Lead Program Assistant

The J•Maryland Heights, MO

3d•$0 - $20•Onsite

About The Position

The Lead Program Assistant oversees and supervises Program Assistants who provide personalized services to participants in the Adult Day at the J Connections and/or IN programs. Connections serves older adults with Alzheimer’s disease, dementia, and other cognitive or physical impairments. IN serves adults over 18 with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both programs help participants maintain and build skills, discover abilities, and make progress toward individualized goals through activities such as speech therapy, fitness, volunteerism, and socialization. The position assists the Program Manager with daily center operations, supports staff as ratio personnel, and manages designated participant caseloads. The role includes leading and participating in activities, supervising and mentoring staff, documenting participant observations, supporting individualized accommodations, and responding to behavioral or health crises. The work also involves helping participants with meals, mobility, personal care, and activities of daily living; maintaining safety and confidentiality; and collaborating with families and the multidisciplinary team. The position is full-time, day shift, at the JCC Main location in St. Louis, Missouri. The center operates Monday through Friday from 7:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; flexibility to work within those hours, including limited evening and weekend hours, is expected. The role requires physical activity, including entering the pool or participating in fitness classes to assist participants, and lifting and transferring participants as needed.

Requirements

High school diploma or GED.
At least 3 years of experience working with the relevant population, including people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, older adults, medically frail individuals, and/or people with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
Working knowledge of medical conditions and diagnoses common among elderly and disabled populations.
Experience planning and leading activities for the population served.
Excellent written and oral communication skills.
Visual and auditory acuity sufficient to understand and interpret written and oral materials and instructions.
Advanced computer skills, including database systems and Microsoft Office applications (Outlook, Excel, Word, and PowerPoint), and the ability to learn new applications.
Teamwork mentality, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to build strong relationships.
Ability to assist participants with restroom needs.
Physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods indoors and outdoors in all weather; lift 40 pounds; transfer participants (occasionally up to 250 pounds); and assist with participant mobility.
Visual acuity to monitor participants and focus near and far.
Registration on the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, maintained for continued employment.
Annual TB testing and current Hepatitis A vaccination.
Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and physical.

Nice To Haves

Related bachelor’s degree.
Experience with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and/or older adults, medically frail individuals, or people with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
Prior supervisory or management experience.
Experience providing personal care assistance, such as toileting and physical transfers.
Experience developing and implementing individualized, person-centered goals.
Experience with program development, lesson planning, skill instruction, and creating and documenting Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Responsibilities

Assist with onboarding, training, mentoring, and coaching staff; monitor performance and provide feedback.
Maintain safe staffing ratios by establishing and implementing daily break and lunch schedules.
Assist the Program Manager with daily operations of the center.
Help develop social stories and behavioral support strategies to assist participants in achieving individualized goals.
Support participants in group activities, including swimming, exercise, volunteering, animal interaction, art, music, gardening, and cooking.
Participate in activities and mentor team members in activity participation and leadership.
Serve as a subject matter expert and role model for Program Assistants I and II.
Manage designated participant caseloads according to expectations and requirements.
Complete daily documentation and data collection to record participant observations and meet licensure and contract requirements.
Reinforce training and guidance, and provide accommodations such as transition support and sensory breaks so participants can take part in activities.
Intervene appropriately in behavioral or health crisis situations.
Work with the Adult Day Center multidisciplinary team to enhance programs.
Observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, and use appropriate behavior management techniques.
Ensure participants receive appropriate support during meals, mobility, personal care, and activities of daily living, including toileting; assist when necessary.
Care for participants’ physical and emotional wellbeing and respond to problem-solving opportunities.
Enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures.
Greet family members during participant drop-off and pickup.
Collaborate with Adult Day at the J team members to deliver recreation activities, adapted programming, transportation, individualized skill development, meals, special events, and direct support to participants and families.
Provide exceptional customer service and represent the JCC and Adult Day programs positively and professionally.
Attend staff meetings and training, and assist with agency events and programs as requested.
Provide backup coverage to Adult Day programs and support audits and monitoring visits as needed.
Follow the Social Work Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and confidentiality guidelines.
Perform other duties as assigned.