Job Summary

Works directly with clients, providing targeted training and skill development to enhance their employability by addressing specific functional limitations, often focusing on daily living skills and work readiness, to help them achieve vocational goals.

Essential Functions

1. Assists Developmental Instructor in conducting comprehensive assessments to identify individual needs, strengths, and areas for improvement.
2. Provides hands-on training in areas like personal hygiene, communication skills, time management, problem-solving, and other job-related skills depending on the client’s needs and goals.
3. Implements service strategies designed by the Developmental Instructor; works with the Developmental Instructor to modify strategies as needed to meet the needs of the client.
4. Implements assistive technology as needed.
5. Consistently assists clients in the area of self-help (eating, dressing, toileting, feeding, communication, etc).
6. Maintains data/record of client objectives as outlined by Personal Plan.
7. Passes prescribed and PRN medications to clients as outlined by DHS Rule 116.
8. Assumes responsibility for completing support services tasks (general cleaning of area, etc) as assigned.
9. Represents Hope in a professional manner both on and off campus.
10. Supports Hope Residential Academy; adhering to job expectations when operating within that program.

Marginal Functions

Performs other duties as required or assigned which are reasonably within the scope of duties enumerated above.

Working Conditions

Working conditions can include a ‘workshop-type’ environment for adults with intellectual or developmental disabilities; intermittent exposure to loud sounds and potential injury (due to loud client verbalizations and potential aggressive behaviors). Will include traveling to and from clients’ homes for pickup/drop off involving significant usage of a motor vehicle as well as maintenance of an active state approved driver license in addition to the ability to acquire and maintain Illinois Bus Driver certification requirements to drive a 7-passenger van within 9 months. The position will require the ability to pass medications as prescribed and in accordance with DHS Rule 116 guidelines. The environment is fast-paced, and requires frequent interaction with staff, clients, and administrators.

Physical Requirements

A typical day will require a mix of being seated using computer or other electronic device (keyboard, mouse, tablet), as well as prolonged periods of walking, standing, and engaging or supporting various clients as needed; must be able to lift, push, pull and carry a minimum of 100 pounds at a time; assume and maintain a variety of postures for extended periods of time such as: kneeling, crouching, crawling, stooping, sitting, standing, walking, grasping and running; requires supporting clients and/or adaptive equipment; willingness and ability to make quick body movements. This position may require the ability to bend, twist or stoop on a repetitive or continuous basis, the ability to use one’s hands to handle, control or feel objects and will require the visual acuity to see the details of screens or objects that are more than a few feet away. Requires the ability to operate various business instruments including computer, tablet, iPad, copier, or fax machine requiring manual dexterity as well as the ability to pass a physical agility test at the time of hire; will require the use of de-escalation techniques including but not limited to physical restraint in accordance with Hope’s policies.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

Knowledge of compliance in client rights and program delivery as defined in the Illinois Department of Mental Health Code and the Confidentiality Act.

Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design for on-the-job training, teaching and instruction for adult individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.

Knowledge of evidence-based practice in the treatment of persons with autism and developmental disabilities.

Skill in cultural competency and the ability to communicate effectively in a culturally sensitive manner with both individuals and groups from diverse backgrounds.

Ability to successfully work with a diverse group of people, to build effective teams, and achieve results through others.

Ability to communicate with guardians, staff, visitors, etc in a professional and courteous manner.

Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you.

Ability to communicate effectively in both oral and written form.

Ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.

Ability to maintain records of materials, supplies, time, and work performed.

Ability to recognize, analyze, and solve a variety of problems.

Ability to exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Ability to handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure.

Ability to apply general rules to specific problems to produce answers that make sense.

Ability to handle confidential information with discretion.

Ability to establish, develop and maintain cooperative relationships with co-workers.

Ability to recognize behavioral signs of illness, pain, injury, discomfort or any deviation from client normal behavior and reports those deviations to the appropriate person.

Training, Academic and Experiential Requirements

Qualified candidates must be a minimum of 21 years of age or older, have a high school diploma or GED and a valid Driver License. Candidates will be required to complete DSP or DD Aide training and may be required to work mandatory overtime across Hope Residential Academy.

Preferred Qualifications

1. Experience supporting adults in a community day services setting

Hope is an equal opportunity employer.