COMMUNITY SKILLS TRAINER - Independent Living Services

JOB DESCRIPTION
COMMUNITY SKILLS TRAINER

GENERAL STATEMENT:
While this position specifies responsibilities, requirements and duties in certain operational areas, this person is an employee at will of Independent Living Services and will be expected to respond to such requests not specifically contained herein. This person must maintain the attitude that he/she works for the total organization, and as such, exhibit proper cooperation, enthusiasm and interest in all areas deemed necessary for the continuing success of ILS programs. Knowledge of ILS Policy and Personnel Manuals is required.

JOB SUMMARY:
The community skills trainer (CST) provides direct services to people served by ILS. This person works directly under the supervision of the Managers. Regular contact with the supervisor is necessary. The CST will be part of a team consumers, service professionals, family members and others identified in the Service Plan/Individual Program Plan (IPP). The CST will provide services including supervision, training, assistance and support in identified areas of need outlined by the Service Plan/Individual Personal Plan (I.P.P.). Working one-on-one and in group settings, the CST will increase the consumer's life skills to positively impact each consumer's quality of life. ILS reserves the right to adjust employment hours and days of operation based upon requirements to fulfill contract obligations.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:
General duties and guiding principles:

• Focus first on the person being served, and understand that my role in direct supports will require flexibility, creativity, and commitment.
• Know and respect the values of the people I support and facilitate their expression of choices related to those values.
• Provide advocacy when the individual's preferences, needs, or talents are neglected or overlooked.
• Encourage growth and recognize the autonomy of the individuals receiving services while also being attentive reducing their risk of harm.
• Develop relationships with the individuals I support that are respectful, based on mutual trust, and that maintains professional boundaries.
• Address challenging behaviors proactively and respectfully, using methods outlined in the ILS Employee Handbook, and follow any behavior management plans in effect for specific individuals.
• Help individuals I support understand and express their rights and responsibilities.
• Recognize that each individual I provide services to has potential for lifelong learning and growth.
• Assist the individuals I support to understand their options and the possible consequences of their options as they relate to their physical and emotional health and well being.
• Be conscious of my own values and how they influence my professional decisions.
• Maintain competency in my profession through continued learning and attending and being an active participant in staff meetings and trainings.
• Assume responsibility and accountability for my actions and decisions.
• Recognize the importance of modeling valued behaviors to co-workers, individuals receiving services, and the community at large.
• Practice responsible work habits.
• Being on time for work
• Completing all necessary documentation to assure compliance with all state and federal regulations. These may include, but are not limited to: daily data sheets and clinic notes, attendance logs, time records, incident reports, behavior reports, accident reports, seizure reports, etc.
• Maintaining strict confidentiality for all consumer information, and facility operations

Integrated Supports are designed to assist individuals in acquiring skills necessary to reside successfully in home and community based settings. These services focus on assisting the individual to acquire, retain or improve their skills in various areas that directly affect his/her ability to reside as independently as possible in the community. These services and supports consist of the following:

1. SELF DIRECTION - identifying and responding to dangerous or threatening situations, and making decisions/choices affecting the
   individual's life.
2. MONEY MANAGEMENT - training and/or assisting in handling finances, making purchases, and meeting financial obligations.
3. DAILY LIVING SKILLS - training and/or assisting in routine housekeeping tasks, meal preparation, dressing, personal hygiene,
   self administration of medications and other areas of daily living including proper use of adaptive equipment and assistive devices, appliances, home safety, first aid and emergency procedures.
4. SOCIALIZATION - training and/or assisting in community activities participation and establishing relationships with peers.
5. COMMUNITY INTEGRATION - instructing individuals in daily and community living skills in integrated settings. Included in
   these activities are shopping, church attendance, sports, club participation, etc.
6. MOBILITY - training or assisting geared toward ease of movement within the person's living arrangements, use of adaptive aids
   and equipment, accessing transportation, independent travel or movement within the community.
7. COMMUNICATION - building vocabularies, developing effective language expression, teaching listening skills, and using
   augmentative communication devices.
8. BEHAVIOR SHAPING AND MANAGEMENT - training or assisting in appropriate expressions of emotions or desires,
   compliance, assertiveness, acquisition of socially appropriate behaviors, and reduction of inappropriate behaviors.
9. EXTENSION OF THERAPEUTIC SERVICES - conducting exercises or reinforcing physical, occupational, speech, and other
   therapeutic programs.

This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and employee will also perform other reasonable related job duties as assigned.

This organization reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the need arises. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.

Independent Living Services is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, age, orientation, religion, disability, ethnicity, origin, marital status, or veteran status.

QUALIFICATIONS:

• Preferably a High School Education or equivalent
• Valid AR driver's license in good standing
• Ability to safely operate any and all vehicles, business machines, and industrial equipment necessary for the successful operation of the program.
• Proof of vehicle liability insurance
• Ability to lift at a minimum of 25 pounds
• Maintain a current negative Health Card or chest x-ray (TB skin test).
• Successfully complete a minimum of 12 hours continuing education and training in topics relative to the position annually.
• Ability to observe and record programming and behavioral data.
• Ability to communicate clearly with staff and consumers verbally or utilizing other effective means.
• Knowledge of independent living skills
• Experience in areas of employment directly related to the performance of this job as included in the above "Job Duties and Responsibilities" is preferred.