Job Description
About Us:
The STARability Foundation Supports people with disabilities by providing life-transforming opportunities that emphasize Teamwork and connection to the community to build Awareness and Respect for individual abilities. STARability serves individuals with intellectual and developmental challenges in Southwest Florida, where we provide lifetime support and opportunities. STARability opens up a calendar of engaging activities with innovative and creative programs focusing on continuing education, teamwork, and community involvement. POSITION SUMMARY
The Instructor is an integral member of the STARability Foundation. The Instructor has a passion for advocating for participants and is dedicated to building proficiency in these skills: self-determination and advocacy, health and safety, communication and socialization, leisure and recreation, transportation, community participation and personal finance, career path and employment, and home living. The Instructor will collaborate closely with our Academy Program Specialists to shape, guide, and assess all facets of the program. The Instructor will be a resource for all Program Assistants. ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
Uphold STARability's Core Values of Support, Teamwork, Awareness, and Respect. Develop and coordinate high-quality activities tailored to participants' learning and development needs. Manage participant Academy service delivery model including caseload assessment, goal planning, data tracking, and IAP meetings with guardians/caregivers. Assist with transportation needs throughout the community and supervise and engage program participants during all activities in various settings. Assist Academy Program Specialists in creating accessible visual supports, such as schedules and calendars. Collaborate on lesson planning and curriculum development with relevant program staff. Evaluate participants' job readiness, skills, and employment goals, observing behaviors and interactions. Implement employment-readiness curriculum at vocational sites in the community. Participate in feedback sessions to enhance program and support services. Address health, behavior, and other support needs during activities. Responsible for notifying relevant parties in the event of a significant incident, maintaining support levels, orienting team members, overseeing the implementation of daily schedules, monitoring the administration of self-administered medications to participants at appropriate times, and staying informed about the whereabouts of all participants and staff in all settings. Fulfill Program Assistant responsibilities when needed for program continuity. Effectively communicates with family and other professionals supporting participants through written and verbal means. Texting on personal electronic devices is strictly forbidden to communicate support needs or disclose information. Support individuals facing language and communication barriers with adaptive communication methods. Identify and use teaching opportunities that naturally arise to maximize the participant's learning in any environment. Foster positive relationships with participants, families, and community members. Additional duties as assigned, including supporting all Academy programs and groups, including attending and participating in STARability social events and fundraising galas. REQUIRED EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
Bachelor's degree in Special Education, Behavioral Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychology, Therapeutic Recreation, or a specialization in a related field; or four years of experience providing education, social, or direct care services to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Demonstrates flexibility, patience, and the capability to manage diverse situations, including assisting participants by verbally prompting them with personal care tasks (e.g., changing clothing, using the restroom), addressing problem behavior such as inappropriate verbal statements, and handling instances of aggressiveness. Ability to perform cleaning tasks (moving heavy furniture and appliances on rollers, pushing, pulling, lifting, bending, kneeling, stooping, reaching, and overhead reaching). Ability to communicate with a wide variety of individuals within the community. Observe, ask questions, listen actively, and give and accept feedback effectively. Excellent time management, organizational skills, and ability to prioritize workload. Proficiency in Word, Excel, and database systems. Valid state driver's license with motor vehicle proficiency and ability to comply with legal driving requirements. Competency in virtual platforms like Zoom and willingness to learn new technology for educational instruction. Employment offer contingent on background checks, abuse registry, and reference checks. Pay:
$22.00 - $23.00 per hour Benefits:
401(k) matching Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Mileage reimbursement Paid time off Parental leave Referral program Vision insurance Work Location:
In person
