Instructor Assistant Jobs in West Springfield, MA

GENERAL FUNCTION:

The Residential Instructor is responsible for the daily aspects of consumer supervision and program operations. Ensures all consumer progress is followed accurately and in a timely manner. Implements all Agency policies and procedures pertaining to the safety and welfare of the consumers and Agency property. Provides a fun, safe and healthy environment 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 Residential Instructor is directly accountable to the Residential Manager or said other person as may be substituted for the Residential 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. Document on appropriate forms all activity pertaining to the welfare of the home or consumer. This is to include but not limited to the following areas:
    1. Consumer/Visitor movement to or from home.
    2. Unusual incidents involving consumers, staff or other persons affecting the home.
    3. Seizures, the administration of medication, medication errors, accidents or other medical emergencies.
    4. Noticeable changes in consumer conduct, either positive or negative.
14. Distribute all medications according to each consumer's medication schedule and DDS Medication Certification guidelines and Agency policies.
15. Provide activities or programs (internally and externally) for consumers during each shift. Organize, supervise and interact with consumers from home and other group homes if applicable according to the needs and wants of the consumers.
16. Provide counseling or reinforcement to assigned consumers in order to address issues of progress, problems, interests, etc.
17. Assist in supervising and safely transporting residents to community activities, day programs, social events, etc.
18. Know and follow emergency home procedures for fire, hurricanes, power outages, accidents or other serious incidents affecting residents.
19. Assist guardians, parents and other people in understanding and working towards implementing normalization/person-centered-planning principles in contact with consumer.
20. Report and immediately 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.
21. Assist in shopping, meal preparation, set-up and clean-up when on duty.
22. 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.
23. Has thorough working knowledge of Agency policies and procedures.
24. Other duties as assigned by the Residential Manager, Assistant Residential Manager or from the upper management team.

EVALUATIONS:

The Residential 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. Residential Instructors may be required to perform other job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description.)