Independent Living Skills Specialist (ILS/IHS) Mental Health Support

Job Description

Title: Independent Living Skills Specialist (ILS/IHS) Mental Health Support: Job Summary:

This position requires staff to be able to work independently in the community with little supervision (mileage and drive time paid.) The Independent Living Skills Counselor provides services that develop and maintain the community living skills and community integration of clients. The ILS services are provided in the person’s home and/or community settings typically used by the general public.

The ILS Counselor may assist clients with self-care, communication skills, community living and mobility, reduction /elimination of maladaptive behavior, sensory/motor development and socialization. Essential Demonstrated Skills and Abilities:

• Ability to complete a needs assessment of client’s independent living skills

• Understanding of service planning and person-centered planning and delivery

• General knowledge of social services, record keeping, reporting requirements and confidentiality

• Demonstrated ability to read, write, and speak the English language at a level that meets the performance requirements

• Ability and willingness to follow deadlines and/or complete assignments/trainings as assigned by supervisor or designate.

• Ability to use a computer effectively, and complete word processing and data entry tasks

• Available to work flexible hours and locations

• Ability to make independent decisions when circumstances warrant such action

• Willingness to take initiative and adapt to circumstances

• Ability to develop and maintain professionally appropriate therapeutic relationships with each client and the client’s family; ability to maintain positive working relations with staff and other related persons

• Ability and willingness to maintain a positive demeanor

• Willingness to respect the lifestyle choices of others, including but not limited to: sexuality, religion, and political affiliation

Areas of Responsibility:

• Assists clients with self-care

• Assists clients in basic home cleaning during scheduled visits

• Teaches communication skills

• Trains and assists with community living

• Teaches community mobility skills; use of bus and light rail systems

• Encourages and supervises the reduction/elimination of maladaptive behaviors and follows client’s behavior support plan (if applicable).

• Teaches socialization skills

• Increases the client’s independence resulting in decreased dependence on caregivers

• Encourages interaction with people without disabilities who are not caregivers

• Provides schedules, routines, environments, and interaction similar to persons without disabilities of a comparable age

• Supports the development of decision-making skills and informed choices in all aspects of daily living • Utilizes a percentage of hours on caseload as determined by supervisor.

Every effort is made to make this job description as complete as possible, however in no way is it stated or implied that these are the only duties you are required to perform. Other related duties necessary to meet the needs of the organization or the client may be assigned to you.

Working Conditions: Each ILS Counselor:

• Is subject to flexible hours, including split shifts or varied days and times, including mornings, afternoons, evenings, and weekends, depending on client needs

• Regularly travels in the community, drives a vehicle and transports clients, and will be asked to use their own vehicle

• Works in a variety of settings

• Sits, stands, walks, bends, lifts, moves, squats, climbs stairs, reaches above shoulder level, kneels, pushes, or pulls intermittently during working hours

• Has regular contact with clients and their staff, family members, and the general public

• May be subject to hostile and emotionally upset clients, staff, family members, or the general public

• May be exposed to animals, including but not limited to dogs, cats, pet rodents, birds, or pet reptiles • May be exposed to infectious diseases, second-hand smoke, odors, dust, cleaning products, etc. throughout the workday

• Attends and participates in a variety of educational programs provided by company designed to increase knowledge and expertise in the field

New Ventures Services Offers:

• The flexibility of day, evening, night, and weekend hours

• On-going comprehensive paid training and 24/7 support

• A rewarding career; professionally and personally

• Paid Training

• Paid Time Off and Holiday Pay after 90 days

Requirements:

• 21 years of age or older

• High school diploma or equivalent required. 2- or 4-year college degree in a related field preferred, but not required.

• Three years related experience preferred but not required

• Proof of five hours of training in recognizing symptoms and effects of certain disabilities and health conditions (company can provide)

• Proof of twenty hours of classroom instruction in providing supervision of, training to, and assistance with independent living skills services (company can provide)

• General knowledge of disabilities including TBI, MI, and DD • Eligible as determined by the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and the Department of Human Services • Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets insurability requirements

• Valid car insurance and be the owner of a safe and operable vehicle

Job Types:

Full-time, Part-time Pay: $20-$22 per hour Schedule: * 8 hour shift * Day shift * Monday to Friday.

First interviews will be virtual, second interviews will be held in-person upholding COVID safety precautions Education: * High school or equivalent (Preferred) Experience: * Caregiving: 1 year (Required) Language: * English (Required) License/Certification: * Driver's License (Required) Work Location: * Multiple locations