ACCESS Life Assistant Instructor

Description

POSITION PURPOSE

Directs and coordinates the daily instruction of ACCESS Life. Ensuring that the programming is addressing the areas of vocation, community integration, leisure and independence

Essential Functions & Basic Duties

An individual must be able to successfully perform the essential functions of this position with or without a reasonable accommodation.

• Program Support
• Assist the Lead Instructor in implementing daily programming across vocational training, community integration, leisure activities, and independent living skills.
• Help prepare materials, set up activities, and support participants during instruction
• Communication & Team Collaboration
• Communicate with the Lead Instructor and team members in a professional and timely manner.
• Support positive and respectful communication with participants, families, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in collaboration with funding partners (ARS, Waiver case managers, parents/guardians) as requested.
• Relationship Building
• Help foster a positive, supportive, and encouraging environment for all participants.
• Assist in maintaining appropriate rapport, modeling professional boundaries and respectful interactions.
• Behavior & Classroom Support
• Support the Lead Instructor in using effective behavior and classroom management strategies.
• Help implement behavior plans, reinforce expectations, and provide redirection when needed.
• Data Collection & Documentation
• Assist the Instructor in collecting, organizing, and tracking data related to participant goals, progress, and daily activities.
• Help maintain accurate and timely documentation required by program guidelines and funding sources.
• Safety & Supervision
• Support the Lead Instructor in maintaining participant safety in all environments—on campus, in the community, and during transportation.
• Follow all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and supervision requirements.
• Transportation Support
• Provide transportation for participants in the community when needed, following all driving safety expectations and organizational policies.
• Administrative Assistance
• Assist with preparing and managing paperwork required for funding sources and program operations.
• Support the completion of forms, attendance sheets, activity logs, and other documentation.
• Additional Duties
• Perform other related or assigned tasks that support program operations and participant
  
  

Competencies

Ethics

• Treats people with respect.
• Keeps commitments.
• Inspires the trust of others.
• Works with integrity and ethically.
• Upholds organizational values.
  
  

Professionalism

• Approaches others in a tactful manner.
• Reacts well under pressure.
• Treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position.
• Accepts responsibility for own actions.
• Follows through on commitments.
  
  

Cost Consciousness

• Works within approved budget.
• Conserves organizational resources.
  
  

Judgment

• Displays willingness to make decisions.
• Exhibits sound and accurate judgment.
• Includes appropriate people in decision-making process.
• Makes timely decisions.
  
  

Management

• Takes responsibility for teaching assistants’’ activities.
• Develops team members’ skills and encourages growth.
  
  

Oral Communication

• Listens and gets clarification from members, parents and staff.
• Responds well to questions.
• Participates in meetings.
  
  

Planning/Organizing

• Prioritizes and plans work activities.
• Uses time efficiently.
• Plans for additional resources.
• Works with director to address schedules with other people and their tasks, specifically ceramics and horticulture.
• All paperwork will be fully complete and turned in timely every month.
• Programming schedules will be modified and adjusted as needed to meet the needs of the members of ACCESS Life.
  
  

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner.
• Gathers and analyzes information skillfully.
• Develops alternative solutions.
• Works well in group problem solving situations.
• Uses reason, even when dealing with emotional topics
  
  

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is frequently required to talk or hear. The employee is occasionally required to walk; sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; and reach with hands and arms. The employee is frequently required to stand and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee must frequently lift and/or move up to 20 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

The noise level in the work environment is moderate.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• High School Diploma or equivalent. Some college experience preferred.
  
  

Experience/ Knowledge Required

• Minimum of two years of successful experience in a similar position or equivalent combination of education and experience in working with adults with developmental disabilities.
  
  

Skills/ Abilities

• Ability to communicate effectively and professionally with a wide variety of people.
• Strong organizational skills with attention to detail and accuracy.
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data necessary to document and communicate the member’s success in ACCESS Life.
• Ability to work with programming team to develop and implement behavior plans for the members when necessary.
• Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out programming effectively.
  
  

Travel Requirements

• Minimal travel is required for this position; this travel may include transporting students/clients.
• ACCESS drivers are required to maintain a valid Driver’s License, current auto liability insurance and registration, a clean driving record, and physical ability to drive to local locations throughout Arkansas.