Residential Instructor

Community Residences•Shelton, CT

1d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Instructor creates a nurturing, positive learning environment and develops strategies to help clients manage the social, emotional, and physical situations of daily living and perform tasks independently. The role implements Individual Plans of Care and Follow-Along Plans based on the Interdisciplinary Team’s identification of client needs, records data on teaching strategies and behavior plans, and reports progress, needs, and barriers. The instructor maintains awareness of individual treatment plans, including leisure time, community experiences, public transportation, safety skills, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living. The instructor monitors clients’ medical, physical, and behavioral changes and reports observations promptly to the appropriate supervisor or clinical staff. The role includes documenting incidents within 24 hours, administering medication after becoming medication certified, reporting medication errors immediately, and assisting with medical appointments and follow-up on provider recommendations under RN direction. The instructor participates in meal planning and preparation, follows clients’ dietary plans, and maintains the cleanliness, safety, and upkeep of the home, property, and vehicle. The role also involves transporting clients to community activities, following health and safety plans and applicable driving procedures, maintaining accurate records of petty cash and client funds, protecting client privacy, complying with agency policies, participating in required training, and fostering positive relationships with clients, families, colleagues, and the community. The work is active and takes place both inside and outside the home. The schedule is Monday through Friday, 7 a.m. to 3 p.m., 40 hours per week.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least two years of experience in Human Services is preferred.
Must be able to perform all required job functions, including active work inside and outside the program.
Must be able to lift and transfer 70–75 pounds.
Must be able to use approved protective hold techniques to help keep oneself, clients, and coworkers safe.
Must possess a valid Connecticut driver’s license and have a good driving record.
Must have reliable transportation and may be required to use a personal vehicle to transport clients.
Demonstrate organizational ability and the ability to communicate effectively with people with developmental disabilities and people at varying ability levels.
Demonstrate some knowledge of educational and behavioral programs.
Show willingness to learn about current issues in the field of developmental disabilities.
Have organizational ability to implement programs and services that enhance individuals’ learning.
Be self-motivated and interested in improving quality of life, household management, and teaching.
Display patience, an encouraging attitude, optimism, energy, communication skills, and a nurturing temperament.

Nice To Haves

A bachelor’s degree in a related Human Services area, in addition to experience, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Create a nurturing, positive learning environment and develop strategies that help clients manage daily social, emotional, and physical situations and perform independently.
Implement Individual Plans of Care and Follow-Along Plans based on the Interdisciplinary Team’s identification of client needs.
Record data on teaching strategies and behavior plans, and report client progress, needs, and barriers to progress.
Maintain and document awareness of treatment plans covering leisure time, community experiences, public transportation, safety skills, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living.
Monitor clients’ medical, physical, and behavioral changes and report changes to the appropriate supervisor, RN Program Coordinator, or Program Director.
Prepare incident reports and submit them to the Program Coordinator or Residential Program Manager within 24 hours.
Once medication certified, administer medication at prescribed times in accordance with agency policy and DDS regulatory standards.
Immediately report medication administration or documentation errors to the RN, Program Manager, and Program Coordinator.
Monitor and assist with medical and related appointments, and support follow-through on doctors’ orders and recommendations as directed by the RN.
Participate in planning, purchasing, and preparing meals within budgetary resources and ensure clients’ dietary plans are followed.
Maintain the appearance, cleanliness, and upkeep of the house, property, and vehicle; report repair needs promptly.
Interact professionally with clients, supervisors, coworkers, families, medical professionals, and community members.
Participate in required training, staff meetings, conferences, and other training opportunities, and maintain required training.
Maintain accurate, auditable accounting of agency petty cash and client funds as required or requested.
Protect individuals’ privacy and follow CRI’s confidentiality policy.
Take individuals on community outings and follow health and safety measures in their support plans.
Use the agency vehicle in accordance with state laws and safety procedures.
Learn and comply with CRI policies and procedures.
Help develop positive relationships with the neighborhood and community.