Job Description

Job Title:                     Teaching Counselor                                                  

Position Status:            Hourly/Non-Exempt                                                    

A.      Responsibilities and Duties:  The primary responsibility of the Teaching Counselor is to teach skills and behaviors to maximize independence in activities of daily living for a small caseload of persons who have severe developmental disabilities and other special needs in a variety of community settings. Specific duties include:

• Assisting persons served to increase their independence and to exercise their rights by teaching skills in various activities of daily living (self-care, care of the household, communication, leisure, etc) according to formal plans and as natural teaching opportunities arise, using informal teaching techniques/procedures;

1. Assisting persons served to reduce maladaptive behaviors and to learn appropriate replacement behaviors by implementing approved behavior management procedures, according to formal plans and as natural teaching opportunities arise;

1. Assisting in maintaining the health, hygiene and grooming of persons served by teaching new skills, implementing first aid as needed, health care and hygiene techniques according to instructions or plans and, if properly certified, by administering medications according to stated policies and procedures;

                                                                                               

1. Documenting care/assistance provided, behavior management and teaching techniques implemented and compliance with various health and active treatment standards through accurate and timely completion of data cards, checklists, records and schedules;

1. Providing active treatment by continually engaging persons served in age-appropriate, functional activities and implementing community access activities and components of the Teaching Family Model (self-government, family-style meals, etc);

1. Participating in the planning process by attending various staff and team meetings and Quality of Life Plan sessions with other members of the team;

1. Serving as the Teacher in Charge, as determined and specified in the home Hierarchy of Teacher in Charge.  Responsibilities of the teacher in charge include: ensuring notification of relevant parties if a significant incidence occurs; ensuring appropriate caseloads are maintained; orienting substitutes working in the home; ensuring implementation of the daily schedules; ensuring appropriate documentation is maintained; ensuring appropriate implementation of the hot and cold weather guidelines; ensuring medications for all individuals are administered at appropriate times and maintaining knowledge of the whereabouts of all the individuals and the teachers when out in the community.

1. Additional responsibilities will be assigned as circumstances warrant.

B.            Accountability:  The Teaching Counselor will be directly accountable to the designated teacher in charge and the Program Team Leader or his/her designee.  The Program Team Leader or his/her designee will, no less than annually, complete a performance evaluation in compliance with personnel policies.

C.            Qualifications:  The Teaching Counselor position requires:

• a high school diploma or equivalent;
• one – two years of prior experience in a position of similar scope, preferred;
• ability to repetitively lift at least 50 pounds unassisted and ability to perform unassisted transfers of disabled adults with adaptive equipment (lift belts, Hoyer lifts, etc.);
• knowledge of and ability to perform Mandt system techniques (which include lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, blocking, grabbing);
• knowledge of Teaching Family Model components and techniques preferred;
• the ability to recognize natural teaching opportunities and act upon them;
• the ability to handle all aspects of personal care with sensitivity and caring;
• the ability to allay maladaptive (sometimes aggressive) behaviors while maintaining calm and composure;
• the ability to communicate through verbal and written mediums;
• the ability to observe, ask questions, listen actively, and give and accept feedback effectively;
• a high energy level, adaptability, assertiveness, patience and ability to work in a team environment;

operation of a motor vehicle is required which includes proof of a valid drivers license, an ability to maintain  automobile liability insurance as required by state law in Kansas and/or Missouri and an ability to qualify as a driver under CLO insurance guidelines