Residential Instructor

Community Residences•Rocky Hill, CT

About The Position

The Residential Instructor creates a nurturing, positive learning environment and develops strategies to help clients manage social, emotional, and physical situations of daily living and perform independently. The role implements each Individual Plan of Care or Follow-Along Plan based on the Interdisciplinary Team’s assessment 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 them to the appropriate supervisor or clinical staff. Duties also include writing and submitting incident reports within 24 hours; administering medication once certified; promptly reporting medication errors; assisting with medical appointments and follow-through on doctors’ orders; and supporting meal planning and preparation in accordance with dietary plans and available budgets. The position includes maintaining the cleanliness, safety, and upkeep of the home, property, and vehicle; accounting for petty cash and client funds; protecting client privacy and following confidentiality policies; and conducting oneself professionally with clients, colleagues, families, medical professionals, and community members. The instructor participates in required training, accompanies clients on community outings, follows support-plan safety measures, operates agency vehicles in accordance with laws and procedures, follows agency policies, and helps build positive relationships with the neighborhood and community. Work is active, indoors and outdoors, and requires the ability to lift and transfer 70–75 pounds and use approved protective hold techniques.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least two years of Human Services experience is preferred.
Ability to lift and transfer 70–75 pounds.
Ability to perform active work indoors and outdoors and use approved protective hold techniques.
Valid Connecticut driver’s license and good driving record.
Reliable transportation; may be required to use a personal vehicle to transport clients.
Ability to communicate effectively with people with developmental disabilities and people at various ability levels.
Organizational ability to implement programs and services that support individuals’ learning.
Some knowledge of educational and behavioral programs.
Willingness to learn about current issues in the field of developmental disabilities.
Self-motivation and interest in improving quality of life, household management, and teaching.
Patience, an encouraging attitude, optimism, energy, communication skills, and a nurturing temperament.

Nice To Haves

Bachelor’s degree in a related Human Services area, in addition to experience.

Responsibilities

Create a nurturing, positive learning environment and develop strategies that support clients’ daily living and independent performance.
Implement Individual Plans of Care and Follow-Along Plans; document teaching strategies and behavior plans, and report client progress, needs, and barriers.
Maintain awareness of individual treatment plans, including leisure, community experiences, public transportation, safety, hygiene, and daily living activities.
Monitor and report clients’ medical, physical, and behavioral changes; complete incident reports and submit them within 24 hours.
Administer medications at prescribed times once medication certified, in accordance with agency policy and DDS standards; immediately report medication errors.
Monitor and assist with medical and related appointments, and support follow-through on medical orders and recommendations as directed by the RN.
Participate in meal planning, purchasing, and preparation within budgetary resources, ensuring clients’ dietary plans are followed.
Maintain the cleanliness, safety, appearance, and upkeep of the residence, property, and vehicle; report repair needs promptly.
Maintain accurate, auditable accounting of agency petty cash and client funds as required or requested.
Protect individuals’ privacy and comply with confidentiality policies and agency procedures.
Take individuals on community outings and follow the health and safety measures in their support plans.
Operate agency vehicles in accordance with state laws and safety procedures; a personal vehicle may be required to transport clients.
Participate in required training, staff meetings, conferences, and other training opportunities; maintain required training.
Interact professionally with clients, supervisors, coworkers, families, medical professionals, and community members.
Help develop positive neighborhood and community relationships.