Canopy Support Professional

Job Description

Job Description

The Canopy Support Professional is responsible for providing comprehensive direct care and instructional support to adult individuals diagnosed with autism spectrum disorder. The Canopy Support Professional functions as a member of the Canopy Adult Day Program team. 

Duties and Responsibilities

• Under the supervision of the Canopy Program Manager, provide instructional support, including generalization of academic and non-academic skills during individual and group sessions
• Implement Canopy Leadership Team lesson plans to implement with participants
• Supervise participants and provide assistance as needed with activities of daily living, including but not limited to toileting, feeding, dressing, etc.
• Supervise and engage with participants during less structured times of the program day such as arrival, lunch coverage, dismissal, and Canopy Caravan
• Assist in setting up the program space by participating in printing, laminating, and other clerical tasks as directed by the Canopy Leadership Team
• Support the Canopy Caravan component of the program by riding in the Canopy Vans with staff and participants to and from the Lisle location to Sugar Grove as assigned by the Canopy Leadership Team, including performing all typical duties of support for participants
• Complete professional documentation including daily communication logs to families, behavioral data collection, accident reports, physical intervention and isolated time out forms, etc.
• Collaborate with Canopy Leadership Team and Specialists to learn instructional and educational strategies as well as discuss participant programming and needs
• Participate in team meetings, All Staff Meetings, individual participant plan meetings, Intake Meetings, trainings, and professional development activities
• Complete any program needs as determined by the Canopy Leadership Team
• Support participants during Community Engagement, Outings, trips to Rich Harvest Farms, the Stables, and other community sites, by gathering appropriate supports before the trip, targeting appropriate focus areas during the outing, and closely monitoring participants to ensure their safety and that of those in the community
• Support participants in other areas of the Giant Steps Organization (such as the Day School) as a substitute Canopy Support Professional when needed
• Offer to help staff throughout the building if additional support is necessary in a situation with a participant
• Adhere to company policies and procedures

The responsibilities listed above are representative and not all inclusive. Other duties may be assigned by supervisors.

Knowledge and Skills

• Ability to effectively communicate participant needs 
• Knowledge of relevant instructional strategies
• Knowledge of autism spectrum disorders
• Knowledge to maintain quality, safety, and infection control standards
• Knowledge of the use and maintenance of facilities and equipment
• Knowledge of sensory and behavioral strategies
• Knowledge of special education services and interventions
• Ability and comfort using technology, including but not limited to computers, iPads, Smart Projectors, Boardmaker, Microsoft Office Suite, Google Docs
• Knowledge of relevant equipment for instruction

Minimum Job Requirements

• A high school diploma required
• Paraprofessional license, preferred 

Classification

The Canopy Support Professional is a non-exempt position under the Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA).

Salary

Salary is commensurate with level of education and experience.

Calendar

The Canopy Support Professional follows the Canopy Support Professional calendar.

Conditions of Employment

• Pre-employment physical, drug screening, and criminal background check
• Possesses appropriate professional credentials
• Passing PCM training is a requirement of this position. Participation in PCM training and adherence to the Professional Crisis Management Association’s guidelines require at least average physical fitness. Any physical limitations or conditions that may impact one’s ability to participate in PCM training or PCM must be made known to Giant Steps upon application, as performance of various physical tasks is a bona fide occupational requirement of this position.

Working Conditions and Physical Effort

• Work is typically performed indoors within the Main St, Sugar Grove facility
• Moderate physical movement is required for the job
• Moderate exposure to physical risk is anticipated
• The noise level in this work environment varies from quiet to very loud.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is continually required to stand, walk, sit, run, squat, kneel, crawl, climb, balance, crouch, talk, hear, smell, and see. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50+ pounds.

Annual Performance Review

• An annual performance review will be conducted each spring by the supervisor.
• The Canopy Support Professional will complete a self-assessment of his/her performance and submit the self-assessment to the supervisor two weeks prior to his/her annual review each spring.

Compensation Package

Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. provides a competitive benefits package, including medical, dental, and vision coverage to all full-time employees who work a minimum of 30 hours/week.

Affirmative Action Plan/Equal Employment Opportunity (AAP/EEO)

Giant Steps adheres to all the laws, statutes, and regulations concerning equal employment opportunities and affirmative action. We will not discriminate against employees or applicants for employment on any legally-recognized basis including: veteran status, disability, religion, race, color, national origin, age, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, pregnancy, childbirth or FMLA related medical condition, height, weight, familial status, marital status and genetic information. 

Disclaimer

This disclaimer is to acknowledge that it is highly probable that as an employee of Giant Steps Illinois, Inc., you are at risk of personal injury. Injuries may include, but are not limited to hitting, biting, kicking, scratching, and having hair pulled. The extent of some injuries may result in a break in the skin. All injuries must be documented according to the policies and procedures outlined in the Employee Handbook. Often, individuals are placed in this setting as a result of physical aggression or acting out behaviors that may prohibit them from participating in other environments. Our setting allows for these atypical behaviors. All employees are required to show proof of a Hepatitis B vaccination upon hire.

*Giant Steps Illinois, Inc. has the ability to review and change the job description when necessary.