Residential Instructor (DSP, DCW, RI)

Alternative Services Connecticut•Ledyard, CT

8d•Onsite

About The Position

The Residential Instructor is responsible for daily consumer supervision and residential program operations, ensuring consumer progress is accurately and promptly tracked. The role implements Agency policies and procedures to protect consumers and Agency property and provides individuals with a safe, healthy, and enjoyable environment. The instructor monitors and documents consumer behavior and welfare, administers medication according to applicable guidelines, supports daily living needs, and organizes activities and community participation. The position also helps maintain the home, responds to emergencies and unusual incidents, works with families and guardians, and participates in staff training and meetings. The Residential Instructor is directly accountable to the Residential Manager or a designated substitute. Evaluations occur at three and six months in the position and annually thereafter. The listed schedule is Sunday, 8 a.m.–4 p.m.; Friday and Saturday are off, as are Monday through Thursday.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least two years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities or individuals who are dually diagnosed; education may substitute for experience on a year-for-year basis.
Valid driver’s license and ability to remain insurable by the Agency’s insurance company throughout employment.
Excellent interpersonal skills.
Ability to obtain and maintain CPR, First Aid, PMT, and DDS State Medication Administration certifications.
Ability to lift up to 75 pounds, transfer individuals, and physically intervene as required.
May need to travel during daily work using an Agency or personal vehicle.

Responsibilities

Monitor consumer behavior and implement behavior-management and other applicable programs.
Document activities, incidents, consumer welfare, and shift events on appropriate forms and in Therap; provide programmatic and statistical reports as required.
Maintain the safety, appearance, and cleanliness of the home; conduct sanitation and safety inspections and make minor repairs or alert a supervisor to larger problems.
Follow Agency policies and procedures, licensing regulations, DDS contracts, consumer individual plans, medication rules, key-control requirements, and emergency procedures.
Alert appropriate personnel promptly to problems or unusual occurrences, and complete consumer and workers’ compensation incident reports accurately and on time.
Implement applicable legal, program, and Agency commitments to consumers, including requirements of Connecticut DDS and other state and federal agencies.
Fulfill delegated responsibilities and report on duties at staff meetings as required.
Advocate for consumers, serve as an appropriate role model, and treat individuals with respect and dignity.
Assist with or complete consumers’ hygiene needs.
Document consumer or visitor movement, unusual incidents, seizures, medication administration or errors, accidents, medical emergencies, and noticeable changes in consumer conduct.
Distribute medications according to consumer schedules, DDS medication certification guidelines, and Agency policies.
Provide activities or programs during each shift, organize and supervise consumer participation, and interact with consumers according to their needs and preferences.
Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned consumers regarding progress, problems, and interests.
Help supervise and safely transport residents to community activities, day programs, and social events.
Know and follow emergency procedures for fires, hurricanes, power outages, accidents, and other serious incidents.
Assist guardians, parents, and others in understanding and supporting normalization and person-centered-planning principles.
Report and respond immediately to violations of individuals’ rights; participate in investigations as directed.
Assist with shopping, meal preparation, setup, and cleanup while on duty.
Attend in-service training, seminars, professional-development opportunities, staff meetings, and other trainings; provide training to Agency personnel as required.
Maintain thorough working knowledge of Agency policies and procedures and perform other duties as assigned by management.