Life Skills Instructor - FY 25-26 # 97

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:

1. Minimum possession of a High School Diploma or a G.E.D.
2. 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.
3. 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.
4. Must have excellent interpersonal skills.
5. The ability to obtain and maintain certifications in CPR, First Aid, PMT and DDS State Medication Administration.
6. 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:

1. Monitor consumer behavior and implement consumer behavior management programs or other programs as applicable. Document everything on appropriate forms.
2. Document all shift activities and incidents in the log and on consumers in Therap.
3. Provide programmatic and statistical reports as required.
4. 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.
5. Maintain a professional attitude with co-workers, management, outside agencies, etc.
6. 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.
7. 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.
8. 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.
9. 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.
10. To fulfill delegated responsibilities and report at staff meetings on such duties as required.
11. Act as an advocate and appropriate role model for consumers, and to treat individuals with respect and dignity.
12. Assist or complete any necessary hygiene needed for consumers.
13. Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned individuals in order to address issues of progress, problems, interests, etc.
14. Assist in supervising and safely transporting residents to community activities, day programs, job, errands, social events, etc.
15. Know and follow emergency procedures for fire, hurricanes, power outages, accidents or other serious incidents affecting individuals. Immediately notifies supervisor in all emergency situations.
16. Assist guardians, parents and other people in understanding and working towards implementing normalization/person-centered-planning principles in contact with individuals.
17. 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).
18. Assume responsibility for an assigned caseload of individuals in the program and to perform