Inclusive Special Needs Assistant

FOX VALLEY SPECIAL RECREATION ASSOCIATION•Aurora, IL

5d•$16 - $16

About The Position

Work cooperatively with Member Agency Program Leaders and staff to support individuals with disabilities in Park District recreational programs as well as before and after school care, and Park District Preschool settings. Special Needs Assistants work directly with individual(s) with disabilities to reinforce instruction, encourage peer interactions between people with and without disabilities, and provide behavior and communication support with the goal of maximizing inclusion and active participation for the individual with the disability.

Requirements

16 years of age is preferred.
Desire to work with school age children with or without disabilities.
Experience working in a daycare, day camp, or before/after school program is preferred.
Must understand the needs of persons with disabilities and adapt activities to promote participation.
Must demonstrate strong interpersonal, problem-solving and communication, both written and oral skills, and ability to work effectively under stressful situations with people with disabilities, FVSRA staff, FVSRA Member Agency staff, parents/guardians, participants, school district personnel, community agencies as well as members of the general public.
Be safety conscious, enforce and follow FVSRA, Park District/Department, Center for Disease Control, and the Illinois Department of Public Health safety policies and guidelines to ensure the participants and the environment are safe.
Demonstrate creativity, enthusiasm, and take initiative.
Have the ability to engage in activities requiring physical exertion.
Must pass a criminal background check pursuant to Park Code.

Responsibilities

Attend all meetings, in-services, and training required by FVSRA or the Member Agency staff.
Implement modifications that maximize the ability of individuals with disabilities to participate in all program activities.
Model and breakdown instructions for comprehension and understanding.
Modify activities and use adaptive equipment to promote accessibility.
Facilitate and encourage social interaction between individuals with and without disabilities.
Promote positive behaviors through coping skills, behavior plans, safety rules, and clear expectations.
Use augmentative and alternative communication devise, systems, strategies, and tools that replace or support natural speech.
Assist with the setup and cleanup of program spaces.
Assist with the supervision of participants.
Document and submit participant behavior report forms within specified timeframe.
Immediately communicate all accidents, unsafe conditions, problems, or concerns to the Member Agency Staff and FVSRA Supervisor.
Solve simple to complex problems arising while supporting individual(s) with disabilities.
Provide timely responses to phone and/or electronic communication.
Assume other responsibilities as assigned.