Life Skills Instructor- (LSI, DSP, DCW)

**Driving your own vehicle is a requirement of this position. Proof of car insurance is a requirement of this position. Schedule is flexible dependent on client need.**

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Life Skills Instructor is responsible to serve individuals in a supportive and guiding role and to assist their mastery of independent living skills. Implements all Agency policies and procedures pertaining to the safety and welfare of the individuals. Acts as a role model by promoting fun, safe and healthy activities for the individuals.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum possession of a High School Diploma or a G.E.D.
• Minimum two years experience working with individuals with developmentally disabilities or that are dually diagnosed. Experience requirement may be substituted with education on a year for year basis.
• Valid drivers license and the ability to be insured by our insurance company throughout employment. Individual may be required to travel in the course of their daily work using the Agency vehicle or their own vehicle.
• Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
• The ability to obtain and maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, PMT and DDS State Medication Administration.
• The ability to lift up to 75 pounds, transfer and physically intervene with individuals as required.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The Life Skill Instructor is directly accountable to the Individualized Supports Manager or said other person as may be substituted for the Individualized Supports Manager.

POSITION RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Monitor consumer behavior and implement consumer behavior management programs or other programs as applicable. Document everything on appropriate forms.
• Document all shift activities and incidents in the log and on consumers in Therap.
• Provide programmatic and statistical reports as required.
• Maintain safety, appearance and cleanliness of home. Conduct sanitation and safety inspections of all internal and external areas of equipment/house. Make minor repairs and/or alerts supervisor to potential major problems.
• Maintain a professional attitude with co-workers, management, outside agencies, etc.
• Responsible to know consumers location at all times and has knowledge of and implements all Agency policies and procedures governing Agency operations including: Medication administration policies, key control, following consumer's IP's, evacuation and emergency procedures, etc, compliance with licensing regulations, and DDS contracts.
• Alert appropriate personnel immediately regarding problems or unusual occurrences. Complete incident reports pertaining to consumers and/or workers compensation in a timely and accurate manner.
• Alert appropriate personnel immediately regarding problems or unusual occurrences. Complete incident reports pertaining to consumers and/or workers compensation in a timely and accurate manner.
• To implement and adhere to all policies, procedures, and/or legal and program commitments to consumers as required by the Connecticut Department of Developmental Services, ASI and other state agencies and federal agencies.
• To fulfill delegated responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties as required.
• Act as an advocate and appropriate role model for consumers, and to treat individuals with respect and dignity.
• Assist or complete any necessary hygiene needed for consumers.
• Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned individuals in order to address issues of progress, problems, interests, etc.
• Assist in supervising and safely transporting residents to community activities, day programs, job, errands, social events, etc.
• Know and follow emergency procedures for fire, hurricanes, power outages, accidents or other serious incidents affecting individuals. Immediately notifies supervisor in all emergency situations.
• Assist guardians, parents and other people in understanding and working towards implementing normalization/person-centered-planning principles in contact with individuals.
• Serve the individuals in a supportive and guiding role and to assist their mastery of independent living skills (i.e., personal management, household management, nutritional awareness, survival-oriented academic skills, money management, human sexuality, safety and health, community participation, social skills, time management, etc).
• Assume responsibility for an assigned caseload of individuals in the program and to perform relative duties as outlined by supervisor including goal work, program planning and completion of individuals daily/weekly/monthly paperwork.
• To establish with assigned individuals and to adhere to own work schedule within guidelines as approved by supervisor. Understands that this is a field position.
• Report and immediately and respond to any violation of individuals' rights directly to the Executive Director or designee. Participates in investigations as directed by the Executive Director or designee.
• Attend in-service training, seminars or other opportunities for professional development as made available by the Agency. Provide training for Agency personnel as required. Actively participates in staff meeting, trainings, etc.
• Has thorough working knowledge of Agency polices and procedures.
• Distribute all medications according to each consumer's medication schedule and DDS Medication Certification guidelines and Agency policies.
• Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned consumers in order to address issues of progress, problems, interests, etc.
• Assist in supervising and safely transporting individuals to community activities, day programs, social events, etc.
• Assist in shopping, meal preparation, set-up and clean-up when on duty.
• Other duties as assigned by the Individualized Supports Manager or from the upper management team.

EVALUATIONS:

The Life Skill Instructor is evaluated by the Residential Manager, three (3) months and six (6) months from date in position and annually thereafter.

(Please note the intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by incumbents of this position. Life Skill Instructors may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.)