Life Skills Specialist - Adult Group Home

The life skills specialist is responsible for the implementation of personal goals outlined in the individual's staff action plan and life plan. The life skills specialist assists individuals supported in developing community connections and relationships.

• To ensure and monitor the implementation of each individual’s Staff Action Plan in the IRA.
• Complete monthly summaries and monthly billing requirements in accordance with OPWDD and Medicaid regulations.
• Show consistency of specific valued outcomes identified by the treatment team as outlined in the Individual’s Life Plan.
• Document individuals' progress with personal goals identified in the staff action plans.
• Ensure individuals’ safeguards are accurate.
• Ensure individuals' safeguards are accurate and up to date.
• Provide direct services and oversight to individuals.
• Ensure compliance with OPWDD regulations of assigned programs.
• Demonstrate and adhere to OPWDD Core Competencies and Code of Ethics.
• Assist individuals in establishing community connections for building relationships and recreation.
• Assist individuals in accessing education classes and resources to promote independence and relationships.
• Promotes person-centered services and independence through assisting individuals to shop at stores of preference, establish pharmacy preference, and access transportation.
• Assists individuals in understanding and adhering to medical advice or recommendations. Facilitates education to help the individual make informed decisions.
• Attends life plan meetings as needed.
• Maintains medication certification and CPR/FA.
• Maintains communication with Care Managers as needed.

• High School Diploma/GED.
• Must have at least 3 years’ experience in serving individuals with developmental disabilities in a residential setting.
• Must have intermediate skills in Microsoft Word and Excel.
• Demonstrated skills in writing.

• Must have a valid NYS driver’s license with a clean MVR.
• Must be able to perform restraints and maintain SCIP/Promote certification.
• Willingness to respond to the needs of a culturally diverse population.
• Ability to work out in the community (mobile program).
• Ability to deal positively with changing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Display a positive, professional, and proactive attitude to accomplish quality work that is in line with the agency’s mission statement and sanctuary philosophy.
• Seek opinions and alternative viewpoints in decision-making. Understand and respect the expertise and experience of others, appreciate the different views, and the perspective and limitations of other individuals.
• Exhibits a professional, courteous demeanor with internal and external constituents.

Vanderheyden is committed to the National Sanctuary Model - a blueprint for clinical and organizational change which, at its core, promotes safety and recovery from adversity through the active creation of a trauma-informed community.  The Sanctuary Model's focus is not only on the people who seek services, but equally on the people and systems that provide those services.

 Vanderheyden, as an Equal Opportunity Employer, does not discriminate in its hiring or employment practices on the basis of gender, race or ethnicity, color, national origin, religion, age, disability, military or marital status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, prior arrest or conviction record or any other category protected by applicable federal, state or local laws.