Skills Instructor - Traditional

Advocates; Sterling (MA); On-site; USD 52,349,000 - 61,992,000; Full time

Job summary

Advocates is a nonprofit organization serving adults with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, and other life difficulties. The Skills Instructor role is an entry-level, hands-on position at Advocates' Day Services site in Ashland, supporting adults and collaborating with a team of Case Managers, Employment Coaches, and Program Managers.

The position offers a starting rate of $18.50/hour, Monday through Friday 8am–4pm, with opportunities to develop daily living and community

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or GED.
• One year of experience in a training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to work with diverse populations; strong communication skills.

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to identify and develop goals and plans to address concerns, wants or needs.
• Provide ongoing support through personal care, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Collaborates with the Case Manager to provide developmental skills training including training in self-care, self-preservation, receptive and expressive communication, self direction, activities of daily living, hygiene, grooming and first aid.
• Collaborates with case manager to create and implement a comprehensive written therapeutic service plan (DHSP) for all assigned individuals.
• Complete all documentation which supports DHSP plan.
• Initiate a proactive approach towards advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills with individuals, families, funding sources, consultants, the community at large, program and administrative team.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a team and perform job duties with minimal supervisory intervention.
• Must hold a valid drivers' license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

Skills

Verbal communication

Written communication

Team collaboration

Driver's license

Education

High School Diploma/GED

Job description

Overview

Starting rate: $18.50/hour

Schedule: Monday through Friday 8am-4pm

The Skills Instructor position is a hands-on, entry-level role working with adults who have an intellectual or developmental disability, autism, or a brain injury. In this role, you will work with a larger team at Advocates' Day Services location in Ashland, including other Skills Instructors, Case Managers, Employment Coaches, and Program Managers. You will assist program participants with activities of daily living, provide developmental skills training through recreational and therapeutic services, and encourage community integration. You will assist in developing and following Service Plans for those we support, as well as teaching and role modeling daily living skills and positive behaviors. Serving as a skills instructor is a rewarding way to begin a career in education and/or human services.

Who We Are

At Advocates, we provide comprehensive services for people facing developmental, mental health, or other life challenges.

We're a nonprofit, mission-driven organization with a person-centered approach, empowering the individuals we support to make choices, build independence, and live full, meaningful lives. Our work is rooted in respect, compassion, and inclusion, and we envision a world where individual differences are appreciated and celebrated.

At Advocates, we value the ideas, experiences, and contributions of employees and are committed to fostering a supportive, welcoming culture where everyone can grow and thrive.

Minimum Education Required

High School Diploma/GED

Shift

First Shift

Responsibilities

• Assist individuals to identify and develop goals and plans to address any concerns, wants or needs.
• Provide ongoing support, through personal care, guidance and role modeling for individuals.
• Collaborates with the Case Manager to provide developmental skills training including training in self-care, self-preservation, receptive and expressive communication, self direction, activities of daily living, hygiene, grooming and first aid.
• Collaborates with case manager to create and implement a comprehensive written therapeutic service plan (DHSP) for all assigned individuals.
• Complete all documentation which supports DHSP plan.
• Initiate a proactive approach towards focusing on individual advocacy, empowerment, and community integration.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills with individuals, families, funding sources, consultants, the community at large, program and administrative team.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a team and perform job duties with minimal supervisory intervention.
• Must hold a valid drivers' license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent degree and one year of experience in a training program for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Strongly prefer that a candidate will have a demonstrated understanding of and competence in serving diverse populations.
• Demonstrate strong verbal and written communications skills with individuals, families, funding sources, consultants, the community at large, program and administrative team.
• Demonstrate an ability to work as a team and perform job duties with minimal supervisory intervention.
• Must hold a valid drivers' license. Must have access to an operational and insured vehicle and be willing to use it to transport individuals.

Advocates is committed to cultivating a diverse and welcoming community where everyone feels respected and valued. Advocates fosters a culture of inclusion that celebrates and promotes diversity along multiple dimensions, including race, ethnicity, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, partnered status, age, national origin, socioeconomic status, religion, ability, culture, and experience.

We are committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants.

If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application, interview or hiring process, please contact Human Resources.