Program Assistant I/II

The J • Maryland Heights, MO

8d • Onsite

About The Position

Adult Day at the J offers two specialized program tracks: Connections and IN. The Connections program provides day support to older adults with Alzheimer’s/Dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments. The IN program provides day support to individuals over the age of 18 who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both programs aim to help participants build upon and maintain their current knowledge, discover new abilities, and cultivate personal growth while working towards their individualized goals. The Program Assistant I (Direct Support Professional) position is responsible for providing personalized services for participants in either the Connections or IN program. This may include activities that support soft skills, speech therapy, physical fitness, volunteerism, and socialization. Adult Day at the J is accredited by the State of Missouri and licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services. The ideal candidate is a self-starter, flexible, and comfortable working closely with others. They should also have the flexibility to work within operating hours of 7:30 am to 5:00 pm, Monday – Friday, with potential for some evening and weekend hours.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• 1+ year(s) of experience working with the relative population required, including individuals with developmental/intellectual disabilities and/or the elderly, medically frail, and/or people with various cognitive impairments such as dementia.
• Working knowledge of medical conditions and diagnoses common among elderly and disabled populations is required.
• Must have good communication skills, both written and oral.
• Must have good computer skills (Microsoft Office Suite: Outlook, Excel, Word, PowerPoint).
• Demonstrated ability to learn new computer applications is a must.
• Must have a teamwork mentality and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to swim in both indoor and outdoor settings and participate in field trips and fitness activities as needed.
• Able to assist with the restroom needs of participants.
• Must be physically able to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods, indoors and outdoors in all weather environments.
• Must be physically able to lift 40 pounds, transfer participants (on occasion up to 250 pounds) and assist participants with mobility.
• Must have the visual acuity to monitor participants and focus near and far.
• Adult Day employees are required to become registered with the MO Family Care Safety Registry.
• Active registration must be maintained for continued employment.
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification, TB testing, and Hepatitis A vaccine are required per licensure.
• Position is subject to a pre-employment background check and physical.

Nice To Haves

• Related Associate's or Bachelor's degree is preferred.
• Prior experience with providing personal care assistance (i.e., toileting, physical transfers, etc.) is strongly preferred.
• Experience with development and implementation of individualized and person-centered goals is preferred.

Responsibilities

• Support individuals with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments as they participate in group activities such as swimming, exercise, volunteering, interaction with animals, art, music, and gardening.
• Assist in researching, developing, and implementing activities focused on benefiting participants cognitively, socially, recreationally, and physically, as well as assisting with independent skills development for large and small groups.
• Complete all daily documentation and data collection to record observations on assigned participants to maintain compliance with licensure and contracts.
• Facilitate individual accommodations necessary for participants to fully engage in activities.
• Facilitate physical location transitions or sensory breaks between activities (on and offsite) as needed.
• Appropriately intervene in crisis situations related to behavior or health.
• Work cooperatively with the Adult Day Center multi-disciplinary team to enhance offered programs.
• Observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Assist participants in mobility, personal care, and serving food during mealtimes.
• Assist participants with activities of daily living, including toileting.
• Care for the physical and emotional well-being of every Adult Day Center participant at all times.
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem-solving.
• Enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Complete Incident Reports as required.
• Greet family members as they arrive to drop off/pick up participants.
• Work collaboratively with ADJ team members to effectively execute recreation activities, adapted programming, transportation services, individualized skill development, daily meal services, special events, and direct support to participants and families.
• Provide exceptional customer service at all times, and represent the JCC and Adult Day in a positive and professional manner.
• Attend staff meetings, training sessions, and assist with agency events and programs as requested.
• Provide backup coverage to Adult Day programs as needed.
• Adhere to Social Work Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and confidentiality guidelines at all times.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The J provides training/re-certification, testing, and vaccine if employee does not already have.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED