Program Assistant Jobs

About The Position

Requirements

• High school diploma or GED.
• At least 3 years of experience working with the relevant population, including people with developmental or intellectual disabilities, older adults, medically frail individuals, and/or people with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
• Working knowledge of medical conditions and diagnoses common among elderly and disabled populations.
• Experience planning and leading activities for the population served.
• Excellent written and oral communication skills.
• Visual and auditory acuity sufficient 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, excellent interpersonal skills, and ability to build strong relationships.
• Ability to assist participants with restroom needs.
• Physical ability to stand, walk, and sit for extended periods indoors and outdoors in all weather; lift 40 pounds; transfer participants (occasionally up to 250 pounds); and assist with participant mobility.
• Visual acuity to monitor participants and focus near and far.
• Registration on the Missouri Family Care Safety Registry, maintained for continued employment.
• Annual TB testing and current Hepatitis A vaccination.
• Successful completion of a pre-employment background check and physical.

Nice To Haves

• Related bachelor’s degree.
• Experience with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities and/or older adults, medically frail individuals, or people with cognitive impairments such as dementia.
• Prior supervisory or management experience.
• Experience providing personal care assistance, such as toileting and physical transfers.
• Experience developing and implementing individualized, person-centered goals.
• Experience with program development, lesson planning, skill instruction, and creating and documenting Individual Support Plans (ISPs).

Responsibilities

• Assist with onboarding, training, mentoring, and coaching staff; monitor performance and provide feedback.
• Maintain safe staffing ratios by establishing and implementing daily break and lunch schedules.
• Assist the Program Manager with daily operations of the center.
• Help develop social stories and behavioral support strategies to assist participants in achieving individualized goals.
• Support participants in group activities, including swimming, exercise, volunteering, animal interaction, art, music, gardening, and cooking.
• Participate in activities and mentor team members in activity participation and leadership.
• Serve as a subject matter expert and role model for Program Assistants I and II.
• Manage designated participant caseloads according to expectations and requirements.
• Complete daily documentation and data collection to record participant observations and meet licensure and contract requirements.
• Reinforce training and guidance, and provide accommodations such as transition support and sensory breaks so participants can take part in activities.
• Intervene appropriately in behavioral or health crisis situations.
• Work with the Adult Day Center multidisciplinary team to enhance programs.
• Observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, and use appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ensure participants receive appropriate support during meals, mobility, personal care, and activities of daily living, including toileting; assist when necessary.
• Care for participants’ physical and emotional wellbeing and respond to problem-solving opportunities.
• Enforce safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Greet family members during participant drop-off and pickup.
• Collaborate with Adult Day at the J team members to deliver recreation activities, adapted programming, transportation, individualized skill development, meals, special events, and direct support to participants and families.
• Provide exceptional customer service and represent the JCC and Adult Day programs positively and professionally.
• Attend staff meetings and training, and assist with agency events and programs as requested.
• Provide backup coverage to Adult Day programs and support audits and monitoring visits as needed.
• Follow the Social Work Code of Ethics, HIPAA, and confidentiality guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned.