Direct Service Professional (Pod Leader Community Integration Trainer)

Direct Service Professional (Pod Leader Community Integration Trainer)

Position Overview

The Service Code 110 Pod Leader provides direct 1:1 community-based training and support to Members participating in The Inclusion Way Community Integration Training Program. The Pod Leader guides Members through a structured skill development process designed to increase independence, community navigation skills, social communication, safety awareness, and decision-making.

The Pod Leader begins with a 1:1 support ratio, gradually fading support to 1:2 small group interaction, and ultimately prepares the Member for graduation into the regular Community Integration Program, where Members participate more independently in community activities.

The Pod Leader implements the 12-Module Service Code 110 Skill Development Curriculum, facilitating structured daily learning experiences while supporting Members in real-world community environments.

This position requires high levels of observation, coaching, patience, situational awareness, and the ability to fade supports appropriately while maintaining Member safety and dignity.

Core Program Philosophy

The Inclusion Way Community Integration Training Program is built on the following principles:

• Member-centered planning
• Community-based skill development
• Gradual independence building
• Natural support development
• Respect for dignity and autonomy Real-world skill generalization

Pod Leaders support Members in learning through participation in everyday community environments, rather than through simulated classroom instruction.

Primary Responsibilities

Direct Member Support

• Provide 1:1 community-based support and training to assigned Members
• Implement individualized skill development plans aligned with the Service Code 110 training curriculum
• Teach Members skills related to:
• Community orientation
• Social communication
• Community navigation
• Personal safety awareness
• Decision-making
• Self-advocacy

• Support members in participating in real community environments, including:
• • Parks
  • Coffee shops
  • Grocery stores
  • Libraries
  • Transit locations
  • Recreation areas
  • Civic spaces

Pod Leadership

• Lead small training pods of Members, beginning with 1:1 support
• Gradually transition Members to 1:2 shared participation models as independence develops
• Facilitate structured daily skill-building activities using the Service Code 110 curriculum
• Conduct daily:
• Opening check-ins
• Skill demonstrations
• Guided member practice
• Reflection discussions
• Community generalization activities

Skill Development Coaching

Pod Leaders actively coach Members in learning to:

• Introduce themselves and interact social
• Ask for assistance when needed
• Navigate community locations
• Recognize safety situations
• Make safe decisions in public spaces
• Manage transitions between locations
• Participate appropriately in community environments

Pod Leaders use prompting, modeling, and natural reinforcement techniques to support learning.

Support Fading and Independence Development

• Gradually reduce direct support as Member independence improves
• Transition Members from 1:1 support → 1:2 small group interaction
• Encourage Members to take increasing leadership in:
• Planning activities
• Navigating environments
• Interacting with community members
• Document readiness for graduation into the community integration program

Community Engagement Facilitation

• Support Members in participating in real-world community experiences
• Encourage interaction with community members and businesses
• Model respectful and appropriate public behavior
• Help Members identify community resources such as:
• Information desks
• Customer service staff
• Public safety personnel
• Transit information points

Safety Monitoring

• Maintain continuous awareness of Member safety and environmental conditions
• Teach Members to recognize safe and unsafe situations
• Support Members in learning personal safety strategies
• Follow all emergency and incident response procedures

Documentation and Reporting

• Complete daily program notes documenting Member participation and skill development
• Track Member progress toward independence goals
• Maintain accurate records required by the Regional Center and program compliance standards
• Participate in Member progress reviews and team meetings
• Report incidents, safety concerns, or behavioral issues according to program procedures

Collaboration

• Work closely with the Program Director to monitor Member progress
• Participate in team meetings and staff training sessions
• Communicate effectively with program staff regarding Member development and support strategies
• Contribute to program improvements and Member success planning

Program Implementation Responsibilities

Pod Leaders must faithfully implement:

• The 12-Module Service Code 110 Staff Program Manual
• Structured daily program activities
• Prompting and support strategies are outlined in the curriculum
• Member safety and independence development protocols

Pod Leaders are responsible for ensuring the curriculum is delivered consistently and with fidelity across all Members.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED required
• Associate's or Bachelor’s degree in a related field preferred (Human Services, Psychology, Education, Social Work, Rehabilitation, or related field)
• Experience supporting individuals with intellectual or developmental disabilities preferred
• Experience in community-based support or training programs preferred
• Ability to work independently in community environments

Required Skills

Successful Pod Leaders demonstrate:

• Strong observation and situational awareness
• Patience and supportive coaching ability
• Excellent interpersonal communication
• Problem-solving in real-time community situations
• Ability to fade supports appropriately
• Strong documentation skills
• Ability to model appropriate social behavior

Physical Requirements

• Ability to walk and navigate community environments for extended periods
• Ability to accompany Members in public spaces and community settings
• Ability to lift up to 25 pounds if needed
• Ability to remain alert and responsive during community outings

Work Environment

Pod Leaders work in community-based environments, including:

• Parks
• Shopping areas
  libraries
• Restaurants
• Community centers
• Transportation locations
• Recreational areas

This role requires regular movement between locations and active participation in community activities.

Supervision

The Service Code 110 Pod Leader reports directly to the 110 Program Coordinator, who provides:

• Program oversight
• Staff coaching and training
• Curriculum implementation guidance
• Performance evaluation

Training Provided

All Pod Leaders receive training in:

• The Inclusion Way program philosophy
• The 12-Module Service Code 110 curriculum
• Prompting and support fading strategies
• Member safety protocols
• Documentation standards
• Incident reporting procedures
• Community engagement facilitation

Desired Personal Qualities

The Inclusion Way seeks Pod Leaders who are:

• Compassionate
• Observant
• Patient
• Adaptable
• Community-oriented
• Respectful of member autonomy\
• Committed to developing member independence

Advancement Opportunity

Pod Leaders who demonstrate strong leadership, program implementation, and Member outcomes may have opportunities to advance into:

• Senior Pod Leader roles
• Program Specialist positions
• Program Director track positions