SLS INSTRUCTOR

SLS Instructor

The SLS Instructor provides one-on-one individual instruction and training to encourage independence at the highest possible level. SLS Instructors serve as advocates and liaisons on behalf of the individuals being supported. Our Instructors strive to develop strong personal relationships with the individuals they support, the Instructor assists in maximizing the individual's successful community integration.

Essential Duties

• Employment Preparation: Provide supervision to the individual while acquiring skills necessary for successful employment. This includes supporting the individual with personal appearance/hygiene, screening/application/interview process, building a network, preparing a resume, time management, communication, working under direct supervision and safety awareness.
• Communication Skills: Provide supervision to the individual while accessing facilitated communication devices which may include Braille, Sign Language, finger spelling, augmentative devices, development of adaptations as per choice, mannerism, etc. Provide training and supervision on how to use a telephone, cell phone, internet, etc.
• Mobility Training: Provide supervision and training to the individual on how to access public transportation, familiarizing themselves with bus routes, DMV materials, obtaining bus passes, etc.
• Education Training: Provide supervision and training on how to enroll in classes, apply for financial aid, school/class selection, maintain attendance, complete assignments, encourage, etc. Training may include parent skills, family life education and sexual education.
• Money Management: Provide supervision and training how to budget, make change, purchase, count, comparisons.
• Self Help Skills: Provide supervision and train individuals in basic hygiene tasks and at times tend to individual with bathing and assist the individuals with proper dressing for weather and environment.
• Environmental Awareness and Public Adaptation: Provide supervision and training on how to safely and confidently access public professionals, develop natural supports in all settings.
• Personal and Public Safety Skills: Provide supervision and training in recognizing stranger danger safety skills, recognition of safe vs. unsafe environments, street safety skills.
• Emergency Preparedness: Provide supervision and training on how to remain safe in the event of an emergency such as fire, earthquake, and any other emergency. Promote awareness of the use and purpose of 911 and emergency services.
• Community Resources Awareness: Provide supervision and support in most advantageous access of all possible public/community resources.
• Health and Fitness: Provide supervision, training and support with diet programs, exercise, medical conditions, making healthy food choices, etc.
• Health Assistance and Medication: Provide supervision and support for individual during medical appointments by communicating updates or concerns regarding health and/or medication. Also, provide supervision, training, and support to individual with following proper storage, documentation, and procedures for medication. SLS Instructors will NOT administer medication at any point.
• Home Maintenance: Provide supervision and training to individual on maintaining a safe and clean-living environment. Also, able to provide support on completing necessary laundry tasks.
• Self-Advocacy Skills: Provide supervision and support to the individual with becoming aware of their rights, identifying when their rights are being violated, use of legal rights, self-reliance, self-esteem, empowerment, etc.
• Living Options: Provide supervision and training to individual on making choices on living location, living alone or having roommates, cost of living, etc.
• Benefit Planning: Provide supervision and training of individual while accessing Medi-Cal benefits, applying for SSI, Medi-Cal, assist and train the individual how to make appointments, cancel appointments, attend appointments, Immigration/citizen process, etc.
• Shopping skills: Provide supervision and support with shopping for groceries in the community. SLS Instructors will support individual in making healthy food choices and assist with budgeting and price comparison.

The above reflects the general details necessary to describe the principle and essential functions of the position and shall not be construed as the only duties that may be assigned for the position.

Behavioral Competencies:

• Drives Vision & Purpose - Paints a compelling picture of our Mission that motivates others to take bold action.
• Quality Decisions - Leverage data to think critically and involves the expertise of others to make timely decisions centered around the PWS and our employees.
• Action Orientated - Takes on new opportunities and challenges with a sense of urgency, high energy and enthusiasm and adjusts quickly.
• Drives Results - Consistently achieves results, even under new, ambiguous, or tough circumstances.
• Courageous - Steps into difficult situations, saying what needs to be said to advance Bethesda's Mission.
• Instills Trust - Gains the confidence of others through honesty, integrity, transparency and accountability.
• Drives Engagement - Creates an environment where people are motivated to do their best.
• Cultivates Innovation - Encourages creating new and better ways to do our work.

Knowledge Skills & Abilities

• At least 6 months direct supervision in the field of working with individuals with developmental disabilities population.
• Ability to read, analyze and interpret general regulations.
• Ability to write legible and accurate notes relating to an individual's goals/objectives.
• Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions to the consumer, circle of support, Regional Center and/or general public.
• Able to speak English and any language based on the individual needs.
• Ability to use independent judgment during services and emergencies.
• Possess a cell phone to be used to communicate with management and complete payroll responsibilities (view schedule, submit Time-Off request, punch in/out, and other duties).

Minimum Job Qualifications:

• Education: Possess a High School Diploma/GED
• License, Registrations or Certifications: As applicable, must possess a valid driver's license and good driving record as defined by Bethesda policy. Shall have a fingerprint, criminal clearance record; shall have on record a TB screening clearance. Shall have a valid certificate of training in first aid/CPR. Some positions may require access to vehicle in sound operating condition and proof of current auto insurance. Clear background checks as defined by regulations and policies.
• Experience: Additional experience with people with developmental disabilities preferred or as required by regulations.
• Physical Demands: Ability to lift at least 50 pounds. Ability to do daily standing, bending, and lifting. Must be able to stand for 8 hours at a time.

Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.