Individual Community Living Service Mentor
Connor
Experience Information
Employer: IKUS Life Enrichment Services
Job Title: ICLS Mentor
Major: Psychology
Received Credit: Yes
Paid: Yes
Abroad: No
Description of the Organization
At IKUS, there are a plethora of services ranging from group programs, to individual community living ones to job support and more. IKUS also runs a summer camp where those with cognitive and developmental disabilities can go and just hang! IKUS has a pretty large reach in Ottawa and Kent counties and is stationed at Aman Park (about half way between Allendale and GR).
Description of the Tasks/Projects Completed
I worked as an Individual Community Living Service (ICLS) Mentor. In this job, you are paired with individuals with different disabilities and are tasked with helping them meet their goals (which have already been established) within the community. This can range from ensuring they are conducting themselves in a safe manner, to not excessively waving to strangers or using inappropriate boundaries - it is super unique by individual.
Skills/Knowledge Gained Through The Experience
I learned patience more than anything. I learned that good things come to those who wait. I also learned what it can be like for families and individuals with different disabilities at such a personal level that you wouldn't ever get in a hundred college classes. I also learned that the times when things are super challenging and you are alone, are often the times that teach you the most and are the most rewarding.
Favorite Part of the Experience
My favorite part of this job was seeing that my continual patience and just showing up had a slow but sure impact on a specific individual I work with that really wasn't digging the change in mentors for the longest time. Being greeted with a smile and a hand shake as opposed to not being looked at let alone talked to for the first hour means a lot to me!
How the Experience Influenced Future Career Goals
I kind of knew from the start that this specific population is probably one I won't be working with in my career. However, I am still kind of between wanting to pursue a career in private practice and one in the realm of research and I would not be opposed to researching different therapy techniques and treatments within this population!
Internship Format
In Person