Program Assistant I (FT)

The J • Maryland Heights, MO

2d

About The Position

Adult Day at the J offers two specialized programs: Connections, which supports older adults with Alzheimer’s/dementia and other cognitive or physical impairments, and IN, which supports people over age 18 with autism spectrum disorder and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both programs help participants maintain and build skills, discover abilities, pursue personal growth, and work toward individualized goals.

The Program Assistant I provides direct support to participants as they take part in activities such as swimming, exercise, volunteering, animal interaction, art, music, gardening, and cooking. The role includes assisting with personal care and daily living needs, adapting activities so participants can take part, supporting transitions and sensory breaks, and helping maintain participants’ physical and emotional well-being. The position also involves documentation, safety and crisis response, collaboration with the Adult Day team, and communication with families. Employees may be expected to enter the pool or participate in fitness classes to assist participants directly. Adult Day at the J is accredited by the State of Missouri and licensed by the Missouri Department of Health and Senior Services.

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED required.
• At least one year of experience working with the relevant population, including people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, older adults, medically frail individuals, or people with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
• Working knowledge of medical conditions and diagnoses common among elderly and disabled populations.
• Prior experience providing personal care assistance, including toileting and physical transfers.
• Experience developing and implementing individualized, person-centered goals.
• Experience planning and leading activities for the population served.
• Strong written and oral communication skills, with the visual and auditory acuity needed 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 and excellent interpersonal skills.
• Ability to assist participants with restroom needs.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods indoors and outdoors in all weather conditions.
• Ability to lift 40 pounds, transfer participants (occasionally up to 250 pounds), and assist participants with mobility.
• Visual acuity to monitor participants and focus near and far.
• Must register with the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry and maintain active registration for continued employment.
• American Red Cross CPR/First Aid certification, TB testing, and Hepatitis A vaccination are required; the employer provides training or recertification, testing, and vaccination if needed.
• Position is subject to a pre-employment background check and physical.

Nice To Haves

• Related associate or bachelor’s degree preferred.
• Experience outside of home health care preferred.
• Experience with patient tracking systems highly preferred.
• Demonstrated initiative to grow and develop oneself and others.

Responsibilities

• Support participants with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments during group activities, including swimming, exercise, volunteering, animal interaction, art, music, gardening, and cooking.
• Assist with researching, developing, and implementing activities that support participants’ cognitive, social, recreational, and physical needs and independent skills development.
• Provide accommodations that help individuals participate fully in activities.
• Assist with transitions between activities and provide sensory breaks, both onsite and offsite, as needed.
• Intervene appropriately in behavioral or health crises and apply suitable behavior-management techniques.
• Observe participant behavior and assess whether it is appropriate.
• Assist participants with mobility, personal care, toileting, serving food, and other activities of daily living.
• Care for participants’ physical and emotional well-being and recognize and respond to problem-solving opportunities.
• Enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures and complete incident reports as required.
• Complete daily documentation and collect data on assigned participants to meet licensing and contract requirements.
• Work cooperatively with the Adult Day Center multidisciplinary team and ADJ team members to deliver recreation activities, adapted programming, transportation services, individualized skill development, meals, special events, and direct support to participants and families.
• Greet family members when they drop off or pick up participants.
• Provide exceptional customer service and represent the JCC and Adult Day professionally.
• Attend staff meetings and training sessions and assist with agency events and programs as requested.
• Provide backup coverage to Adult Day programs as needed.
• Follow the Social Work Code of Ethics, HIPAA requirements, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Benefits

• The employer provides CPR/First Aid training or recertification, TB testing, and Hepatitis A vaccination if the employee does not already have them.

What This Job Offers

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