Description

ACCESS Life Instructor Assistant

Empower Independence. Inspire Growth. Change Lives.

Are you passionate about helping adults with developmental disabilities build confidence, independence, and meaningful life skills? At ACCESS Life, every day is an opportunity to make a real impact. We’re looking for an energetic, compassionate team member who is ready to support vocational development, community integration, leisure experiences, and independent living skills in a dynamic, hands-on environment.

If you thrive in a collaborative setting, love cheering others on, and enjoy a role where no two days are the same, this position may be the perfect fit!

POSITION PURPOSE

Serve as a key partner in delivering the daily instruction of ACCESS Life. This role supports programming that promotes vocation, community engagement, leisure activities, and personal independence for all participants.

WHAT YOU’LL DO

You’ll play an important role in day-to-day programming. An individual must be able to successfully perform these essential functions with or without reasonable accommodation.

1. Program Support

• Assist the Lead Instructor in implementing programming across vocational training, community integration, leisure, and independent living.
   
• Prepare materials, set up activities, and support participants during instruction.
   

2. Communication & Team Collaboration

• Communicate professionally and promptly with the Lead Instructor and team.
   
• Support positive interactions with participants, families, and stakeholders.
   
• Assist with communication and coordination with funding partners (ARS, Waiver case managers, parents/guardians) as needed.
   

3. Relationship Building

• Help create a warm, supportive, and encouraging environment.
   
• Model appropriate rapport, professional boundaries, and respectful interactions.
   

4. Behavior & Classroom Support

• Support the Lead Instructor in applying effective behavior and classroom management strategies.
   
• Implement behavior plans, reinforce expectations, and provide redirection when needed.
   

5. Data Collection & Documentation

• Assist with collecting, organizing, and tracking data related to participant goals and progress.
   
• Help maintain accurate, timely documentation required by program guidelines and funding sources.
   

6. Safety & Supervision

• Support participant safety in all settings—on campus, in the community, and during transportation.
   
• Follow all safety protocols, emergency procedures, and supervision standards.
   

7. Transportation Support

• Provide transportation for participants as needed while adhering to all driving and safety expectations.
   

8. Administrative Assistance

• Assist with preparing and managing paperwork needed for funding and program operations.
   
• Help complete forms, attendance sheets, activity logs, and required documentation.
   

9. Additional Duties

• Perform other related tasks that support overall program operations and participant success.
   

WHAT YOU BRING 

Ethics

• Treats people with respect
   
• Keeps commitments and inspires trust
   
• Acts with integrity and aligns with organizational values
   

Professionalism

• Approaches others tactfully
   
• Responds well under pressure
   
• Takes responsibility and follows through
   

Cost Consciousness

• Works within approved budgets
   
• Conserves organizational resources
   

Judgment

• Makes sound decisions and includes the right people in the process
   
• Uses accurate judgment and acts in a timely manner
   

Management

• Takes responsibility for teaching assistants’ activities
   
• Supports team skill development and growth
   

Oral Communication

• Listens well and seeks clarification
   
• Responds to questions and participates in meetings with confidence
   

Planning & Organizing

• Prioritizes effectively and uses time well
   
• Plans for resources and collaborates on scheduling—particularly for ceramics and horticulture
   
• Ensures paperwork is completed and submitted on time
   
• Adjusts programming schedules as needed to meet participant needs
   

Problem Solving

• Identifies and resolves issues promptly
   
• Gathers and analyzes information effectively
   
• Develops solutions collaboratively
   
• Uses reason even when navigating emotional topics
   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

This role involves frequent talking and hearing, along with standing, kneeling, crouching, or occasional walking and sitting. You must be able to lift or move up to 20 pounds. Vision requirements include close, distance, peripheral, depth perception, and focus adjustment. The work environment typically has moderate noise levels.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

Education

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; some college preferred.
   

Experience / Knowledge

• Minimum of two years of experience in a similar position or equivalent experience working with adults with developmental disabilities.
   

Skills & Abilities

• Strong, professional communication skills with diverse groups.
   
• Excellent organization and attention to detail.
   
• Ability to read, analyze, and interpret data to document participant success.
   
• Ability to support behavior plan development and implementation.
   
• Strong common-sense problem-solving skills.
   

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

Minimal travel required; may include transporting participants.
ACCESS drivers must maintain:

• A valid driver’s license
   
• Current auto liability insurance and registration
   
• A clean driving record
   
• Physical ability to drive locally throughout Arkansas