To ensure effective management, I would focus on personalized care plans tailored to each individual's needs, leveraging interdisciplinary team collaboration. Emphasizing continuous staff training on the latest best practices in intellectual disability care is crucial. Additionally, implementing robust monitoring and evaluation systems to assess service effectiveness and making data-driven adjustments would be key. Engaging with families and caregivers to ensure their needs and feedback are incorporated into service planning would also be a priority.

In such situations, I would first seek to understand the root cause through a private, constructive conversation with the team member. Providing targeted training or mentorship to address any skill gaps would be my initial approach. If performance does not improve, I would follow organizational policies for progressive discipline, always ensuring fairness and transparency. My goal would be to support the team member's growth while maintaining high care standards for individuals with intellectual disabilities.

In my previous role, I encountered a situation where a client's educational needs were being overlooked due to budget constraints. I organized a meeting with stakeholders, presenting evidence-based research on the long-term benefits of inclusive education for individuals with intellectual disabilities. By highlighting the client's progress and potential, I successfully advocated for additional resources, ensuring the client received the appropriate educational support. This experience underscored the importance of persistence and evidence in advocacy efforts.

Creating an inclusive environment starts with open communication and actively listening to team members' ideas and concerns. I would implement regular team-building activities and diversity training to promote understanding and respect. Recognizing and celebrating individual and team achievements would also be a priority to boost morale. Ensuring that all team members have access to the resources and support they need to succeed is essential for fostering a positive and productive work environment.

I stay informed by subscribing to leading journals and newsletters in the field of intellectual disabilities, such as the Journal of Intellectual Disability Research. Attending conferences, workshops, and webinars allows me to network with professionals and learn about innovative practices. I also participate in online forums and professional groups to exchange ideas and solutions. Continuous learning is a priority, as it enables me to apply the most current and effective strategies in managing services for individuals with intellectual disabilities.