Art Instructor

Description Living Resources is a non-profit human services agency. Our core purpose is to support and empower individuals with disabilities or other life-challenging conditions to live with dignity, independence, and happiness. Living Resources works with, and for, families by providing peace of mind. All employees are to be respectful and supportive of families. We are working with them as partners, providing care and services. The Arts Instructor (AI) will assist each student to achieve his/her maximum growth through art-based activities. The majority of the AI workday involves overseeing the artists activities at community-based art exhibits and galleries. The AI will be expected to be a role model by using correct social interactions in both classroom and community environments. The AI must exercise good judgment in organizing and prioritizing responsibilities as well as have strong problem-solving skills while working with up to eight participants team. It is essential that the AI establishes a group atmosphere conducive to habilitation and art instruction while at the same time accommodating the well-being and safety needs of each student. This position also involves daily record keeping and frequent contact with both family members and day program staff. The Arts Instructor will be expected to assist program participants with vehicle transference which may include the use of wheel chairs, walkers and other assisted walking devices as needed. The Arts Instructor should have no driving or physical restrictions which might prohibit or interfere with ones ability to provide transportation to program participants as scheduled and/or as needed. The Art Instructor will also be traveling between Ulster and Columbia Greene County Day Programs. Job Duties and Responsibilities: Provides direct assessment, training, assistance and guidance in all areas of artistic, intellectual, emotional, and social development as outlined in the student’s staff action plan Implements the staff action plans by presenting students with a wide variety of creative and social art-related activities Participates in personalized habilitation planning and implementation Maintains accurate and confidential student records Documents program activities, including progress toward skill acquisition as stated in the habilitation plans in a timely manner Communicates monthly with the Qualified Intellectual Disabilities Professional (QIDP) to discuss habilitation plans and outcomes Facilitates communication regarding student needs, counseling strategies, service or treatment plans, progress, and other pertinent information as needed Reports all accidents, illnesses, behavioral or emotional problems involving the students to the appropriate person(s) and include written documentation in a timely manner Follows all incidents, emergency, and safety procedures and regulations Follows the weekly schedule and lead instruction in all art classes as assigned Prepares for art exhibits Supports students to mat, frame, stretch canvas, and complete exhibit artwork in time for the art exhibit deadline Organizes exhibit work in a safe location that is agreed upon by fellow Art Instructors Assists with the transport of artwork to each exhibit Assists with the take down, tracking, and storage of artwork at the end of each art exhibit Provides transportation for participants with and/or without gait issues. This may include supporting participants from wheelchairs and assisted walking devices into vehicles. Must be able to drive in all types of weather, to accommodate weekly schedules and participant pick-ups / drop-offs in a manner which always ensures participants’ safety Participates in all agency and departmental training Requirements Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree preferred. Candidates who do not hold a degree may also qualify through relevant professional experience in art instruction, artistic production, or a professional art setting. Background in working with persons with developmental disabilities or related experience. Course work/experience in a variety of art mediums. Valid NYS driver's license and reliable transportation required. Must be patient, and approachable, with strong communication, organizational, and leadership skills. Demonstrates passion for the arts, flexibility, independent problem-solving, and the ability to create an inclusive and engaging environment. Open to floating Ulster and Columbia Greene Counties. Physical Requirements: Occasionally may need to lift 50 pounds Ability to perform tasks that require bending, standing, sitting, re-positioning, and transferring with no restrictions, including assisting participants with toileting and vehicle transfers. May involve lifting and supporting people using wheelchairs, walkers, or other mobility devices as needed Ability to carry a 10-pound backpack for extended periods of time Benefits We offer great benefits including Paid Training, Health (we cover 100% of deductible costs for Health Insurance), Dental & Vision Insurance, Payment In Lieu of Health Insurance, Tuition Assistance and Retirement Programs! There are also opportunities to advance within our agency! #J-18808-Ljbffr