PROGRAM ASSISTANT III- PARTICIPANT TRANSPORTATION

COMMUNITY BRIDGES•Watsonville, CA

1d•$21 - $21•Onsite

About The Position

Under supervision by the program director and activities coordinator, the program assistant III performs a variety of program support functions, including assisting with safe participant transport and assisting in the daily activity program provided at Elderday for the frail elderly and younger functionally impaired adults; performs other duties as assigned. Job descriptions are intended to be illustrative only; they are not designed to be restrictive or to define each and every assigned duty and responsibility. In an organization of this nature, each employee is expected to perform such duties as necessary to fulfill the stated goals of the agency. We screen all applicants, require background checks on final candidates consistent with funding regulation requirements and are a Drug-Free Work Place. Candidates are encouraged to apply even if they are not sure that they meet the minimum qualifications. Relevant experience, knowledge, and skills may be obtained through a wide variety of traditional and non-traditional means.

Requirements

Experience in dealing with and relating to frail elderly and/or mentally and physically handicapped people
High School diploma
Bilingual English/Spanish
Knowledge of: Techniques involved in dealing with the physical, mental, and emotional health of frail older adults and people with physical disabilities and dementia
Activities that will promote health, independence, and self-care of each participant
Ability to: Identify basic human care needs within the Adult Day Health Center setting, assist participants with personal hygiene needs, communicate with participants, their families and other staff members;
Establish a helping relationship with Elderday participants;
Follow oral and written directions;
Personally lead activities, singing, exercise and crafts;
Develop and maintain effective working relationships with other agency staff members and volunteers;
Safely and courteously transport elderly, physically and/or mentally limited and ill passengers, following California driving laws and regulations
Communicate effectively and sensitively with passengers, co-workers, and others encountered in the course of work
Identify significant changes in the physical and mental conditions of the passengers exercising sound judgment including in emergencies
Determine safe and efficient routes using street maps and GPS
Maintain the vehicle in a clean, safe, and orderly condition;
Must possess a valid CA driver’s license and have access to a reliable vehicle to perform job duties.
Must pass a criminal background check and driving record review, demonstrated by providing a current K-4 DMV printout, and maintain a clean criminal and driving record.
Must be insured and be insurable under the agency’s vehicle insurance policy.
Must enroll in the agency’s DMV Pull Notice program.
Must pass a pre-employment drug screen and comply with periodic testing for drug use and alcohol misuse.
Must receive an annual influenza vaccination or be willing to wear a protective facemask during government regulated influenza season.
Must test for TB and clear before first day of employment.
Must obtain CPR and First Aid certification within 6 months of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience safely transporting elderly, frail, physically and/or mentally limited and ill passengers;
Knowledge of the safe and proper use of wheelchair lifts, tie downs, ramps and rails
Knowledge of the preventative measures important to the safe transport of passengers with communicable diseases
Knowledge of basic first aid and CPR techniques;
Biliterate English/Spanish

Responsibilities

Safely drive agency vehicles to transport elderly and/or physically or mentally limited or ill persons between their homes, senior living communities or other residences and the Elderday program.
Assists both ambulatory and non-ambulatory participants on and off the vehicle ensuring proper use of wheelchair lifts, ramps, and tie-downs.
Plans and/or cooperates in establishing schedules; follows established schedules; adjusts schedules to meet unanticipated changes; determines the safest and most efficient pick up and drop off routes.
Conducts pre-trip vehicle inspections and maintains the vehicle in a clean, safe, and orderly condition.
Observes and documents any changes in participants’ health or behavior during transportation and reports concerns to program staff.
Maintains standard transportation records including passenger logs, mileage, and gasoline purchased, and submits all paperwork daily as required.
Operates the vehicle in a safe and courteous manner, following California driving laws and regulations, including seat belt regulations and cell phone regulations.
Addresses participants by name interacting with them on an individual basis with respect and utilizing appropriate communication techniques.
Assists participants with toileting and other personal care, including bathing, ambulation and transferring, and documenting these activities.
Assists with serving meals, monitoring and documenting functions and intake levels.
Reports each participant’s progress and changes to the PT/OT and or RN.
Develops, insofar as possible, an individual rapport with each program participant; notes visible changes in physical or emotional health of the participants and communicates this information to the appropriate staff person.
Assists participants with activities of daily living such as eating, walking, and attending to personal needs.
Charts daily activities for participants.
Participates in the maintenance of a safe, orderly and clean day care center.
Assists in providing a comprehensive program of activities designed to promote optimum health, independence and self-care, among all participants.
Assists in daily activities by setting up and operating equipment; leading groups and conducting exercise and other activities and completing documentation as required.
Works with volunteers assigned to assist with specific activities.
Assists activity staff to develop new or to modify current activities; assist in planning of parties and special celebrations; obtains materials and supplies as directed.
Develops and maintains effective working relationships with other staff members, representatives of community agencies and the public.
Provides quality customer service to participants and staff with an attitude of leadership, helpfulness, dignity and respect.
Upholds and follows established policies on confidentiality, program integrity, computer security, and conflict of interest.
Communicates effectively and respectfully with those people with physical and mental disabilities and with people from different backgrounds and lifestyles; demonstrates a knowledge of and sensitivity to their needs.
Assists and supports program staff in general program work as needed and requested.
Performs all other duties as assigned.