Residential Life Trainer

Agency Gov Morehead Sch for the Blind Division Gov Morehead Sch for the Blind Job Classification Title Residential Life Trainer (S) Position Number 60039450 Grade NC05

Governor Morehead School (GMS) is the flagship school in North Carolina that serves the special needs of visually impaired students, in a unique residential setting. Apart from its flagship status as the only residential school in the state for visually impaired students, GMS is renowned for its excellent program in Orientation and Mobility as well as its Braille Music program.

Description of Work

The Governor Morehead School is an educational facility that provides day and residential services for blind, visually impaired and disabled students in North Carolina. The mission of the school is to provide education, pre-vocational and transitional employment/living services to visually impaired children from 5 to age 22. This mission includes the responsibility to assist in the continuum of consultative and technical services to other public and private agencies in an effort to meet the life-long needs of all visually impaired people. The primary objective of the Governor Morehead School is to educate each child with a visual disability in the areas of academic, physical, emotional and vocational development. The philosophy of the school is that each visually impaired child is entitled to an opportunity to develop to his/her highest potential in an environment that is most conducive to the individual's learning needs. This position performs a variety of duties related to the care of children with visual impairments. The duties include direct supervision of students in the cottages, dining hall, on transportation routes and on community outings; to include helping with homework, daily living skills (dressing, eating, personal care, etc.), social-behavioral management skills, and leisure-recreational activities. Additionally, an individual in this position will help transport visually impaired students; drive State activity buses, vans and automobiles; act as a monitor in vehicles and on the charter bus. This position will also be responsible for maintaining records, following and implementing procedures/policies, and other assigned duties.

Knowledge Skills and Abilities/Management Preferences

The residential program partners with the instructional program to provide a variety of enriching activities in academics, recreation, visual arts, and through community involvement. Employees will be responsible for aligning the residential learning environment with the ECC (Expanded Core Curriculum).

Key Responsibilities

• Provide direct care and supervision for students in a residential setting, ensuring their safety, well-being, and successful participation in daily activities.
• Assist students with personal care, hygiene, grooming, dressing, toileting, mobility, medication monitoring, and independent living skills.
• Support students in developing life skills, social skills, self-advocacy, and healthy daily living routines.
• Monitor student health, behavior, sleep patterns, and overall well-being; respond appropriately to emergencies, behavioral concerns, and crisis situations.
• Implement behavior support strategies and Nonviolent Crisis Intervention (NCI) techniques as needed.
• Supervise students during residential activities, transportation, meals, school transitions, appointments, recreational programs, and community outings.
• Assist with homework, school readiness, and activities that support academic and personal success.
• Maintain a clean, safe, and organized residential environment, including light housekeeping, inventory management, and facility monitoring.
• Complete required documentation, including safety checks, progress notes, incident reports, behavior observations, medication reactions, and transportation records.
• Collaborate and communicate effectively with teachers, healthcare staff, counselors, families, and other team members regarding student needs and progress.
• Participate in required training, meetings, drills, and professional development activities.
• Serve as a positive role model while promoting student dignity, independence, and responsibility.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications & Knowledge

• Understanding of school procedures, student conduct standards, and residential care practices.
• Knowledge of the unique educational, social, and personal needs of students who are visually impaired and/or have additional disabilities.
• Ability to guide, support, and care for students while fostering independence and self-confidence.
• Knowledge of safety practices, health precautions, emergency response procedures, and maintaining a safe living environment.
• Basic understanding of Individualized Education Programs (IEPs), instructional strategies, and student support plans.
• Experience planning and coordinating individual and group activities.
• Ability to communicate effectively with students, families, educators, paraprofessionals, and healthcare professionals.
• Skill in the use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices.
• Ability to act quickly and effectively in emergency situations and follow oral and written instructions.
• Knowledge of personal hygiene, wellness practices, and common health precautions.

Requirements

• Valid North Carolina Driver’s License required.
• Ability to safely transport students and operate state vehicles as required.
• Ability to assist with lifting, transfers, mobility support, and personal care needs.
• Commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and student-centered residential environment.
• This position is exempt from the North Carolina Human Resources Act (N.C.G.S. Chapter 126).
• This position is 11-months Sunday - Thursday 12am- 8am.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Graduation from high school or GED and two years’ experience in an appropriate childcare setting; or in a goaled setting program; or an equivalent combination of training and experience.

Preferred Experience

• Additional training/experience in driving and monitoring activity buses, and recreational activities.

License or Certification Required

• Valid North Carolina Driver's License

EEO Statement

The State of North Carolina is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer and dedicated to providing employees with a work environment free from all forms of unlawful employment discrimination, harassment, or retaliation. The state provides reasonable accommodation to employees and applicants with disabilities; known limitations related to pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions; and for religious beliefs, observances, and practices.