Independent Living Instructor

About the Job

Pathway to Choices:

Job Title: Independent Living Instructor-

Department: Independent Living Services

Reports to: Independent Living Service Coordinator

Prepared by: Human Resources

Prepared date:

Benefits: Pathway to Choices offer Medical and Dental Benefits to full time Employees, along with Paid time off and a match of 401K Retirement plan.

Openings for full time or part time Candidates. Applicant must have experience on working with people with different behaviors.

Summary:

Carries out direct services to individuals with developmental disabilities in their homes. Instructs individuals in the areas of social and communication skills, money management, meal planning, self-care skills, household management skills, recreational skills, house and apartment hunting skills, advocacy, and self-advocacy skills.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

• Includes the following. Other duties may be assigned.
• Follows, exemplifies, and actively teaches the Agency philosophy and Mission.
• Follows all agency policies and procedures.
• Actively works with consumer towards meeting ISP goals as well as personal goals in their homes and the community.
• Actively advocates for clients' rights, requests, concerns, etc...by communicating with supervisor and other stakeholders.
• Promotes and teaches to consumers self-advocacy, personal, domestic, medical, financial, social/recreational, communication, and behavior management skills to encourage independence.
• Drives or assist consumer in arranging transportation with family members, friends, or public transportation such as county buses, First Transit, Paratransit and Taxi Cabs agencies, depending on client's needs. For example, medical and dental appointments at doctors or hospital facilities, Child Protective Services, Adult Protective Services appointments, Court appointments, Social Security or Social Services Agencies, banks or check cashing places, etc.
• Reports to supervisor immediately in case of emergencies or life threatening situations:
  • These emergencies might be but not limited to death in the family, suicide, self-injurious behavior, injuries, immediate medical attention, and change in eating habits, mood swings, mental health, drastic, unexpected economic change, etc...
• Possess the ability to utilize all mobility correctly and safely, adaptive, and medical equipment/devices.
• Assists and provides consumers with intervention and continuous support during crisis situations using RESPECT principles and following any established behavior plan.
• Assists consumers in filling out different forms from city and county agencies such as Social Security, Social Services, Paratransit, First Transit, Bus and taxi strips, medical and dental questionnaires, court and appeals forms, housing and renters' agreements, etc.
• Communicates professionally, accurately, and consistently with clients, coworkers, supervisors, case managers, medical and dental professionals, families, conservators, payees, and any other stakeholders.
• Completes all administrative required paperwork accurately and submits it to immediate supervisor by scheduled due dates, including but not limited to: time sheets, calendars, daily progress notes, medical and dental log, individual service plans (ISP's), progress reports, rental agreements, etc.
• Attends and participates on consumers ID teams as specified.
• Maintains a professional appearance, as dictated by company policy, at all times.
• Utilizes proper procedures for time-off requests or missing work.
• Consistently arrives on time for all appointments and meetings.
• Reports any suspected incidents or suspected abuse of any type or denial of clients' rights immediately.
• Report any work-related injury or illness to Human Resources immediately.
• Reports any changes in residence or phone number to human resources to avoid delay of pay or any inconvenience.
• Maintains a positive work environment.
• Asks for help when needed to avoid unnecessary delays.

Qualifications:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skills, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Education and/or Experience:

• Possess a High School Diploma or GED.
• Six months experience working in the field of Developmental Disabilities or related field.
• Computer literacy/knowledge. (Microsoft Word, Word Perfect or MS Works).

Language Skills:

• Ability to read and write in the English Language to perform essential duties.
• Possess ASL skills or willingness and ability to learn ASL to perform essential tasks, if applicable.

Mathematical Skills:

• Possess basic skills in math, in order to successfully perform required paperwork such as timecards, medication administrations records, etc.

Certificates, Licenses, Registrations:

• Must possess a valid California Driver's License, current auto insurance, clean DMV record, and reliable transportation.
• Possess or willingness to take the course in CPR, First Aid and RESPECT certifications within the first three months of employment. Must maintain same certifications throughout employment with Agency.
• Must pass a clearance through ADP Services (Background Investigation).

Other Skills:

• Treats everyone with respect and dignity.
• Ability to successfully teach a variety of different individuals.
• Ability to analyze difficult situations and use good, professional judgment as to the appropriate course of action.
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality regarding consumer's privacy.
• Ability to maintain a professional demeanor during any circumstances.
• Possess and demonstrate the willingness to grow, learn, and utilize new skills as needed.
• Punctuality, flexibility, reliability, adaptability, creativity, patience, self-confidence, and trustworthiness.
• Possess and utilize a clear understanding of Agency policies, philosophy, and vision and values.
• Ability to work in stressful situations/environments.
• Must be able to work under limited supervision.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.

Possess the ability to:

• Sit for long periods of time while working on computer terminals or performing essential functions.
• Possess the ability to provide intervention during crisis situations, utilizing RESPECT principles.
• Sit and stand for long periods of time while working with consumer.
• Lift up to 80 pounds, utilizing proper lifting techniques, whenever the situation arises.
• Push/pull mobility devises, assist client in ambulation, transferring, repositioning, etc... whenever the situation arises.
• Manipulate medical/adaptive equipment and devices when the situation arises.
• Kneel, crouch, squat, crawl, twist upper body, grasp, and run, in order to perform essential duties of this position.

Work Environment:

• The work environment characteristics described herein are representative of those an employee may encounter while performing the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions of this position.
• Work indoors/outdoors in all types of weather conditions, dependent on consumer's needs.
• Work under conditions of chemical/toxic hazards, while working with cleaning supplies.
• Work with household electrical items, such as vacuum, razor, toaster, etc.
• Work under conditions of body fluids and body odors, while assisting consumer.

• Work under conditions of possible assaultive behaviors of consumers.

I understand that this job description, in part, governs my employment. I further understand that employment is "At Will" by Pathway to Choices and/or by the Consumer's Choice.

Candidate's Signature: __________________________

Date signed: ___________________________