Program Specialist /CNA-W&A Center

Join Our Team at Iona Senior Services!

Are you passionate about creating a welcoming and vibrant community for older adults? Do you thrive in a dynamic environment where you can make a meaningful impact every day? If so, we’d love for you to join Iona Senior Services as a Program Specialist, Certified Nursing Aide at our Wellness & Arts, Adult Day Center!

SUMMARY:

Under the direct supervision of the Program Manager, the Program Specialist is responsible for facilitating group and individual activity programs for individuals with various physical and cognitive abilities (Alzheimer’s, Stroke, Intellectual Disabilities, etc.), assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), personal care, and rehabilitative services, and assisting with dining services.

RESPONSIBILITIES:

The Program Specialist is responsible for assisting participants with Activities of Daily Living, planning, and implementing person-centered and life-enriching activities, promoting community awareness of Iona and other community resources.

1. Assisting with Activities of Daily Living (ADLs), personal care, and rehabilitative services, and assisting with dining services. 
   • Provide reminders, supervision, and hands-on assistance with Activities of Daily Living (toileting, eating, mobility, etc.). 
   • Maintain safety and minimize potential risks for participants by following standards of practice in healthcare (i.e., food safety, safe transfers). 
   • Report any changes in participants’ health status to Clinical Nurse Manager. 

1. Facilitating group and individual activity programs for individuals with various physical and cognitive abilities (Alzheimer’s, Stroke, Intellectual Disabilities, etc.) 
   • Develop activities and facilitate with Center participants  
   • Facilitate small and large group activities  
   • For Example: exercise groups, art-based programming, discussion groups, and presentations on topics of interest to the participant body, etc. 
   • Create and use PowerPoint presentations or similar audio/visual materials to enhance programming 
   • Ensure purposeful activities throughout the day 
   • Work cooperatively with staff and volunteers in providing daily programming to maximize participant involvement. 
   • Adapt materials and facilitation style to meet the needs of the participants and their various physical and cognitive strengths.  
2. Working with the Interdisciplinary Team 
   • Program Specialists/CNAs (typically 3–5 staff members) work together to manage the daily operations of the Center. Team responsibilities include: 
   • Actively participate in team and educational conferences, staff meetings, organizational meetings and programs 
   • Assist with the operations of dining services 
   • Check the refrigerator for labels and expired items 
   • Receive the daily food delivery from the caterer, ensure the order is complete, and temperatures are taken 
   • Serve meals, clear tables, wash dishes, etc. 
   • Maintain cleanliness of program areas, program office, kitchen, and supplies and communicate any supply needs 
   • Support with coordination of day-to-day transportation for participants 

1. Other 
   • Complete all required paperwork and documentation in a timely manner, including, but not limited to: 
   • Timecard 
   • Bathroom Reporting List 
   • Medicaid Compliance Documentation  
   • Monthly Program Submission 
   • Offer one on one emotional support, conversation, and reassurance for participants experiencing anxiety. 
   • Serve as morning and/or afternoon bus escort for Capital City Limousine when assigned transportation and outings. 
   • If applicable, operate van in safe and courteous manner as needed and comply with transportation policies and procedures.  
   • Communicate with Center Manager for any repairs needed for the van. 
   • Other Duties as assigned  

REQUIREMENTS:  

• 1-3 years of experience working as a nursing assistant with geriatric population preferred. 
• Current Certified Nurse Assistant license in the District of Columbia, preferred. 
• Patient, tolerant, kind and warm personality 
• Ability to lead activities for varying cognitive levels. 
• Ability to communicate and establish effective relationships with Wellness & Arts Center staff, managers, participants, caregivers, and volunteers. 
• Computer Literacy and basic knowledge of Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, and PowerPoint. 
• Ability to participate in a staff rotation to support needs after 5pm, should they arise.   
• Flexibility to work on-site or from home, if there is inclement weather, at the Director’s discretion. 
• i.e. If the Center is closed to participants, but open for staff; all Center staff will continue to work. Supervisor will inform employees if they are expected to work on-site or remotely.  
• Punctual and reliable. 
• Ability to lift at least 20 pounds. 
• Initial and annual chest X-ray/PPD. 
• CPR and First Aid certification. 
• Ability to speak Spanish, Mandarin, or French (preferred but not required). 
• Fully COVID -19 Vaccinated. 
• Valid driver’s license (preferred but not required).   

Schedule: Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm, (40 hours/week)

Comprehensive Benefits Package, including:

Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance

Flexible Spending Account

Retirement Plan

Paid Time Off

Life Insurance

About Iona Senior Services

For 50 years, Iona Senior Services has been a leader in helping older adults and their families navigate the opportunities and challenges of aging in the greater Washington, D.C. area. As a nonprofit organization, we directly support over 4,700 individuals annually through innovative programs, including adult day health care, active wellness initiatives, support groups, and more. At Iona, we are committed to fostering a warm, inclusive, and collaborative workplace that promotes professional growth and excellence in service.