Adult Day Services Program Assistant

Salary $19.00/per hour - 32 Hours per week (Monday - Thursday)

CMSS offers the following benefits to our amazing employees:

• Competitive Pay

• Sick Pay

• Vacation and holiday pay

• Medical, dental & vision

• 403b & Roth Retirement plans

• Tuition reimbursement

Chicago Methodist Senior Service (CMSS) is a non-profit, non-sectarian organization providing an array of programs and services to older adults across Chicagoland.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Assistant provides direct support to older adults participating in the Adult Day Services program, including individuals with a variety of physical, cognitive, and functional abilities. This individual helps create a welcoming, engaging, and supportive environment in which each participant can enjoy meaningful activities, social interaction, meals, and daily routines. The majority of the Program Assistant’s time will be spent planning, leading, and assisting with group and individual activities designed to promote social engagement, cognitive stimulation, creativity, physical activity, and enjoyment. The Program Assistant also provides assistance with personal care, including toileting and other activities of daily living, and assists participants during meals.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES

Activities and Participant Engagement

• Help develop and implement daily activity programming, including arts and crafts, music, games, exercise, reminiscence, current events, discussion groups, and other recreational and therapeutic activities.

• Modify activities to accommodate participants with different physical, cognitive, sensory, and communication abilities.

• Encourage participation while respecting each individual's preferences and right to choose not to participate.

• Provide one-to-one engagement and activities for participants who may have difficulty participating in larger groups.

• Observe participants' responses to activities and communicate significant changes or concerns to the supervisor.

Personal Care and Activities of Daily Living
• Assist participants with mobility, positioning, transfers, and ambulation as appropriate and within the employee's training and scope of responsibility.

• Provide assistance to participants who use walkers, canes, or other mobility devices.

Assist with hand hygiene and other personal hygiene needs as appropriate.

• Maintain participant privacy, dignity, and confidentiality at all times.

• Recognize and promptly report changes in a participant's physical, cognitive, emotional, or behavioral condition.

Mealtime Assistance
Provide appropriate assistance to participants who need help eating or drinking, consistent with individual care plans and program policies.

• Encourage independence and socialization during meals whenever possible.

• Monitor participants during meals and report concerns regarding eating, drinking, swallowing, or changes in appetite to the appropriate staff member.

• Assist with maintaining a clean, safe, and pleasant dining environment.

Safety and Program Support

• Maintain awareness of participant whereabouts and safety throughout the program day.

• Follow emergency, infection control, fall prevention, and other safety procedures.

• Assist with transportation loading and unloading and other program routines as assigned.

• Perform other duties as assigned that support the effective operation of the Adult Day Services program.

QUALIFICATIONS

Required:

• High school diploma or equivalent.

• Experience working with older adults, individuals with disabilities, dementia, or other populations requiring supportive services preferred.

• Ability to communicate effectively and compassionately with participants, families, and coworkers.

• Ability to follow individualized care instructions and program policies.

• Ability to maintain confidentiality and demonstrate sound judgment.

• Ability to assist with personal care and physical tasks associated with the position.

• CPR/First Aid certification or willingness to obtain certification with fifteen (15) days of hire.

Preferred:

• Experience in adult day services, senior services, assisted living, memory care, home care, or a related setting.

• Experience leading recreational, therapeutic, or group activities.

• Dementia care experience or training.

• Additional training or certification in personal care, caregiving, or a related field.