The Life Skills Educator reports directly to the Site Director. This position provides intensive individual and group like skills training to 8-16 children aged 17 to 20 years old at the assigned site. The position requires the ability to teach basic independent living skills to clients in order for the clients to be successful after discharge from the program. The position requires documentation of client behaviors and actions using the computer. The position requires the flexibility to adjust hours in order to provide coverage at the site in the absence of other staff as needed. Weekend and holiday hours included.
JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:
Home Management - instructs clients in basic household management - how to clean,
proper nutrition, shopping, meal planning and cooking.
Self Care - Help clients improve self-image by teaching appropriate skills related to
grooming, dress habits and social skills.
Time Management - Help clients organize and develop a routine - facilitate completion of
daily responsibilities.
Participate in staffing with team and clients for assessment, treatment planning and
review.
Transport clients in agency vehicle to various community resources, schools, etc.
Participates in the development and implementation of continuous quality improvement
activities as assigned.
Ability to work effectively with clients and staff in a culturally diverse environment
Other duties as assigned that support clients, teams and LHYS services.
PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS:
Requires the ability to perform keen observation of clients by seeing, hearing an verbally communicating with coworkers and clients.
Must be able to walk up and down between two to four flights of stairs without assistance several times during the course of an 8-hour shift.
Lifting maximum of 50lbs.
Assist in client moves.
CORE COMPETENCIES:
Client Behavior Management
Awareness and understanding of a client's reactions
Understands client's mental health needs
Setting boundaries and using fair, consistent, and clear expectations
Sensitivity, awareness, and understanding of client's needs, problems, interests, skills, deficiencies, and idiosyncrasies
Observe, understand, and use group dynamics
Handle disruptive behaviors in a calm, professional manner
Utilize TCI de-escalation techniques when client becomes escalated
Follow the site schedule
Imagine how an action will affect the future of a situation
Recognize and react to various situations quickly and respond accordingly
Help clients become aware of their behavior
Client Relationship Building
Give full attention and understanding to points being made by clients; asks questions when appropriate and does not interrupt
Creates engaging activities for the clients to participate in and develop relationships
Serve as an effective role model
Use trustworthy, supportive, and child focused techniques
Teach and model the adult role such as honesty, individual initiative, integrity, responsibility, respect for others, respect for property, and respect of authority
Teach and model courtesy, manners, public behavior, meeting people, and reliability in school an job situations
Respect and work effectively with individuals of diverse culture, socioeconomic, and ethnic backgrounds
Site Activities
Facilitates psycho-educations groups
Facilitates life skills groups
Develops team building activities
Documents all services
Facilitates community support services
Communication and Documentation
Records daily documentation of clients behaviors and actions
Talk to clients and co-workers to convey information so that others understand
Write clearly and succinctly to ensure the appropriate message is conveyed
Use appropriate grammar, tone, sentence structure, etc.
Communicate pertinent information, such as crisis and safety issues
Consistently sign in and out of communication and vehicle logs
Follow up when information is unclear; ask questions
Complete all required paperwork accurately and on time
Effectively utilize agency provided computer to record client documentation
Checks email several times during shift.
Professional Development
Strive to learn new skills and improve current skill set through participation in in-service training and seminars
Assess performance of self to identify areas of improvement or corrective action
Recognize own strengths and weaknesses to identify individual development and career plans
Utilize supervision as an opportunity for growth and development; implement feedback and direction from supervisor
Willingly accept new challenges and adapt to change
Proactively seek out additional tasks and responsibilities to complete
Team Work
Read client and staff logs and checks schedule prior to starting shift
Communicate verbally with staff about previous shift
Support and assist team members in crisis situations and participate in TCI
Attend scheduled team meetings
Take initiative to suggest program improvements
Leaves unit in ratio
Professionalism and Work Conduct
Follow policies and procedures to maintain order, including agency's Code of Ethics and Staff Behavior Guidelines
Effectively manage own time to get work documentation and job responsibilities completed
Take responsibility for one's actions, job performance, team dynamics, and client interactions
Report to work, meetings and activities prepared and on time
Accept responsibility for agency property and equipment, such as vehicle use
PERSONAL CHARACTERISTICS:
Individuals most likely to succeed in this position generally possess the following personal characteristics:
Attention to detail
Commitment to complete tasks correctly and on time
Strong sense of duty
Act in accordance with rules, laws, policies, and procedures and expects others to do the same
Commitment to obligations
Conscientious
Somewhat faster than average pace
Steady persistence in a course of action
Task-oriented
High standards of quality and accuracy
Strong follow-through
Lead by example
QUALIFICATIONS:
Must be at least 21 years of age
Bachelor degree preferred or High School diploma or equivalent and 5 years related experience
At least one (1) year experience working with older youth in a child welfare setting
Knowledge of word processing and basic computer functions; intermediate to advanced level of computer skills required
Maintenance of a valid Illinois driver's license and DCFS approval status with no suspensions in effect in the previous three (3) years prior to hire
No history of child abuse or neglect
Ability to communicate clearly verbally and in writing
This position meets the FLSA requirements for Non-exempt.
Job descriptions are not intended, and should not be construed to be all-inclusive lists of all responsibilities, skills, efforts or working conditions associated with a job. While this job description is intended to be an accurate reflection of the job requirements, management reserves the right to modify, add or remove duties from particular jobs and to assign other duties as necessary.
Lawrence Hall Youth Services - 11 months ago
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