Program Support Staff

Seaspar•Downers Grove, IL

7d•$15 - $18•Onsite

About The Position

SEASPAR is a special recreation association, similar to a park district but specifically for people with disabilities. We serve thirteen communities in eastern DuPage and southern Cook counties, with our home base in Downers Grove. We offer recreational programming tailored for children and adults with special needs and are seeking kind and energetic individuals from diverse backgrounds to help our participants learn, grow, and have fun. We offer flexible hours during days, evenings, and weekends.

Requirements

High school or college diploma preferred.
No formal experience required; minimum one year experience working with individual with disabilities preferred; working knowledge of disabilities.
Must be 16 years of age or older and able to perform the job functions independently of others.
Availability to commit to assigned work times.
Demonstration of enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, SEASPAR staff, SEASPAR member entity staff, parents/guardians, participants, and community groups, as well as members of the general public.
Use good safety awareness and judgment; follow SEASPAR policies at all times; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment following manufacturer safety instructions; and follow agency ergonomic policies and procedures.
Identify and appropriately resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem-solving situations; and use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas; and try new things.
Speak clearly and effectively in all situations; listen and ask for clarification from supervisor if needed; respond appropriately to questions; and read and interpret all necessary agency documents.
Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; be able to interpret written information; and present clear, legible handwriting for all SEASPAR forms and documents.
Exhibit sound and accurate judgment when making all program-related decisions; solve problems involving a few concrete variables; and include appropriate people in the decision-making process.
Approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; and follow through on commitments.
Adapt activities based on the skill level and needs of each participant to encourage appropriate participation on a regular basis; adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; change approach or method as necessary; and deal with frequent changes, delays, unexpected events, or program cancellations.
Demonstrate consistent attendance and on-time arrival; ensure responsibilities are covered when absent; and arrive at meetings, in-services, and trainings on time.
Follow instructions and respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; keep commitments; commit to long hours of work when necessary; and complete tasks on time.
Lead participants to have successful recreation experiences; demonstrate positive interactions with other staff members, individuals with disabilities, and parents/guardians; and possess the ability to enlist the support of others to accomplish a common task.

Nice To Haves

Motivate participants and initiate successful recreation experiences.
Attend all job-related season orientations, in-services, conferences, and workshops as directed by supervisor.
Act as an advocate for the participant when necessary.
Be dependable and punctual.
Encourage participation and development of friendships with other participants in the program.
Gather, load, transport, and set up equipment if necessary.
Load/unload and transport participants in a safe manner.

Responsibilities

Assist in the implementation of recreation activities for individuals with disabilities.
Work with full-time staff, program leaders, program support staff, volunteers, parents, community partners, member entity staff, and individuals with special needs.
Assist with the supervision of and participate in all planned activities.
Adapt activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation and the most independent participation possible.
Provide the appropriate attention to participants in all situations.
Manage assigned group or individual.
Interpret and use knowledge of the physical, mental, and medical limitations of participants to the benefit of the program.
Discuss staffing concerns/issues with Support Staff Manager.
Be alert and responsive to health and safety needs of the participants and staff.
Ensure safety factors relative to program and participant needs.
Implement proper disciplinary techniques.
Provide behavior management when necessary.
Ensure that the facility/program site as well as any equipment is properly maintained.
Read, understand, and abide by all SEASPAR policies and procedures.
Be available to listen to parental concerns.
Answer questions on behalf of SEASPAR or refer questions to administrative staff.
Regular and predictable on-site attendance.
Other duties as assigned.