Life Skills Trainer-DSP

Verland is currently seeking a Life Skills Trainer to join our team. This position requires working closely with one Individual on a daily basis in primarily the Residential environment but may also include working with the individual at Main Campus for paid work program (Equestrian Awareness) and other related duties as needed. The work involves providing the Individual with direct supervision and assistance of their daily living skills, including participation in leisure/recreational activities, participation in formal programming (goals), routine hygiene skills, behavior management/plan implementation, mealtime procedure implementation and self-management skills. Must be able to facilitate life skills training and social behaviors during the Individual’s daily routine. This is an hourly, non-exempt position. 

Shift Available:

2pm - 10:30pm: Monday thru Friday 

Contributions:

• Working in collaboration with the team to develop training programs and strategies to teach new life skills and reinforce/maintain current skills in the areas of safety skills and safe transition methods, vocational skills, self-help, self-management and leisure.
• Redirecting and assisting Individual with daily living skill duties and responsibilities; ensuring all tasks for this Individual are engaging and accounted for. 
• Implementing and documenting progress in all training areas using individualized methods on a daily basis.
• Implementing goals and procedural objectives based on programs developed.
• Working with the team to develop appropriate daily routines, safety routines strategies, self-advocacy and judicious positive reinforcement of adaptive behaviors.
• Working with the team and Psychology to develop, implement and develop individualized programs to decrease identified challenging symptoms and behaviors.
• Providing information to Psychiatry to assist in the management of Psychiatric interventions.
• Escorting and providing information during scheduled Psychiatric appointments as needed.
• Providing information to the Memory Care Team, receiving training from the Team and  and implementing Memory Care and ID Team recommendations.
• Providing and maintaining communication with the QORCP and House Manager to ensure consistent support and appropriate programming for the individual.
• Assisting with educating peers to work with Individual during “off” times.
• Attending in-service training sessions.
• Functioning at all times as the Individual’s advocate.
• Attending and working with Individual when scheduled for IPP meetings and EA/ET as able.

Exceptional Benefits:

Minimum of 30 hours worked, and employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package:

• Health (UPMC), Dental and Vision Insurances (1st of the month following 30 days from start date)
• Healthcare Flexible Spending Account (HSA)
• Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account
• 403b – Traditional and Roth with Company Match 
• Tuition Reimbursement (for core positions)
• Competitive PTO Plan
• 8 Paid Holidays
• Incentive in lieu of Medical coverage
• Career Development
• Whole Person Wellbeing Resources
• Mental Health Resources and Support

• Must be able to constructively handle challenging behaviors of both a physical and social nature.
• Ability to work with Individual who may exhibit non-compliant and/or inappropriate behavior.
• Must have patience; self-motivation; and the capability of learning skills to address non-compliant and/or inappropriate behavior.
• Ability to work in collaboration with the Interdisciplinary team including the Behavior Team and Memory Care Team.
• Knowledge of basic principles and techniques for training and interacting with individuals in early stages of dementia/intellectual disability/physically challenged individuals preferred.
• Must maintain an excellent attendance record.
• Ability to successfully complete offered training.
• High school diploma or G.E.D. preferred.
• Must have all required clearances. Must maintain all required certifications.
• Must maintain a valid driver’s license. 
• Must have good analytical and writing skills.

2 weeks paid training provided by Verland, to educate new hires on daily living skills, social engagement, personal hygiene skills, along with each individual’s support plan/ personal development goals that are essential to improve the daily lives of the individuals that we serve. Completion of training is required at the start of employment.

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Visit https://www.verland.org/ to learn more about what makes Verland expectational!

Verland is an equal opportunity employer, and all qualified applicants will be considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.