About us:
Opportunity for Independence (OFI) is a nonprofit organization that advocates self-determination for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering individualized innovative services and behavioral supports to promote happy healthy lives.
Position Overview:
Supported Living Services (SLS) Skills Instructor
The Supported Living Services (SLS) Skills Instructor is a direct services position within the Supported Living Services Program (SLS) of Opportunity for Independence (OFI). OFI is an agency based in San Rafael, California that advocates for the self-determination of people with intellectual and developmental disabilities by offering an array of individualized innovative services and behavioral supports to promote happy healthy independence.
The SLS Skills Instructor works with an individual in their home and in the community supporting them to develop independent living skills and actively engage in community life. The SLS Skills Instructor’s responsibilities include assisting in tasks of daily living, teaching and modeling, and providing companionship in a variety of settings. In addition, the SLS Skills Instructor provides behavioral support to address specific behavioral challenges that may prevent an individual from successful independence and community and workforce integration. The Skills Instructor works within the context of a team and reports to the SLS Manager.
Major Tasks, Duties and Responsibilities:
Work with an individual in their home and in the community holding the interest of your participant at the center.
Implement daily, weekly, and monthly schedules, customized to engage individuals and support them in achieving their person-centered plan and ISP goals.
Accurately assess a situation and respond accordingly.
Redirect inappropriate behaviors and seek positive resolution to individual’s conflicts and difficulties by employing best practices in positive behavioral support interventions and relationship-based approaches.
Utilize non-violent physical crisis intervention tactics if a client presents a danger to themselves or others
Be a positive role model, demonstrating professional attitude, behavior and boundaries in all contexts and environments.
Create and maintain an environment which fosters growth and learning.
Advocate for the person in situations where they are unable to ensure their needs are met or to advocate for themselves (Ex: Laundry, grocery shopping, eating healthy, daily grooming and self-care)
Exercise discretion and professional judgment at all times in keeping with the responsibility carried personally and by the agency for the care and welfare of adults who are developmentally and intellectual disabilities.
Communicate professionally and proactively with clients, parents, family members, residential providers, social workers, employers and peers.
Support the Person-Centered Planning process and ISP development.
Document client progress and capture accurate case notes information in a concise, professional, and accurate manner
Complete paperwork and record keeping of data; case notes, client time sheets, behavioral tracking sheets, social recreation activities, and any other paperwork deemed necessary
Communicate using the Staff Communication Log ensuring a professional tone
Demonstrate effective conflict resolution with other colleagues
Engage individual while encouraging positive peer interactions and healthy socialization
Prompt for tasks of daily living and other skills instruction
Keep Patient confidentiality
Communicate appropriate information to staff relieving your shifts, and to management, to help improve care of client.
Minimum Qualifications:
Supported Living Services previous experience highly preferrable or having a caregiving experience preferrable
High School diploma or General Education Diploma (GED), Associates or some College classes
Experience working with adults with developmental disabilities preferred
Have a valid driver’s license and a clean and insurable driving record
Must have a car in the working condition
Have First-Aid Basics and CPR training certification or ability to receive one upon hire
Will undergo criminal background check
Ability to remain professionally detached when engaging emotionally escalated participant(s) by remaining calm and not perceiving client statements or behavior as “personal” attacks.
Ability to demonstrate adequate judgment to make sound decisions and minimize participant risk while in emotional crisis
Must demonstrate creative problem-solving abilities sufficient to navigate unique situations, dynamics, and logistics
Working Conditions:
Must have Valid driver’s license and working, safe, car to drive clients where needed
Able to implement non-violent physical crisis intervention tactics if a client presents a danger to self or others
Able to visually observe participant behavior
Able to understand and interpret staff and participant behavior
Able to read, understand and interpret written instructions
Able to communicate and write legibly
Able to learn and administer medication properly through MARS
Able to get clients out for exercise, appointments, and activities
Able to communicate with the weekend manager with updates and daily assessments
Opportunity For Independence, Inc.
San Rafael, CA, 94901 Phone: (415) 450-8016
Office: (415) 721-7772; Fax: (415) 721-7782
www.ofiinc.org