Vocational Program Assistant

Dignitas Inc.•Farmington Hills, MI

About The Position

Unity Works seeks a full-time Vocational Program Assistant to support individuals with brain injuries in their rehabilitation journey. The position involves helping clients pursue personalized goals, promoting independence, and fostering a safe, respectful, and supportive environment through individualized care, tailored activities, and consistent support. Standard hours are 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, Monday through Friday, with some evening or weekend hours possibly required for special events or activities. The role includes supervising and assisting clients with activities and daily living skills, adapting activities to individual needs, documenting client progress and incidents, administering medication according to policy, and accompanying clients on planned outings. The assistant also supports communication and coordination among clients, colleagues, and supervisors; follows company policies, safety procedures, state laws, and regulatory requirements; collaborates with the team; and helps maintain clean and organized spaces and report facility or vehicle maintenance needs. The position may involve client transportation and requires physical assistance with mobility and transfers when necessary.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
Ability to remain calm, patient, and empathetic in challenging situations.
Ability to work independently and as part of a team.
Valid driver’s license and ability to transport clients, if required.
Ability to assist clients with mobility and physical activities.
Ability to lift and carry equipment and materials and assist with client transfers when necessary.

Nice To Haves

Some college education.
Experience working with individuals with brain injuries or disabilities.
First Aid and CPR certification, or willingness to obtain certification.

Responsibilities

Support clients in achieving personalized goals related to life skills, social interaction, communication, and rehabilitation.
Lead and facilitate activities that encourage client participation and engagement.
Supervise clients and follow safety protocols to ensure their safety and well-being during activities.
Assist clients with daily living skills, including feeding, hygiene, dressing, and mobility, as outlined in treatment plans.
Document client progress, behaviors, incidents, and significant changes in condition or mood.
Administer medication according to policies, document administration accurately, and observe clients appropriately.
Accompany clients to planned activities, including transportation, and ensure their needs are met during trips.
Adapt activities to clients’ preferences, abilities, and needs; provide one-on-one support and adjust activity difficulty as appropriate.
Create a calm, supportive environment that minimizes sensory overload and use positive reinforcement to encourage participation.
Communicate client needs, progress, and concerns clearly with clients, colleagues, and supervisors.
Maintain accurate and timely records of activities, incidents, interventions, and daily progress, and submit required documentation on time.
Follow company policies and procedures, safety and emergency protocols, state laws, and regulatory requirements.
Participate in ongoing training and professional development.
Collaborate with staff, participate in team meetings, contribute ideas to improve client care and program success, and support team members as needed.
Help maintain a clean and organized environment for clients and staff.
Promptly report facility and vehicle repair or maintenance needs.
Document mileage for client transportation and provide receipts for work-related purchases.