Overview

Job Title: Instructional Assistant and Support

Department: Children's Residential

Manager: Residential Manager- Brittany Jones

Schedule: 1st shift  (7:00 am - 3:30 pm / rotating weekends)

Unit: PASS House

Compensation: Hourly / Non-exempt

Job Summary: The Direct Support Technician will be responsible for performing a variety of Para-professional tasks related to the care of individuals served by Damar. Essential job duties and responsibilities are in accordance with Damar’s Strategic Plan and requirements by licensure.

Responsibilities

• Attends mandatory staff meeting and other meetings as assigned.• Must be flexible and willing to work in any unit or department in Indianapolis and surrounding areas depending on company and client need.• Works closely with Teachers and Teacher Assistants in the implementation of individualized educational services. Monitors progress and intervenes and supports to promote educational progress as reflected in the IEP and/or Case Plan. • Acts as part of the educational team for the student – providing data to support specific interventions or changes in the plan/IEP.• With an educational support and focus, provides active and directed instructional assistance to students assigned to the classroom or educational pod using best practice supports and as directed by the student’s teaching team. • Participates in the student’s Case Conference Committee when requested.• With an educational and support focus, effectively responds to and manages crisis situations, which may include client physical aggression, utilizing prescribed verbal intervention or physical management techniques.• Consistently implements behavior management plans to reduce client’s maladaptive behaviors, promote appropriate social behaviors and maximize human potential of each client/student served.• Using effective teaching strategies, promotes and assists with the development of appropriate daily living, self-help and social skills.• Remains alert and engaged at all times – competently and consistently supervising and monitoring the clients/students - never leaving clients without direct supports unless permitted or directed for periods of time based on a client’s Individual Education and/or Support Plan.• Assists in maintaining a safe and healthy environment, including performing a variety of tasks related to environmental cleanliness and safety, and when needed, cleaning, washing soiled clothing, changing bed linen, folding and sorting clean laundry.• Conducts and supervises recreational and life enrichment activities.• Operates Damar vehicles and/or personal vehicles to transport residents or perform other school and work-related duties. • Follows physician’s orders to properly administer medication to clients and students when needed.• When assigned to any classroom, expected to perform the following duties:• Assists students in classroom with educational studies and instruction• Assists teacher in conducting small educational groups with students• Assists with overall classroom instruction in absence of the teacher• Assists in teaching students to acquire basic academic, behavioral, communication, social-functioning, self-help, daily living and social skills.• Takes pride and ownership in Damar’s facilities and assigned work areas. • Ensures that the agency meets its quality improvement, evaluation and reporting requirements.• Adheres to parameters of the Agency’s budget, including appropriately utilizing Agency credit cards (Gas Cards, Wal-Mart, etc.), accurately reporting time and obtaining proper approval for overtime.• Seeks the best use of materials, equipment and staff to maximize efficiency and effectiveness.• Acts as a good steward of Damar and/or client finances.• Shows initiative by identifying solutions to work towards improving stakeholder satisfaction.• Prioritizes duties in a manner consistent with organizational objectives and growth.• Completes and updates mandatory training and other licensure related items in a timely manner.• Actively participates in and/or oversees data collection and the use of data to improve outcomes, practices and service delivery.• Understands client’s and student’s rights and protects them by promptly reporting any violations.• Completes all required documentation on a daily basis, in a professional manner – must be objective, accurate and thorough - to provide consistent student and client supports.• Understands and follows the rules governing service documentation, including but not limited to educational logs, medication logs, incident reports, progress notes and all other documentation assigned.• Will adhere to all policies and procedures as defined in the Employee Handbook and Damar Operational Policies and Procedures Manual.• Utilizes data collection in relation to driving and tracking outcomes and achieving agency initiatives and goals.• Respects the culture, diversity and rights of all students and clients, their families and the community.• Ensures that all activities, services and programs through Damar are conducted in a manner that is sensitive to and shows respect for the cultural and ethnic diversity for all Damar clients and students.• Works with students and clients, professionals and other para-professional staff, families and the community in a courteous and respectful manner to provide proper education and habilitation.• Performs other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Education: High school diploma or GED.

Experience: Previous experience is not required.

Equipment Familiarity: Basic overall understanding and familiarity with use of computers and phones.

Certifications, Licenses or Special Training:

• Minimum age of 21 depending on program and / or department requirements.
• Ability to pass and maintain Therapeutic Crisis Intervention (TCI) certification if working in children’s residential home/unit licensed by Dept. of Child Services (DCS).
• Ability to pass and maintain CPR Certification.
• Must meet and maintain background screening requirements for all Damar Programs as detailed in policy 1.HR.02 Pre-Employment and Employee Background Checks.
• Valid Indiana driver’s license and driving record that meets eligibility requirements of Damar’s insurance carrier (for all positions requiring driving).
• Successful completion of pre-employment drug screen and physical required. 

Abilities:

• Ability to follow and execute specific oral and written instructions.
• Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to promote and maintain positive interaction with all internal and external stakeholders.
• Knowledge of simple health and safety precautions.
• Demonstrate respect for cultural, ethnic, spiritual and linguistic diversity and values including differences in personal goals, lifestyle choices and varying family backgrounds and histories.
• Ability to write daily progress and behavior reports using a professional and objective style.
• Ability to physically manage and restrain clients when necessary, including ability to assist in lifting, maneuvering, and physically supporting individuals up to 200 pounds; ability to lift up to 35 pounds.