Residence Assistant

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 full time career opportunity available to join the HKNC team as a Residence Assistant. This position is responsible for assisting consumers who reside in the residence with their training goals, recreation, communication, and personal development goals. Additional assistance in other areas may be required in accordance with Department of Health regulations. 

Schedule: Wednesday-Friday 4pm-12am, Saturday 8am-4pm, and Sunday 4pm-12am. 

Pay Rate:  $22.944/ hour

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

• Provide support to Recreation Specialist by
  1. Providing human guide and/or accompanying consumers during community activities
  2. Facilitating/supporting in house activities
  3. Assisting with unplanned activities requested by consumers such as going to stores for needed supplies or fast food establishments.
  4. Assisting with the residence protocols and procedures for recreation activities as designed and implemented by the Recreation Specialist and supervisory staff.
  5. Supporting the Recreation Program as assigned by the Recreation Specialist and supervisory staff
• Facilitate communication between the training and residence programs by
  1. Accepting assigned consumers on their caseload.
  2. Communicating with the assigned consumers’ team on a regular basis as determined by the existing procedures in place for this purpose.
  3. Participating in their assigned consumers’ EPMs when possible
  4. Actively taking advantage of opportunities for cross-communication with their assigned consumers’ team members
• Provide sleep-in coverage as assigned 
• Assist consumers with their homework/projects/activities related to their training goals 
• Assist with the delivery of mail/packages to consumers
• Do regular check of all assigned consumers
• Accompany consumers to hospital on as needed basis
• Assist consumers with evacuations.
• Assist with daily snack time activities
• Assist with student orientation

Responsible for other duties as may be assigned or requested by his/her immediate supervisor and/or the Director of the Department.

REQUIRED EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

• Associate’s degree, or completion of two years of college (60 credits) preferably within the education or health related field of study required OR High school diploma and four years of paid experience as a residence/group home aide working with individuals who have intellectual disabilities required.
• One year of experience in work with blind, Deaf, DeafBlind, or severely disabled individuals. Knowledge of MS Office and Internet required.
• NYS Driver's License required.

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:

• Fully Paid Medical, Dental, and Vision Benefits*
• 2 week's Paid Vacation time annually
• 2 Paid Personal Days annually
• 12 paid sick days annually
• 12 Paid Holidays
• Short/ Long Term Disability insurance
• Life Insurance
• 403b Program with Employer Match
• Voluntary Ancillary Benefits
• Career Advancement Opportunities
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Relocation Assistance

*Candidate has the option to accept the position No-Frills.  No-frills positions receive an additional 10% premium on the hourly rate of pay, but do not participate in the Union Health Insurance Plan. Individuals seeking a No-frills position must show they have alternative insurance to be eligible.

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