Per Diem Program Assistant I

Per Diem PROGRAM ASSISTANT I $18.00/HOUR (2024)

Summary of Position:

Responsible for assisting in classes and programs, interacting with students and families; maintaining the physical environment including set up and clean up; functions as a group leader as needed.

Essential Job Functions:

• Set up and take down area for classes; prepare materials for class activities. Includes disinfecting all equipment and materials after use per appropriate policy.

• During classes and programs, assist students to participate safely in the class. Remain in attendance and fully available to individuals served at all times, unless specified otherwise. Assist families in the lobby during arrival and departure to ensure smooth transition.

• Provide 1:1 support and implement behavior support plan as directed by supervisory staff.

• Understand and fulfill role in emergency planning per Emergency Preparedness Manual.

• Participate in quality control discussions, participant feedback and evaluation and development of new programs.

• For frequently observed behavior, recognize the need, report the need to the group leader, and help develop a solution to include visual and other adaptive supports to help individuals or groups be successful in programs, activities, and community outings.

• Apply Pathlight and program policies and procedures particularly in the areas of crisis, emergency, health and safety, individuals' served rights and abuse.

• Function as a group leader in appropriate classes in the absence of the teacher.

• Participate in maintaining the organization and upkeep of equipment and supplies as needed for programs.

• Attend and participate in required program and staff meetings.

• Handle and document confidential information per Agency and Whole Children policies.

• Participate in fundraising and marketing activities, including assisting with mailings, flyer distribution, participation in events and activities.

• Assist with administrative tasks to support program related projects, which could include inventory, photocopying, mailing, laminating, or creating posters or visual supports.

• Perform other duties as needed or assigned by supervisory staff.

HIRING REQUIREMENTS:

• Minimum 18 years of age.

• High school diploma

• Valid MA driver's license and reliable transportation, as required by program.

• Up to 1 year of experience preferred.

KNOWLEDGE AND EXPERIENCE REQUIRED:

• Basic knowledge of educational practices and procedures.

• Additional specialized training including requirements for basic First Aid, Fire Safety, CPR, Human Rights, etc.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES REQUIRED:

• Must be able to maintain regular attendance.

• Ability to read and write in English, to efficiently complete program documents for internal and external contracts.

• Regular contact with others (internal and external) requiring tact to avoid friction and obtain cooperation.

• Work with confidential data such as individual case records which if disclosed, could have significant internal effect or minor external effect.

• Direct contact with children and families requiring appropriate judgment about safety.

• Ability to follow complex directions.

MENTAL ATTENTION OR VISUAL DEMAND:

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision and peripheral vision; reading of written, printed or computer screen data. In addition, the ability to:

fully focus and concentrate on the task at hand.

demonstrate decision making; considerable judgment.

maintain a calm, composed manner.

calmly and effectively communicate restrictions to the individual in order to deescalate situations.

work with unexpected disruptions.

redirect individuals served appropriately to maintain safety for self and others.

actively listen and communicate clearly with staff and others.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Usual office working conditions most of the time. Regular exposure to site conditions and some noise; frequent exposure to weather during travel. The noise level in the environment is usually moderate to high. Busy and fast-paced environment.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions

Lifting/transferring person with or without assistance of co-worker with or without mechanical lift

Occasionally lift and/or move up to or greater than 60 pounds

Repetitive twisting, bending, squatting with full use of arms/legs

Repetitive stooping, kneeling

Reaching above shoulder level

Prolonged standing throughout shift

Work requiring depth perception

Assist and participate with recreational activities such as biking, walking, and hiking

Engage in physical activity with the individual on the floor.

Ability to get up off the floor

Restraints: Conduct physical restraints with individuals served.

Restraints require: -repetitive bending/twisting using right/left hands/arms

• ability to maintain physical position up to 10 minutes

Driving personal vehicle and/or company van.

REPORTING RELATIONSHIPS:

• Reports to designated supervisor.