Assistant Program Advisor

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. HKNC is dedicated to working with each person to achieve their desired goals towards independence, employment, and quality of life, based on their talents, preferences and aspirations. We currently have an exciting part time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Assistant Program Advisor in our Destiny group home department located in Port Washington, NY.

SUMMARY

Responsible for the execution of HKS’s Mission, goals and objectives through ensuring that Destiny Home provides home and job opportunities that match each resident’s gifts, abilities and interests with the appropriate supports to ensure success and empowerment as well as accessibility. Supervises staff and maintains the work schedules of staff. Ensures the home complies with OPWDD regulations and staff are trained in these regulations. Must demonstrate a sincere commitment to HKS’s Mission and Values and conduct him/herself at a high professional level at all times and project a positive image of HKS internally and externally.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsible for the development and execution of function/program within his/her span of control in accordance with HKS’ Mission and Strategic Objectives. Specifically responsible for but not limited to:

• Assists with interviewing and hiring Job Coaches, Life Coaches and Overnight Awake staff under the supervision of the Program Advisor.
• Supervises and assists with evaluating work performance of Job Coaches, Life Coaches and Overnight Awake staff under the supervision of the Program Advisor. Provides on-site coaching to staff with debrief sessions to identify best practices, individualized strategies and techniques and accessible communication.
• Ensures consistent and timely communication among staff on varying shifts related to consumer’s lifestyle programs or needs, agency activities and policies.
• Works with the behavior specialist or social worker to enhance the positive support plans and discuss strategies and approaches to maximize consumer support, satisfaction and participation in daily activities.
• Collects data, insights, feedback from staff to develop proactive plans, which promote growth and encourage maximum independence and interdependence in all area of living.
• Investigates and evaluates new trends in teaching methods, materials and equipment and recommends the development or improvement of services and programs. Assists with seminars and professional trainings.
• Provides staff training on HKNC philosophy and OPWDD regulations. Monitors staff competencies and program compliance in these areas.
• Monitors staff competencies in sign language, communication, orientation and mobility, independent living skills, low vision and proactive behavioral strategies.
• Assists with creating the weekly work schedule and submits payroll in the absence of the program Advisor.
• Supports the RN by ensuring amap procedures and best practices are implemented by amap staff.
• Works cooperatively with Quality Assurance (QA) staff by attending bi-monthly in-home meetings, completing internal POCA’s in a timely manner as well as setting up required trainings.
• Co -facilitates Life Plan meetings for each consumer.
• Reviews progress of consumers and incorporation of PFP goals into each individualized lifestyle program. Provides guidance, counsel and recommendations to staff.
• Assists with monitoring quality and timeliness of written documentation and reports. Evaluates progress of consumer and submits regular written reports. Writes the monthly reshab summaries for each consumer by compiling information from the daily reshab notes.
• Assists with the review of all of the monthly billing with the Program Advisor.
• Contributes to the annual report reflecting the reshab and semp services provided within a given fiscal year.
• Assists with ensuring the completion of annual satisfaction surveys for each consumer.
• Interfaces with guardians, advocates, OPWDD surveyors. Maintains records of recommendations, actions taken. Is the liaison for contacting outside agencies such as the SSA, Medicaid, DimeBank for consumer information.
• Responds to emergencies, consumer illness, building maintenance or fire by notifying the required personnel and/or providing leadership and decision making if necessary to take appropriate course of action.
• Accompanies, serves as a guide and supports communication access for consumers and staff when necessary in a variety of situations and settings. To accomplish this the individual may be required to use a personal vehicle on occasion.
• Assists with the supervision of fire drills on a monthly basis.
• Assists with the monitoring of the monthly budget and expenses.
• Maintains each apartment, upkeep of furnishings and living areas. Monitors consumer satisfaction, safety and accessibility.
• Maintains and ensures clean upkeep of vehicles.
• Supports the DBIE and works with the DBIE coordinator.
• Covers shifts as needed including holidays, snow days and other unplanned needs.
• Performs duties and responsibilities as assigned by the Program Advisor, Director- Direct Services or Executive Director.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Direct Reports Include program staff: Job Coaches, Life Coaches and Overnight Awake staff.
• Carries out supervisory responsibilities in accordance with the organization's policies and applicable laws. Responsibilities include interviewing, hiring, and training employees; planning, assigning, and directing work; appraising performance; rewarding and disciplining employees; addressing complaints and resolving problems.
• Accountable for the cost-effective use of HKNC resources – financial resources within his/her direct reporting lines and HKNC property under his/her span of control.

FINANCIAL RESPONSIBILITY: BUDGET

• Responsible for program and/or project budgets.
• Responsible for the development of budgets in accordance with the strategic parameters set forth by HKS and accountable for meeting financial expectations for the programs/departments under his/her control.
• Accountable for achieving program goals in a cost-effective and efficient manner to meet or exceed budget expectations.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Bachelor's Degree in Special Education, Psychology or related field strongly preferred.
• Minimum of one year’s Supervisory experience in a Residential Setting serving individuals with multiple disabilities.
• Minimum of one-year experience supporting individuals who use behavior as a way to communicate.
• Experience writing and training staff in the implementation of positive support plans.
• Knowledge of the Office of People With Developmental Disabilities (OPWDD) regulation and policy required.
• Knowledge of sign language and alternative and non-symbolic methods of communication preferred.
• Knowledge of MS Office and Internet required. Strong report writing skills required.
• Proficiency in conversational sign language used by persons who are DeafBlind must be developed within one year. Knowledge of deaf and deaf-blind culture required.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

• Valid New York State Driver’s license required.
• Current AMAP, CPR, First Aid certifications preferred. BACB certification a plus.
• OPWDD job coaching certification

At HKS we strive to provide a healthy work-life balance for our employees.  We offer generous paid time off and comprehensive benefit package including:

• 2 weeks paid Vacation time
• Paid Sick Time
• 2 Paid Personal Days 
• Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits
• 12 Paid Holidays 
• Short Term Disability/ Life Insurance
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Tuition Assistance 
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• Career Advancement Opportunities  

HKS is committed to providing reasonable workplace accommodation to individuals with illness, injury, or disability to complete the essential functions of their job.