Independent Living Skills Trainer Position

Location: Remote | Region 9 Area
Hours: Varies
Compensation:  $15.25-$16.47/hr dependent on Experience
NATURE OF WORK
This position is responsible for providing direct support, positive direction, and assistance to individuals receiving Waivered, Semi-Independent Living Services (SILS), and other Independent Living programs involving skills training to both adults and youth with disabilities within the individual’s home and community so that each individual may achieve the maximum level of independence possible. Positions at this level report to and receive direction from the Independent Living Program Manager.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS AND RESPONSIBILITIES
Provide Independent Living Skills Training and assistance to adults and youth with disabilities within their home and community.  This position trains, teaches and assists each consumer in learning activities associated with daily living. Implementing the consumer’s Coordinated Service and Support Plan (CSSP) and/or the CSSP Addendum focusing on individual choice in the following areas:

  • Meal planning, preparation, and shopping;
  • First aid skills, responding to emergencies and symptoms of illness;
  • Money management;
  • Self-administration of prescription and nonprescription medication;
  • Use of telephone and other public utilities;
  • Development of social, recreational and transportation abilities;
  • Development of more appropriate behaviors for consumers displaying inappropriate behaviors;
  • Personal appearance and hygiene;
  • Apartment or living environment maintenance;
  • Rights and responsibilities of community living;
  • Socialization skills i.e. self-esteem, communication, goal setting, problem solving;
  • Sexuality;
  • Educational and employment options;
  • Self-advocacy;
  • Disability awareness; and
  • Other identified needs as determined by the consumer and/or support team.
  • Community resources including but not limited to police, fire, and hospital emergency services, rental and public assistance.

Reports and/or documents routine and unusual events including, but not limited to, daily progress notes, incident reports, and outcome data sheets in a concise, understandable, and legible manner.
Maintain open communication and cooperative work efforts with other staff to assure quality support to people served.  Attend all team meetings and provide input to the Independent Living Specialist relating to the program needs of the consumer.
Maintain and expand skill and knowledge relevant to providing quality support and service.  Obtains and maintains all required certifications and trainings and applies the information to support people served.
Maintain confidentiality and support privacy at all times.
Perform other duties as assigned.

WORKPLACE ATTENDANCE AND PARTICIPATION

  • Attend work as scheduled.
  • Report absences within organizational policies.
  • Manage assigned work schedule, making necessary scheduling accommodations to attend required training, meet unannounced requests and changes, and meet the needs of the consumers.
  • Efficiently complete responsibilities and assigned tasks in an unsupervised environment.
  • Exercise professionalism in dress and conduct as well as appropriate representation of the agency.
  • Perform job duties based on the mission, philosophy, and values of the agency.
  • Maintain effective working relationships with consumers, other service providers and co-workers.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
Education and Experience

  • Minimum qualifications require a high school diploma combined with at least one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities preferably in the area of Independent Living Skills training.
  • Have a valid driver’s license and insurance.
  • Ability to clear and maintain clearance of background checks as defined by regulation and policies

Knowledge & Abilities

  • Knowledge of human disabilities and their characteristics.
  • Knowledge of independent living skills and its facilitation.
  • Knowledge of human services programs, practices and procedures.
  • Ability to administer independent living skills training.
  • Possess good verbal, reading, and written communication skills.
  • Possess basic math and computer skills
  • Demonstrated ability to use sound judgment in carrying out instructions.

Ability to work with a diverse population of individuals with disabilities

In compliance with the Americans with Disability Act the following represents the Physical/Environmental demands. (In all cases, reasonable accommodations will be considered.)

  • This position requires sitting, standing, and walking.
  • Weights of objects to be lifted, carried, pushed, or pulled rarely exceed 24 lbs.
  • Simultaneous use of the hands, wrists, and fingers is sometimes required.
  • Movements such as climbing, stooping, crouching, twisting, bending, reaching, handling, fingering, and feeling are sometimes required.
  • Audio, visual, and verbal functions are vital aspects to performing this position.
  • The majority of the workday is spent with some exposure to outdoor elements including dust, fumes, noise, glare, smoke and allergens within the community.

Note: This job description is subject to change at the discretion of SMILES.

Ready to Apply?

To apply please click the ‘Download Application’ button below (pdf).  Print, complete and submit the application along with your resume to:

Attention: Erica Rewitzer
By Mail: 709 S Front Street Mankato MN 56001
By e-Mail: ERewitzer@smilescil.org

Download Application

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