Skill Building Mentor

Make a Difference / Who We Are:

Pioneer Resources is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. Our mission is to help people with disabilities and seniors obtain independence and dignity by creating opportunities for participation in the community using our four pillars of service:

• A place to live; affordable housing and specialized homes
• A place to learn; vocational training, ABA therapy & community living supports programs
• A place to grow and play; Pioneer Trails camping and recreational programs
• A way to get there; one of the largest transportation fleets on the lakeshore

Pioneer Resources is a great place to work Members of our team are an energizing mix of veteran staff from over 38 years of experience to those only recently discovering their passion for helping others. Our workforce respects the diversity of the people we serve and those we serve alongside. Pioneer Resources offers a rewarding work experience that strategically meets the needs of our community while fostering employee success with personal fulfillment and work-life balance. As an employee of Pioneer Resources, you will have the unique opportunity to touch the lives of those in your community every time you come to work

Agency Values:

All positions within Pioneer Resources are expected to abide by the agency values of LEAD: Listen, Empathy, Acknowledge and Dignity. We engage and interact with our participants, residents, and co-workers each and every day by listening to their needs with empathy and understanding, while acknowledging everyone as an individual and treating all with the utmost dignity and respect.

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work:

This is a full-time position that works on average 35-40 hours a week. Work days are Monday – Friday, 8:30 am - 3:30 pm, as assigned. Variable hours may be required for after work trainings or to attend meetings.

Summary:

The Skill Building Mentor provides training, instruction, and mentoring in small groups of 6-8 individuals with disabilities through the implementation of participant’s Person Centered Plan, implemented by HealthWest, that will improve vocational success. Our program participants range in age from youth to senior citizens and have intellectual disabilities and/or mental illness.

Essential Functions:

This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of job functions. This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee. The employee is required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other duties, as assigned.

The essential functions of this position include:

• Provide small group mentoring to participants to develop skills in areas such as communication, problem-solving, social skills, and job readiness.
• Use creative methods and tools to teach life skills, vocational skills, and independence.
• Facilitate activities that promote integration into the community such as volunteering, attending events, and navigating public spaces. Empower participants to advocate for themselves when possible.
• Foster a supportive and motivational environment that inspires confidence and self-efficacy in participants.
• Provide positive reinforcement and coaching to encourage constructive behavior and growth; teach participants how to navigate interpersonal relationships including workplace interactions and social settings.
• Monitor participant progress, adjusting plans to address evolving needs and goals.
• Develop and implement structured skill-building activities tailored to the needs of participants.
• Monitor participants’ health and well-being during activities and alert appropriate personnel of concerns.
• Complete thorough documentation in compliance with organizational and regulatory requirements; use de-escalation techniques and report incidents according to policy.
• Providing transportation for participants in an agency vehicle; this function includes assisting passengers in and out of vehicles, using the wheelchair lift, if required, securing belts and restraints and driving the vehicle.
• Monitor participant progress, adjusting plans to address evolving needs and goals.
• Work closely with other mentors, supervisors, and external professionals to deliver a cohesive program.
• Complete required documentation, including participant progress reports, program narrative reports, incident reports, and billing entries in Therap.
• Attend person-centered-planning meetings as required and participate in the planning and design of supports with persons being served.
• Obtaining a chauffer’s license within 30 days of hire.

Education/Talent Requirements:

• A high school diploma or equivalent (GED).
• The ability to read and write English, and the ability to comprehend written instructions and record information.
• Must also be able to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, with persons being served, other personnel and agencies.
• The ability to perform basic math functions including adding, subtracting, multiplying, and dividing.
• This position requires driving. Individuals must have a valid Michigan driver’s license, three (3) or more years of driving experience, less than six (6) points, and no exclusionary violations on driving record.
• Must pass all required background checks, physicals, and drug screens. If the background check reveals disqualifying information, employment shall be terminated unless the disqualifying information was successfully appealed as inaccurate, expunged or set aside.
• This employee will be required to successfully complete all required initial and update trainings.

Work Experience Requirements:

• Ability to work respectively and courteously with a wide variety of individuals, including individuals with disabilities.
• Ability to utilize a tablet for data input.
• The capacity to work in a team with intermittent supervision.

Travel:

90% or more travel required; company vehicle is supplied. Travel in an agency vehicle is required at least 90% of the day while in the community. Mentors are required to drive on all types of traffic ways including highways and expressways. Travel is primarily local, although some out-of-area and overnight travel may be expected.

Work Environment:

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the essential functions of the job. Persons in this position can expect a moderate noise level during travel to multiple volunteer sites and business settings. The position is subject to environmental conditions. Protection from weather conditions but not necessarily from temperature changes.

Physical Demands of the Job:

Primarily active work: while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, etc. May be required to reach, stoop, or kneel to perform miscellaneous duties. Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be expected, with frequent lifting up to 25lbs. The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading, and various visual inspection requirements.