Description

POSITION: Independent Living Coach (Full Time)

POSITION OBJECTIVE: Independent Living Coaches impact the lives of privately paying residents with intellectual and developmental differences by providing education, support and training in order for residents to achieve their highest potential for independence and living fulfilling lives within The Arc Jacksonville Village as well as the greater local community.

RESPONSIBLE TO: Services Manager; Director of Resident Services

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Independently manage weekly scheduling of an assigned caseload ranging from 15-20 residents. Flexibility to work non-traditional hours (i.e. evenings and weekends as required).
• Establish and foster rapport with each resident’s natural support system, attend meetings and other activities as required to gain insight and effectively contribute to the success of residents (i.e. Service Plan meetings, Implementation Plan meetings, etc).
• Collaborate with residents, families, and staff through routine electronic and/or verbal communication to document progress.
• Support and educate residents in learning new skills within the context of their daily life (i.e. meal planning and preparation, financial literacy, general housekeeping, hygiene, interpersonal interactions, community access, etc).
• Advocate for individuals with differences by ensuring they are treated fairly and appropriately in all community settings.
• Respond to resident issues (routine and emergency), with minimal supervision, to ensure the safety and well-being of residents.
• Develop professional growth opportunities through various trainings. Acquire and implement learned strategies that support the long-term impact of independence.
• Provide reliable transportation with organization’s vehicles to assist with residents’ community inclusion (i.e. grocery shuttle, emergency transportation, appointments).
• Perform all duties as assigned by supervisor(s).

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Educate and promote awareness of The Arc Jacksonville’s mission and vision through community involvement and inclusion of persons with differences.
• Maintain appropriate dress, good hygiene and professionalism.
• Maintain a positive driving record for shuttle services for residents and other work functions.
• Advocate for the rights of individuals with intellectual and developmental differences to participate in community life to the fullest extent possible.
• Able to recognize safety concerns and to take the appropriate action.
• Possess the emotional stability sufficient for performing all tasks related to the job including times of medical and behavioral crisis of residents.
• Review and comply with all The Arc Jacksonville’s policies, procedures and directives, as well as those issued by the Agency for Persons with Disabilities.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS:

Formal Education High school diploma or GED required. At least an Associate's degree* with a major in nursing, education, social/public health science with 1 year of experience in social/public health science.

*Experience can be substituted for required college on a year-for-year basis.

Skills Organization, written communication skills, interpersonal skills, de-escalation strategies, resiliency, resourcefulness, creativity, flexibility, collaborative thinking, effective decision-making, time management, empathy and crisis management skills.

Experience At least 1 year of direct service to persons with intellectual and/or developmental differences; preferred experience in personal caregiving, personal companion and/or support coaching

Other Must be 21 years or older. Must be able to pass background clearance checks.

CPR/Basic First Aid Certification, Human Trafficking & Fair Housing Training, HIPAA Certification, Zero Tolerance (organization will provide). Mental Health First Aid Training.

COMPENSATION: $15.00 per hour, with full benefits package