School Age Services Counselor (After School Program)

Purpose of Position- Promotes the health and welfare of participants ages 7-18 who are diagnosed with intellectual or developmental disabilities (IDD). Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports, thus enabling them to access and utilize their community and build on their strengths. Provides supports to groups of participants engaging in community activities using therapeutic principles. Acts in accordance with School Age Services mission and guidelines as well as Individual Plans. Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable regulating agencies. Maintains professional relationships with participants, families, staff, and members of treatment teams.

Essential Duties/Responsibilities

1. Promotes the health, safety, and welfare of the participants.

• Ensures health and safety requirements set forth by SAS guidelines as well as all regulating agencies. This includes appropriate services and supports, such as positive instruction, assistance with personal hygiene, toileting, meals, etc.

• Learns and consistently practices effective teaching skills, working with Therapeutic and SAS team as necessary.

• Engages in skilled interaction with participants who require therapeutic supports to redirect aggressive or socially inappropriate behavior.

• Assists participants in accessing and utilizing their community by providing transportation to recreational facilities or other community-based sites for activities using company cars, buses, walking, etc.

• Using therapeutic principles, provides supports to groups of participants engaging in community activities and environments including:

• Swimming in public pools, parks, rivers, and reservoirs,

• Paddleboarding and kayaking in open water

• Hiking

• Biking

• Locker rooms and bathrooms

• Trampoline parks

• Rock climbing

• Various other activities and community spaces

• Acts in accordance with SAS policies, mission, childcare license regulations, and the Therapeutic Plans.

• Supports and implements activities according to SAS guidelines, in the context of activity protocols and plans, and in the context of a nurturing, stable environment.

• Implements and reports on participants' Therapeutic Plans.

• Completes documentation and tracking in a timely and accurate manner.

• Communicates effectively with participants, guardians and family members, staff, and all members of the participant's teams. This includes checking email, voicemail, and managing phone calls regularly before and during each shift.

• Monitors and reports on data to ensure compliance with all applicable guidelines and regulations, including Imagine! Policies and Procedures.

• Ensures quality service delivery, meeting the guidelines set forth in Imagine! quality standards, as well as follows schedules, information sheets, and plans.

• Instructs in compliance with all applicable Federal, State, County and Municipal statutes, regulations, and Imagine! policies and procedures.

• Completes all required training, including annual refreshers, in the appropriate timeframe.

• Reports all behavioral incidents, medical emergencies, and/or significant changes in medical condition to supervisor, and completes all related paperwork in a timely manner.

• Implements Individual Treatment/Behavior Plans developed by Behavior Therapists and/or BCBAs as needed.

• Responds appropriately to client's challenging behaviors and implements behavior intervention strategies as directed by the Behavior Therapist or BCBA.

• Collects data when working with some individuals

• Proactively communicates any questions or concerns to the Behavior Therapist or BCBA.

Other Duties/Responsibilities

• Supports Imagine!'s mission in the context of both individual and collaborative work.
• Actively participates in staff meetings, workshops, in-services, discussions, etc.
• Maintains and cares for Imagine! property, including supplies, vehicles, etc., being mindful of safety and cleanliness.
• Represents and promotes SAS in meetings, committees, and in the community.
• Promotes team morale by being positive and professional.

Job Qualifications

Knowledge, Skill, and Ability:

• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals at all professional levels.
• Effective, creative negotiator and problem solver.
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team- traveling and working in the community.
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet based databases, assistive technology, etc.
• Possession of a valid driver's license for at least three years and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education:

• High school diploma or equivalent.
• 2 years of college preferred.
• Ability and willingness to successfully complete required training curriculum. This includes developing an understanding of School Age Services structure, services, philosophy, as well as community resources.

Experience:

• Experience working with people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) preferred but not required.

Working Environment/Physical Activities

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• Ability to drive a van.
• Ability to push wheelchairs and to lift and transfer participants as related to toileting and restroom assistance, and other health and activity related needs.
• Bending, kneeling, and stooping.
• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a changing environment.
• Willingness and ability to respond to emergency situations as they arise.
• Work is performed in a variety of settings including office, outside, in community settings, and private homes.

Note: This job description is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.

Equal Employment Opportunity - Valuing Diversity, Equity and Inclusion:

Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer, and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local laws governing Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO). We strive to foster a just, equitable, and inclusive workplace. We also recognize the value of diversity within our organization, and want to employ a workforce that effectively supports the diverse communities we serve. Unlawful discrimination in employment because of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender or gender expression, age, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, hair style or texture, genetic information, or other characteristics protected by applicable laws is strictly prohibited.