[POSITION PURPOSE AND OBJECTIVES]{.underline}

Provides independent living skills training, direct care support, and opportunities for community integration.  Services are provided in the client's residence, the Group Home, or out in the community.  Duties include the provision of intensive community support and skills training to ensure clients' skill enhancement in two major areas, independent living and social skills. 

Duties are performed in conformance with the treatment plan and within the community at large.    

* [ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS]{.underline}*

• Working side by side with clients, provide intensive independent living skills training including cooking, personal hygiene, housekeeping, and laundry skill training. If the client is unable to perform housekeeping, laundry, and cooking tasks, the staff member will be responsible for performing the task.
• Work with clients to develop social skills which include interaction with others (e.g. roommates, coworkers, neighbors, and authority figures), appropriate use of leisure time and appropriate behavior skills. May also assess and intervene in crisis situations by following the flow chart for crisis response. 
• As part of skills training, may accompany clients to places in the community such as grocery, clothing, or other stores, libraries, or other institutions.
• Drives agency vehicles to transport clients on independent skills training outings.
• Attends and participate in staff meetings that involve case conferences with the community support team and other residential staff. Attend all required meetings, staffing, seminars, and in-services.
• Educates and involves the client in the Insect Inspection and Control process, which will help to ensure an insect-free environment is maintained. The Residential Aide is responsible for the compliance with this process.
• Provide daily written observation of the client's progress in the areas described above.
• Documents and monitors clients' use of medications.
• Complete all required records, reports, and documentation.
• Must be able to react to change and stress productively and to handle other tasks as assigned.
• Must be able to work as a contributing team member, while interacting with clients and co-workers with respect.
• Must be able to follow and conform to the treatment plan and work successfully with the assigned client(s).
• Has / Maintains a good on time and attendance record.
• Has/maintains eligible driving record per Nord policy.
• And all other tasks as assigned.

[ KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ABILITIES REQUIRED: ]{.underline}In order to perform the essential functions of this job, after an orientation period, the employee must possess the following:  a working knowledge of  Nord Center Policy and Procedures, including sensitivity and adherence to clients' rights, confidentiality,  and health and safety issues; effective communication skills in order to interact efficiently with clients and write progress notes and records that are easily understood; working knowledge of client care and the mental health field; the ability to teach and model all aspects of daily living; the ability to perform routine household tasks in the event the client cannot perform those tasks; the ability to respond in crisis situations and utilize the Center's stated crisis plan; working knowledge of community support systems.

[WORKING CONDITIONS: ]{.underline}The employee will spend all time in client group homes.  The individual will have frequent client contact and must have strong speaking and language skills, as well as exceptional interpersonal skills. The employee may be required to sit for extended periods.  Must be able to bend, stoop, walk frequently; and lift and push minimal loads at various times.