Instructor of Independent Living

Since 1967, Helen Keller National Center (HKNC) has been committed to improving the lives of individuals who are DeafBlind or have a combined hearing and vision loss. We currently have an exciting full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a temporary Instructor of Independent Living. Responsible for providing training to consumers in the skills of independent living to foster a more productive lifestyle in one’s home environment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Assists in ensuring services provided to consumers are person-centered and meet the consumers’ needs by:

a. Assess, through dialogue with consumer and team, the consumers’ training priorities

b. Actively collaborate with team (including consumer) to design trans-disciplinary training activities, implement individualized program, review progress through debriefing, dialog to identify additional learning opportunities and assist with the assessment under the guidance of the senior instructor

c. Communicate to all team members the consumers’ training priorities/ short and long-term goals.

d. Ensure the consumers’ involvement in the decision making process with team throughout training

• Actively participates in the IL Community of Practice (COP) in order to support learning of peers, contribute articles and discuss experiences and challenges.
• Plans lessons and provides skills training in the area of independent living based upon the findings of the evaluation, using specific methods and adaptations required to teach individuals who are DeafBlind.
• Participates in EPM and team meetings to share information pertaining to consumer skill development, progress and transition to place of residence in home state. Supports the transdisciplinary team effort to enable the consumer to meet his/her individual goals. Supports the vocational goal as it is related to the skills of IL.
• Documents consumers’ skills during training sessions to monitor progress; identifies challenges and constraints; develops strategies and remedies; and provides formal reports to VRC’s.
• Performs program and department management activities needed for the smooth flow of service to the consumer in the Independent Living area. Assumes additional responsibility for Independent Living equipment maintenance and replacement.
• Works on activities related to Independent Living program development. This will include: gathering information, investigating trends, preparing resource material and recipes for long- term consumer use.
• Provides information and shares recommendations regarding Independent Living skills and/or work methods to families, support staff and other professionals involved with the consumer.
• Provides information regarding Independent Living to professional and other interested parties. This will include: in-service training, seminars and workshops (preparation and presentation) letter and phone consultation, on site visitors, and preparation of videos and other material.
• Assists with lounge duty, town hall, fire drills.
• Provides home visits and training to both local and out-of-town consumers who are DeafBlind. Provides IL training to consumers in the NY CSP as needed.
• Accompanies, serves as guide, and supports communication access for consumers and staff when necessary in a variety of situations and settings. Examples of settings include but are not limited to: team meetings, airport, shopping, bank errands, phone calls, VP calls, Town Hall Committee meetings, cafeteria, information peer learning groups such as the Emergency Preparedness, Nutrition and Work Solutions groups, recreation activities (ie. Holiday party). Communication support, which includes providing environmental information, may consist of voice over, sign language (visual/tactual) , text/typing, or facilitating the use of augmentative systems (communication cards, devices).To accomplish this the individual may be required to use a personal vehicle on occasion. HKNC will provide interpreting support for formal meetings such as Employment Planning Meetings, Team Meetings, Full Staff Meetings and seminars
• Participates in classes and workshops (some agency provided) to gain proficiency in sign language, braille, and other specialized areas that may be helpful to work at HKNC.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

Bachelor’s degree in rehabilitation teaching, special education or related field required, preferably with experience teaching individuals who are DeafBlind, Deaf, Blind or have multiple disabilities.

Proficiency in American Sign Language preferred, or will be expected to learn and to develop skill in American Sign Language and braille to a working level of proficiency.

Strong writing skill required for writing reports. Knowledge of MS Office and Internet required.