Individual Support Assistant
Job Description
A career at Easterseals Midwest is more than a job -- it is an opportunity to make a positive difference in people's lives every day. Individual Support Assistants are the link to the community for those they serve and is one of the most exemplary reflections of the wonderful mission driven work we provide every day. The people that carry out this rewarding, care giving support play an integral and crucial role in the success of our organization.
The Individual Support Assistant is responsible for working directly with children and adults with disabilities in their natural homes and in the community to reach specific developmental goals.
Duties:
- Provide supportive respite care to individuals with autism and/or other disabilities recognized under the mission statement of Easter Seals Midwest.
- Report any behavioral or physical incident immediately to a supervisor. Use emergency numbers, if necessary.
- Complete and submit accurate, factual reports and documentation about individual support activities in a timely manner (time in, time out, parent signatures, etc.)
- Observe, record, measure, analyze, and evaluate behaviors. Record data on behaviors, skill acquisition, and anecdotal information for each time working with customer.
- Maintain open communication with parents, administration and cooperate with other staff members.
- May work group service events throughout the year: Drop-Off, TGIF, summer camps, and various workshops.
- Responsible for community inclusion activities, transporting the clients and facilitating interaction between the client and members in the community as assigned.
- Should receive Class E license within 30 days of hire.
- Willing to work evening hours and weekends frequently.
A successful candidate will possess:
- Strong communication skills, ability to work without direct supervision.
- Must be a competent problem solver.
- Ability to receive constructive feedback from supervisors and apply necessary actions.
- Ability to foster positive professional relationships with families and staff. Conducts self in polite and professional manner with all.
- Must be physically able to deal with aggressive and/or interfering behaviors on a frequent basis.
Qualifications:
- Education: High School Diploma or GED, some college preferred.
- Experience: Previous experience with children and families preferred. Familiarity with and/or some knowledge of individuals with autism or other developmental disabilities is useful.
- Specific Skills: Maintains safe driving record, Missouri Class E license or Illinois license, and current vehicle insurance. Must have a reliable, working vehicle.
- Other: Will utilize own vehicle to drive to individual support sessions that may include community outings. Variety of in-home and community settings, so conditions will vary i.e. animals, cleanliness.
- This is a PRN position with approximately 5-10 hours a week