Program Assistant/Specialist III (FT)

Adult Day at the J offers two specialist program tracks, Connections and IN. Our Connects Program provides day support to older adults with Alzheimer's/Dementia and other cognitive and physical impairments. Our IN program provides day support to individuals over the age of 18 who have autism spectrum disorder (ASD) and other intellectual and developmental disabilities. Both programs are geared to help our participants build upon and maintain their current knowledge, discover new abilities, and cultivate personal growth while working to achieve their individualized goals.

The Program Assistant Supervisor is responsible for overseeing and supervising a team of Direct Support Professionals who provide personalized services for our participants. Both programs are geared to help our participants build upon and maintain their current knowledge, discover new abilities and cultivate personal growth while working to achieve their individual goals. This may include activities that support soft skills, speech therapy, physical fitness, volunteering, and socialization. In addition, Program Assistant Supervisors will assist the Program Manager in communicating directly with families, developing participant support strategies and ensuring staff ratios are met. Adult Day at the J is accredited by the State of MO and is licensed by the MO Dept. of Health and Senior Services.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, highly organized, and comfortable managing multiple team members and priorities in a fast-paced environment. They should have the flexibility to work within our operating hours, 7:30 AM to 5:00 PM, Monday - Friday, including some evening and weekend hours.

Leadership & Supervision

• Provide direct, ongoing supervision of Direct Support Professionals.
• Assist in hiring, onboarding, training, mentoring, and coaching of staff.
• Develop staff into a high performing team while establishing growth potential into promotional roles.
• Monitor performance, provide feedback, and coach staff as needed.
• Prepare, approve, and submit payroll per agency guidelines.
• Hold staff accountable for meeting program expectations.
• Ensure staff ratios are met by establishing and implementing a daily break/lunch schedule which allows for safe, high-quality support.
• Monitor and respond to participant, family, and staff concerns promptly, ensuring excellent customer service.

Essential Responsibilities:

• Assist Program Manager with overseeing the daily operations of the center.
• Assistant Program Manager with development of social stories and creating behavioral support strategies to help participants achieve individualized goals.
• Coordinate program logistics for daily activities, outings, and events.
• Support individuals with developmental disabilities and cognitive impairments as they participate in group activities which include swimming, exercise, volunteering, interaction with animals, art, music, gardening, cooking, etc.
• Research, develop, and implement activities focused on benefiting participants cognitively, socially, recreationally, physically, and assist with independent skills development, both for large and small groups of participants. Lead activities and mentor other team members to do that same.
• Responsible for managing designation caseloads according to expectations and requirements.
• Complete all daily documentation and data collection to record observations on assigned participant to maintain complaint with licensure and contracts. Ensure staff do the same.
• Provide guidance and training to facilities individual accommodations necessary to assist individuals to fully participate in activities including by ensuring physical location transitions or sensory breaks between activities.
• Appropriately intervene in all crisis situations related to behavior or health.
• Work cooperatively with the ADC multi-disciplinary team to enhance offered programs.
• Observe participant behavior, assess its appropriateness, and apply appropriate behavior management techniques.
• Ensure participants have appropriate support during meals, mobility and personal care activities including daily living such as toileting. Assist whenever needed.
• Care for the physical and the emotional well-being of every participant at all times.
• Recognize and respond to opportunities for problem solving.
• Enforce appropriate safety regulations and emergency procedures.
• Greet family members as they arrive and drop off participants.
• Work collaboratively with team members to effectively execute recreational activities, adapted programming, transportation, individual skill development, daily meals, special events, and direct support.
• Provide inventory support to the Program Manager.
• Provide exceptional customer service at all times and represent the JCC and Adult Day in a positive and professional manner.
• Provide backup coverage to Adult Day programs and support audits and monitoring visits as needed.
• Adhere to Social Work Code of Ethics, HIPPA, and confidentiality guidelines at all times.
• Other duties as assigned.

• High School Diploma or GED is required; related bachelor's degree is preferred.
• 3 years of experience working with relative population is required: Including, individuals with developmental;/intellectual disabilities and/or the elderly, medically frail and/or people with various cognitive impairments such as dementia.
• Prior supervisory or management experience preferred.
• Working knowledge of medical conditions and diagnoses common among elderly and disabled populations is required.
• Prior experience with providing personal care assistance is strongly preferred (i.e., toileting, physical transfers, etc.)
• Must have prior experience with planning and leading activities, program development, lesson planning, skill instruction an ISP.
• Excellent communication skills.
• Visual and auditory acuity to understand and interpret written and oral materials.
• Microsoft Office Skills
• Teamwork mentality.
• Must be able to physically able to stand, walk, sit for extended periods, indoors and outdoors.
• Must be physically able to lift 40 pounds, transfer participants up to 250 pounds and assist with mobility.
• Experience with development and implementation of individualized and person-centered goals preferred.