Life Skills Assistant

JOB SUMMARY: 

Assists the Life Skills Coach with planning, organizing, and providing a comprehensive therapeutic adult day program to adults with disabilities. Conducts daily activities, to facilitate individual learning experiences, and assists in the development of living skills consistent with the participant’s objectives identified in the Individual Support Plan (ISP)/ Plan of Care (POC) and with the program design. Works collaboratively with ESWG’s administration and other staff to ensure all aspects of the program development and delivery are consistent with ESWG’s mission. 

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

·         Assists with implementing the ISP/POC for participants in assigned room under the instruction of the Life Skills Coach, Adult Director, VP of Programs and Services, and Assessment Specialist.  Is responsible for the implementation of the above-mentioned plans in the absence of the Life Skills Coach. 

·         Promotes and implements activities which include activities of daily living skills (ADLs).  Activities are to include a variety of materials and experiences which enhance learning experiences for each adult.

·         Is responsible for the implementation of the above-mentioned plans in the absence of the Life Skills Coach. 

·         Encourages adults to develop good nutritional habits. 

·         Provides personal care assistance and instruction for participants which may include feeding, grooming and toileting.

·         Supervises activities to ensure safety at all times following established safety standards.

·         Advises Adult Director, VP of Programs and Services, or classroom Life Skills Coach of any irregularities or changes observed in a participant’s appearance and/or behavior.

·         Assists with maintaining all assigned documentation and participant records. Tracks changes relevant to goals and objectives. 

·         Respects and preserves the dignity, personal safety and confidentiality of all persons served by or employed by ESWG.  Maintains effective and cooperative work relations with others.

·         Greets caregivers, visitors, and volunteers to ensure a welcoming and warm environment.

• Advises the Adult Director and Transportation Coordinator on activities during community outings which affect program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.

·         Reports any evidence of abuse and/or neglect immediately to Adult Director or a member of the Administrative Team (President/ CEO, VP of Programs and Services, Adult Director, and Nurse/Safety Director).

·         Notifies supervisor of supplies needed before depletion, maintenance required, or equipment needing repair.

·         Adheres to ESWG's policies and procedures, and appropriate licensing and accreditation standards.

·         Performs routine housekeeping duties to keep assigned room, facility, and outdoor areas clean and neat.

·         Attends staff meetings as required.

·         Attends in-service training to maintain and increase knowledge and skills in the field of adult day services and special education.  Successfully completes at least 20 hours of training per year.  Maintains current First Aid, CPR and CPI certifications.

·         Performs other duties as assigned by the Directors.

Direct care staff have responsibilities to assist as community outings assistants and as a van assistants.

• Assists riders in/out of van. 
• Supervises participants on van to always ensure safety.  While participants remain on the van, either the driver or the other staff member will be with the participants at all times.  AT NO TIME SHALL A PARTICIPANT BE LEFT ALONE ON THE VAN.
• Provides the participants with a pleasant environment while riding on the van. 
• Follows established safety standards.
• Check wheelchair lock downs and seat belts prior to departure.
• Ensures transportation and outing records are completed as required.
• Performs/assists with physical care for each participant, if needed. Advises Transportation Coordinator, Adult Director, VP of Programs and Services, or classroom teacher of any irregularities or changes observed in a participant’s appearance and/or behavior.
• Reports any concern for the participants or the van to a director immediately.

WORKING EXPECTATIONS: 

• Participants are supervised at all times. Under no circumstances are participants to be left unattended.
• Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors and other staff. 
• Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.
• In addition to the indoor program, staff will tolerate an outdoor work environment inclusive of a variety of weather conditions.
• To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews.  Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1-3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS: 

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Has education or experience working with adults in a rehabilitation, educational or adult day facility preferred.
• Good interpersonal skills with adults required.
• Obtain fingerprint criminal background check clearance, including a DMV report, if driving vehicles.
• Communicate well orally and in writing.
• Interpret and carry out written or oral instructions.