Life Skills Instructor

Job Description

Job Description

Life Skills Instructor

Villa of Hope helps youth and families rebuild relationships, recover from trauma and renew Hope for their future.

JOB TITLE : Life Skills Instructor

POSITION GRADE : 73 salary range : 15hr-20hr commensurate with education and experience

FLSA STATUS : Non-Exempt

DEPARTMENT / PROGRAM : LIFE Program

SUPERVISOR : Program Manager

JOB SUMMARY :

Under the general direction of the LIFE Program Manager, the Life Skills Instructor (LSI) provides quality care and supervision for clients within the Residential Addiction Treatment Program, helping to carry out the treatment plan designed for each client.

The Life Skills Instructor is responsible for program documentation, LIFE House security, environment of care, and will teach and support clients with basic living skills.

The Life Skills Instructor is relied upon for problem solving within the milieu. The LSI implements all rules and expectations with consistency and fidelity, supports staff on shift, and punctually completes all required documentation with integrity.

The LSI carries out all job responsibilities with fidelity and accountability to the Agency’s Mission, Vision, Values, Guiding Principles and Strategic Plan.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS :

• Exercises full compliance with the Agency’s Code of Conduct, all agency policies and procedures, and federal and state laws and regulations.
• Provides individual and group supervision to clients in care and accounts for all clients in their care at all times.
• Understands and maintains youth to staff ratio including remaining on shift until relief staff arrive and a shift debrief is completed.
• Directs and participates in the cleanliness and upkeep of the residence, reports needed repairs to the Program Manager.
• Supervises medication and record documentation, reports medical problems, and follows medical directives.
• Responsible for establishing and maintaining a safe and therapeutic environment while adhering to all safety standards, state regulations, agency policies, and Sanctuary and Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) models.
• Employs approved crisis intervention / prevention techniques utilizing accepted practices per agency policy.
• Leads and participates in recreation and leisure time activities.
• Conducts premises searches to ensure the safety and security of LIFE House staff and residents.
• Transports clients to off-campus activities (i.e. home visits, appointments, or other treatment-related visits).
• Assists clients in bedtime and morning routines.
• Fulfills all legal requirements as a Mandated Reporter under NYS law and professional ethical standards.
• Maintains confidentiality and security for all client and staff related materials and / or records.
• Works closely with treatment team in constructing and maintaining treatment and individual crisis support plans for individual youth and for group.
• Builds positive caring relationships with youth based on respect, trust and effective communication.
• Assists youth with learning basic skills in daily living such as meal preparation, clothing care, household and school-related responsibilities.
• Models professional attendance standards, including punctuality to work, meetings, trainings, etc.
• Documents interactions of LIFE youth on daily basis to ensure effective communication to the treatment team.
• Works effectively with the treatment team to facilitate team and individual development to foster meaningful and harmonious relationships among team members, and to ensure that each team member and the team itself is accountable for the success of the youth.
• Participates in treatment process by attending team meetings, facilitating groups and maintaining clear and timely documentation regarding client treatment.

OTHER RESPONSIBLITIES :

• Upholds established policies and procedures and makes suggestions for improvement as needed.
• Demonstrates, promotes, and practices cultural competency towards clients, families and staff with respect and understanding achieved through training and agency cultural activities.
• Performs other responsibilities as designated by the LIFE program leadership.

QUALIFICATIONS :

• Minimum of a High School Diploma or GED required; Associate’s degree in Human Services preferred
• Experience working with adolescents within a human services field strongly preferred
• First Aid, CPR & AED Certification preferred (Agency will provide)
• Valid NYS driver’s license in good standing

SPECIAL SKILLS :

• Ability to think critically and make decisions during crisis situations
• Necessary stamina and temperament to work with youth (ages 12 21) who have significant substance abuse histories.
• Strong written and verbal communications skills
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality
• Ability to work in fast-paced environment

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS :

The following lists physical demands an employee will perform on a regular basis : standing, walking, sitting, bending, stooping, squatting, kneeling and climbing.

Must be able to perform a variety of household tasks, climb stairs, move throughout the cottage or group home, work cooperatively in a team environment and quickly respond to emergencies.

This position requires successful completion of Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) training, which includes a written test and LSI demonstration.

Staff must successfully complete all required TCI refreshers in order to maintain continued employment.

Additionally, this position further requires successful completion and maintenance of TCI Associate Level Certification either at time of, or within the first year employment.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully complete Therapeutic Crisis Intervention Training : the ability to drop repeatedly to knees, twist and turn, exert oneself physically at an intense level, and support another adult’s weight.

Position also requires employee to transport clients utilizing an agency vehicle.

COMPTENCIES : Leading Self

Leading Self

Character and Courage (Integrity and Trust)

Leading Others

Customer Focus

Leading the Organization

• Commitment to Diversity, Inclusion, Justice and Equity
30+ days ago