Inclusion Program Assistant

With guidance from supervisor, implements adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and meet individual needs of participants.

TitleProgram AssistantDepartmentTherapeutic RecreationStatusSeasonalWork LocationVariousReports ToTherapeutic Recreation CoordinatorWage$15/hourPosition Description

With guidance from supervisor, implements adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and meet individual needs of participants.

ROCKFORD PARK DISTRICT VISION, MISSION AND LEADERSHIP BY VALUESAgency VisionTo be the best urban parks and recreation system in North America, as measured by national standards and the citizens we serve.Agency MissionThe Rockford Park District is in business to "help people enjoy life" by providing a quality park and recreation system.Vision & Planning SystemThe District aligns itself and all its resources to achieve its purpose, vision, mission, and priorities. This successfully drives the strategic plan, operational plans, and performance goals.Policy Management & Operations SystemEvery team member serves as an active contributor in the development of the team's operational plan; develops job strategies and plans that support the team's operational goals; identifies timetables for completion; plans daily work activities in an organized manner ensuring effective utilization of time and resources in the completion of job tasks.Leadership by Values SystemLeadership by Values can only be achieved if all team members believe in and live by these shared values: accountability, integrity, passion, agility, relationship oriented, results driven, service oriented, respectful, and innovative. While all team members share these essential values, our culture is enriched by and welcomes the diverse supporting values of its team members.Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Belonging StatementThe Rockford Park District is committed and accountable to being a place where everyone is invited and belongs, as demonstrated by being an inviting, equitable, and inclusive environment, respectful of all people, embracing diversity, creating accessibility and valuing all team members, partners and community members for their unique experiences and backgrounds.

RELATIONSHIPS TO RESULTS CULTUREDefinitionSustained by long-term, positive, exceptional relationships with stakeholders and team members as our hallmark of success.

ONE TEAM, ONE GOAL COMMITMENTDefinitionTo work together to achieve the mission, vision, and shared values of the Rockford Park District.ConnectednessDepartments are truly interconnected to support the mission and vision of the Rockford Park District.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Operational Excellence

• Participates with, monitors, and assists participants for maximum participation at program site in all activities
• With guidance from supervisor, implements adaptive techniques and intervention strategies to allow for maximum program participation and meet individual needs of participants
• Assists in identifying barriers, writing daily logs, tracks and evaluates participant program, and communicates with parents/guardians
• Exercises confidentiality in all aspects regarding the participants in programs
• Completes required paperwork correctly and on-time, accident reports, daily logs, behavior incident reports and other information as requested by the Recreation Coordinator
• Acts as an interactive positive role model, leads by example, and uses good judgment at all times
• As a bus rider, meets bus at designated location on time, assists driver in reading directions and finding street names if need be. At each stop, assists passengers on and off van or bus, meet and greet families, collects medication and stores properly.
• Attends scheduled staff meetings and training sessions as determined by supervisor
• Works as a team to provide care for physical needs, toileting, transferring, or pushing participants in wheelchairs, while following RPD guidelines for personal care
• Maintains a working knowledge of department safety procedures. Attend safety training programs and educational in-service trainings as required
• May be required to work alongside other departments and agencies as an effective team member
• Performs other duties as assigned
  
  

Education/Experience

Some Experience Working With Individuals With Disabilities Preferred

Critical Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities

Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions:

• Must be at least 16 years of age
• Good organizational and leadership skills for daily supervision and direction of participants
• Good communication skills including expressive, written, and receptive
• Ability to problem solve in a variety of situations
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships and demonstrate flexibility as a team player
• Ability to work in stressful conditions, including situations involving disability related needs and dissatisfied customers
• First Aid, CPR, and AED training (can be obtained through the Rockford Park District)
  
  

Physical Requirements

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

Medium work

• Exerting in excess of 50 pounds of force occasionally
• Exerting in excess of 20 pounds of force frequently
• Exerting in excess of 10 pounds of force constantly to move objects.
• Must be able to perform moderately physically intensive tasks, potentially including any combination of the following: climbing, balancing, stooping, kneeling, crouching, crawling, reaching, standing, walking, pushing, lifting, grasping, feeling, talking, repetitive motions, substantial movements (motions) of the wrists, hands, and/or fingers.
• This is a physically active position that involves stamina
• Mobility to various locations
• The majority of time spent in this position will be standing and moving.
  
  

Work Environment

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

• This position may be stationed primarily indoors or outdoors based on participant assignment and time of year.
• Potential exposure to outdoor elements, hazardous weather, hazardous vegetation, insect bites, and various participant challenges.