Resident. Instructor

Community Residences•Derby, CT

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 while building independent performance. The role implements each client’s Individual Plan of Care or Follow-Along Plan, records progress and teaching data, monitors clients’ daily medical, physical, and behavioral status, and reports changes or incidents to appropriate supervisors. Once medication-certified, the instructor administers medications in accordance with agency policy and regulatory standards. The position also supports appointments and follow-through on medical recommendations, plans and prepares meals while observing dietary requirements, maintains the home and vehicle, and provides accurate accounting of petty cash and client funds. The instructor accompanies clients on community outings, follows safety plans and transportation procedures, protects clients’ privacy, and contributes to positive relationships with families, colleagues, and the community. The work is active and takes place both inside and outside the home. The posted schedule is Saturday and Sunday, 7 a.m.–3 p.m.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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

Responsibilities

Create a nurturing, positive learning environment and develop strategies that help clients manage daily social, emotional, and physical situations and increase independence.
Implement Individual Plans of Care or Follow-Along Plans, document data on teaching strategies and behavior plans, and report progress, needs, and barriers.
Maintain awareness of individual treatment plans, including leisure, community experiences, public transportation, safety skills, personal hygiene, and activities of daily living.
Monitor clients for daily medical, physical, and behavioral changes and report changes to the appropriate supervisor or clinical staff.
Write incident reports and submit them to the Program Coordinator or Residential Program Manager within 24 hours.
Once medication-certified, administer prescribed medication in accordance with agency policy and DDS regulatory standards; immediately report medication administration or documentation errors.
Monitor and assist with medical and related appointments, and support follow-through on doctors’ orders and recommendations as directed by the RN.
Participate in meal planning, purchasing, and preparation within budget, ensuring clients’ dietary plans are followed.
Maintain the cleanliness, appearance, and upkeep of the house, property, and vehicle, and report repair needs promptly.
Interact professionally with clients, supervisors, coworkers, families, medical professionals, and community members.
Participate in required training and maintain training required by agency policy and DDS regulations.
Maintain accurate, auditable accounting of agency petty cash and client funds.
Protect individuals’ privacy and comply with the agency’s confidentiality policy.
Take clients on community outings and follow the health and safety measures in their support plans.
Operate the agency vehicle in accordance with state laws and safety procedures.
Learn and comply with agency policies and procedures, and help develop positive neighborhood and community relationships.