Graduate Assistant Instructor Jobs in Cortland, IL

The Association for Individual Development (AID) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to empower people with physical, developmental, intellectual, mental health challenges; those who have suffered a trauma; and those at risk, to enjoy lives of dignity and purpose.  We are looking for a Direct Support Professional Community Day Services Instructor who demonstrates this mission and wants to work for an organization that makes a difference in the community.

Schedule Hours: Monday-Friday 8:30a-3:30p 

What you will be doing?

The DSP – CDS Instructor is responsible to provide meaningful activities, training, and classes under the direction of the Program Manager. The DSP – CDS Instructor is responsible to utilize the person’s Implementation Strategy or Individual Plan and Behavior Support Strategies and implement the supports, care, and goals or objectives within. The DSP – CDS Instructor will support people in conformance with the agency’s mission, as assigned by the Program Manager, Director, or designee, and according to the needs of the person, program, and/or the agency as a whole. The DSP – CDS Instructor maintains all applicable documentation, records, and reports related to provided services and supports, and functions as a member of the Interdisciplinary Team. The DSP – CDS Instructor provides input and information to the IDT as needed.  The DSP – CDS Instructor is responsible for the accuracy and quality of all assigned sub-contract work performed, if assigned. The Community Day Service program and the DSP – CDS Instructor provides services for people from diverse backgrounds, embraces differences in individuals, and promotes a positive attitude with peers and community members.  

Essential Job Responsibilities 

• Actively engage, teach, and involve clients in daily, meaningful activities in a variety of settings, including in the community 
• Participate in all program activities alongside clients, including volunteering, outdoor activities, swimming (where applicable) and community outings 
• Initiates, plans, and executes activities and events for assigned clients within programmatic guidelines 
• Compute daily attendance counts and accurately document to enter into the payroll system as assigned (where applicable) 
• Maintain a safe environment for self and clients, and react appropriately to emergency situations whether at the base location or elsewhere 
• Assist clients with personal care tasks, and implement training programs for individuals to learn to complete personal care tasks independently, as assigned 
• Demonstrate good verbal and written communication skills in order to provide appropriate instruction to clients, and as well as accurate documentation 
• Understand and implement objectives, support needs, and personal goals from Implementation Strategies or Individual Plans for clients as assigned  
• Facilitate programming or activities as directed, including client swim programs, outdoors, and outside of base location or elsewhere 
• Complete and submit all required documentation in a timely manner, including data sheets, incident reports and attendance sheets 
• Remain informed of assigned clients medical and dietary support needs and provide those supports daily and consistently 
• Understand and implement Behavior Support Strategies as assigned, and respond to emergency behavioral incidents should they occur 
• Participate as an active member of the interdisciplinary team, giving input and information to the team in order to provide insight, feedback, and recommendations to meet the client’s needs effectively as requested  
• Works cooperatively and respectfully with others 

What will we provide Full Time employees. Benefits_Summary.pdf 

• 21 Days of Paid Time Off plus 10 Paid Holidays 
• Paid training
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Benefits including Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, STD, LTD, Critical Illness and accident insurance
• 401K with a 3.5% company contribution after one year.

What will you bring to the table?

Education: 

• High School graduate/GED transcript and five years experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities 

OR 

• An Associate’s Degree in a Human Services or related field and three years experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities 

OR 

• A Bachelor’s Degree in a Human Services or related field and one year experience working directly with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities 

License/certifications: Completed DHS-approved Direct Support Person (DSP) training and included on the Illinois Health Care Worker registry preferred 

Experience:  Experience working with people requiring specialized behavioral and/or medical supports preferred 

Physical: 

• Requires significant walking and standing daily, with occasional running for short periods of time 
• Must be able to push, pull, reach, stoop, and bend 
• Must be able to lift or move up to 50 lbs, with no physical or medical restrictions 
• Must be able to assist individuals with their physical needs and personal care, including a two-person lift or transfer, with no physical or medical restrictions 
• Must be able to intervene physically using applied CPI techniques and/or restraints after training, with no physical or medical restrictions  

Equipment:  

• Using a PC computer and printer
• Using household appliances competently and safely, such as stove, microwave, washer/dryer, vacuum 
• Using a phone and voicemail system 
• Using office equipment such as copy machines, calculators, shredder or fax machine 
• Using adaptive equipment as assigned, such as Hoyer lift, iPad, communication devices, scales, or other assistive devices
• Using a walkie talkie or intercom system when assigned 

Other Requirements: 

• Minimum age requirement is 18 years old 
• Valid, unexpired, Illinois driver’s license and good driving record as defined by AID’s driver eligibility requirements 
• Minimum liability insurance as defined by AID’s personnel policy 
• Ability to transport clients in agency and/or personal vehicle as assigned 
• Complete DHS-approved Direct Support Person (DSP) training within 120 days of hire OR have already completed DSP training and appears on the Health Care Worker Registry 
• Complete and maintain assigned trainings and certifications as required by program location, including, but not limited to: CPR/FA, CPI, Positive Behavior Supports, AID’s Health Curriculum and others as assigned 
• Ability to complete job requirements with minimal supervision 
• Ability to provide crisis intervention when needed, and work as part of a team to support individuals with complex needs 
• Attend in-service trainings as required 
• Demonstrate effective written and oral communication skills 
• Demonstrate proficient computer skills 
• Good interpersonal skills, and maintain professional interaction with co-workers and supervisory staff

If we seem like a good fit, consider joining our growing team of compassionate, hardworking, and caring individuals, and start your path toward a fulfilling career that you can be proud to work.