Life Skills Instructor

Vista Autism Services; Camp Hill (Cumberland County); On-site; USD 32,000 - 42,000; Full time

Job summary

Vista Autism Services is seeking a Day Services Life Skills Instructor to support individuals with autism in the Community Integration Center and in the community. You will help build independent living and community participation skills through structured activities and real-life practice.

The role emphasizes safety, documentation, data collection, and collaboration with staff to promote dignity, respect, and pro-social behavior while guiding clients through daily living tasks and meaningful

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in related-service field is highly desirable and preferred.
• Strong organizational skills and leadership abilities are essential.
• Experience with individuals with autism using ABA principles is highly desired.
• CPR and first aid training completed or in progress.
• Pre-employment regulatory and safety screenings are required.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals in developing skills for independent community participation.
• Plan and implement activities to promote community engagement and social interaction.
• Ensure safety and well-being during community outings and activities.
• Provide emotional support to foster self-confidence and independence.
• Assist with activities of daily living as needed (toileting, cleaning, cooking, laundry).
• Maintain accurate documentation of progress and incidents.
• Collect data and monitor outcomes; document billing within 24 hours of service.

Skills

Leadership

Organizational skills

Multitasking

Typing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in related-service field highly desired

High School diploma or GED preferred

Tools

MS Office

CPR & First Aid training

ODP medication administration training

Job description

Job Description

The Day Services Life Skills Instructor provides services to individuals with autism and other intellectual disabilities in the Community Integration Center (CIC) and in the community. This role focuses on all aspects of integration, including gaining exposure to and exploring a variety of activities and experiences that build the skills necessary to gain independence in the home and in the community.

Essential Functions

• Support individuals in developing and maintaining skills necessary for independent community participation.
• Assist in planning and implementing activities that promote community engagement and social interaction.
• Ensure the safety and well-being of individuals during community outings and activities.
• Provide emotional support and encouragement to individuals to foster self-confidence and independence.
• Assist individuals with activities of daily living as needed including, but not limited to, toileting, cleaning, washing dishes, cooking, and doing laundry.
• Maintain accurate documentation of individual progress and incidents as required
• Collect data monitoring performance of the individuals supported and records progress related to identified outcomes
• Document billing within 24 hours of service delivery
• Record behavior support data as required
• Document consumer funds for each client daily
• Complete incident reporting form on day incident occurred, when applicable
• Transport individuals to and from specified community-based locations as needed. Work all assigned schedules, including arriving and departing on time, requesting time off in advance, and notifying your supervisor of changes to your assigned work schedule.
• Support individuals with building relationships with other participants within programming and the general community, assisting with exhibiting pro-social behavior and strengthening communication skills
• Treat individuals with dignity and respect
• Complete other duties as assigned

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITY

This position does not require supervisory responsibility.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. The following positions or frequent movements are typical of the job: sitting, walking, standing, reaching, pushing, pulling, lifting, stooping, running, and crawling, often for extended periods of the workday. Assignment may require the ability to physically move clients during possible physical interventions in order to maintain a safe learning environment. The position requires that an individual be able to learn new tasks quickly and effectively. Job requirements may change frequently. The ability to understand and carry out detailed, involved, instructions is mandatory. The incumbent must be able to travel to multiple locations as needed, when needed to conduct organizational business. Subject to inside environmental conditions.

EXPECTED SCHEDULE

This is a full-time 40-hour-per-week position, Monday through Friday 8am-4pm, unless otherwise approved.

Minimum Qualifications

• High School diploma or GED preferred
• Basic understanding of Microsoft Office products and Internet applications required
• Strong computer and typing skills required
• Community Participation Support Training required within 60 days of hire
• Clean driving record (no more than 2 moving violations in a 3 year span), valid PA driver’s license, current vehicle inspection, up-to-date vehicle registration, and proof of adequate insurance coverage required
• Successful completion of Vista's crisis intervention training
• Successful completion of CPR and first aid training
• Successful completion of ODP medication administration training
• Required passing of all pre-employment regulatory and safety-sensitive employee requirements including, but not limited to, PPD testing, physical exam, and drug tests

Specific Knowledge & Skills

• Bachelor’s degree in related-service field highly desired
• Experience working with individuals with Autism using principles of ABA highly desired
• Demonstrates leadership and organizational skills
• Effectively manage multiple priorities, projects and deadlines