hour)

HAYWARD AREA RECREATION & PARK DISTRICT•Hayward, CA

5d•$18 - $24

About The Position

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all that wish to participate, despite limitations or disabilities. A variety of Adaptive classes, programs and special events are available. H.A.R.D. is seeking several Special Needs Program Aides to support these programs for the upcoming Summer! We are seeking reliable, dedicated, and creative individuals to be a part of our team. Patience and caring staff who love gardening, exercising, and bringing out the best in our participants are ideal candidates for this job. Aides may be providing one on one support, guidance to participants and will help ensure a fun, safe and successful Summer. Here are the details about the positions: Available Positions: 3 Hourly Rate: $17.74/hour - $23.94/hour Work Schedule: Up to 40 hours/week on weekdays between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Evenings and weekends may be required based on programming needs. Part-time, Seasonal, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position Work Location: Multiple locations within the District Anticipated Start Date: June 8, 2026 Duration of Summer is anticipated to run from June 8 to August 21. Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30) Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time. POSITION SUMMARY Under general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and direct supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities to assists with daily operations of the Special Needs Adult Day Program at Sorensdale Center. The Program Aid will assist in facilitating educational, vocational, and recreational training for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their educational goals, while respecting and encouraging Person Centered Thinking. Due to the varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Needs Program Aids may provide a variety of support and assistance and should be flexible adjusting to participant needs. DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing Program Aid duties in the Special Needs Program. This class can be distinguished from the class of Special Needs Program Instructor as this class does not have Program Instructor responsibilities.

Requirements

Ability and Skill to:
Work with the public that are participating in a variety of recreational activities
Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations
React quickly and calmly in emergencies
Administer First Aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration
Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the work
Work independently in the absence of supervision
Knowledge of:
Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and standard computer programs
Complete forms, reports and paperwork
Performs clerical duties as needed
Safe food handling practices
Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities
Education/Experience/Training:
Completion of high school
One-year previous experience with special needs populations and programs is desirable
Must possess standard First Aid/CPR/AED and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
Possess a CA Food Handlers Certificate and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
Experience in MS Office Program: Excel, Word, Access, Outlook
Special Requirements:
Must be at least 18 years of age
Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended
Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test
Must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
Verification of ID and ability work in the USA

Nice To Haves

Bi-lingual desired
One-year previous experience with special needs populations and programs is desirable

Responsibilities

Aid in delivery of educational instruction designed by Special Needs Program Instructors to help participants meet educational, academic, life skill, behavioral, physical, social and emotional goals
Ability to lead small groups of special needs participants in classroom or community-based setting
Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours
Respect and encourage person centered thinking
Give personal assistance to participants as needed, may include, dress, cleaning, self-care and toileting
Gather and maintain information for Individual Service Plans
Monitor activities in facility, aid and ensure compliance with District regulations, maintain facility security, and report any facility issues related to safety
May open, secure facility before and after program use; prepare facility and set up furniture and or equipment for scheduled activities/events
Aid with administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and set up of program supplies
Aid in retail duties in on site Thrift Store, such as handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, and providing excellent customer service
Aid in gardening duties, such as watering, planting and picking fruits and vegetables for lunch program
Assist special needs participants in classroom settings such as, but not limited to: Art, Computer Education, Cooking, Gardening, Functional Math, Health and Fitness, Music and Literacy Classes
Aid in getting participants on and off daily transportation/ bus services
Assists in the lunch program, overseeing participants during lunch
Assist in the implementation of ongoing programs, classes and special events
Maintains good public relations
Participates in training sessions and regular staff meetings
May provide input regarding program planning
At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, volunteers, participants and the public
Performs other duties as assigned