation, etc.
Assess program participants’ strengths, differing skills, and abilities to determine the best approach and learning style that can help increase the skill development of each program participant.
Model appropriate social skills to help the program participant develop positive relationships, cope with interpersonal conflict, and successfully participate in social, recreational, and cultural activities in-home and while out in the community.
Complete required documentation comprehensively and accurately, i.e., observation checks, assessments, group notes, MARs, daily shift notes (within 24 hours), mileage logs, incident reports (if applicable), and vehicle incident reports (if applicable)
Monitor participant medication as prescribed (after completion of Medication Administration Training) and complete all corresponding documentation
Operate agency vehicles in accordance with established policies and procedures
Provide emergency medical procedures as needed, including Basic First Aid, and CPR (after completion of CPR Training)
Responsible for attending supervision, clinical meetings, monthly staff meetings, and mandatory training to remain current with best practices
Promotes a healthy environment for consumers and staff.
Staff are required to stay on shift until coverage is obtained
To spend 90% of scheduled time in direct, face-to-face interactions with residents while consumers are awake. The Life Skills Professional should only be in the office or any other location, not directly interacting with the consumers when: Writing shift notes Updating consumer paperwork Accompany consumers to appointments and advocate for their needs Checking consumer-related materials, such as new medications, consumer funds, etc.
To assure that at least one (1) staff person is with residents to monitor activities during hours when consumers are awake. Staff must sit with the consumers during mealtimes to model and monitor healthy eating habits.
Participating in shift change procedures - give and receive reports at the beginning and end of each shift; count petty cash and controlled substances at each shift change
Taking brief time-outs after stressful interactions with consumers
Receive and handle all telephone calls for the consumers and the program in an appropriate and confidential manner
All other duties as identified by the site supervisor, Program Specialist, Program Nurse, Fiscal Administrator, Program Assistant Director, and Program Director
Work at multiple locations within the Hope Springs and Chalet programs as needed.
Support one or two consumers within the program, completing treatment plans and yearly paperwork, assisting in goal setting and assessments, and with consumers to promote goals and one-on-one time with staff.
Engage consumers in groups each shift