Special Needs Program Aide ($16.40/hour - $22.13/hour)

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District is hiring a part-time Special Needs Program Aide! We are seeking experienced, reliable, dedicated, and creative individuals to be a part of our team. Patience and caring staff who love gardening, exercising, and bringing out the best in our participants is the ideal candidate for this job. 

The primary purpose of this program is to provide opportunities for people with intellectual disabilities to achieve greater independence. The program focuses on abilities rather than disabilities and on a positive sense of self-worth. Program activities include computers, vocational training, personal health and wellness, gardening, arts and crafts, and exercise. 

Here are the details about the positions:   

• Available Positions: 1

• Hourly Rate: $16.40/hour - $22.13/hour

• Work Schedule: Up to 18 hours/week on weekdays between the hours of 8am and 5pm. Evenings and weekends may be required based on programming needs. 

• Part-time, Year-round, Hourly, Non-Exempt Position   

• Work Location: Mainly Sorensdale Center but may include other District Locations  

• Filing deadline: Open until the position is filled

• Anticipated Start Date: ASAP 

• Not to exceed 960 hours per fiscal year. (July 1 – June 30) 

Applications will be reviewed as they are received. This posting may close at any time. 

POSITION SUMMARY

Under general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and direct supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities to assists with daily operations of the Special Needs Adult Day Program at Sorensdale Center. The Program Aid will assist in facilitating educational, vocational, and recreational training for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their educational goals, while respecting and encouraging Person Centered Thinking. Due to the varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Needs Program Aids may provide a variety of support and assistance and should be flexible adjusting to participant needs.
 

DISTINGUISHING CHARACTERISTICS

Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing Program Aid duties in the Special Needs Program. This class can be distinguished from the class of Special Needs Program Instructor as this class does not have Program Instructor responsibilities. 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

Incumbents may not perform all duties.  Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Aid in delivery of educational instruction designed by Special Needs Program Instructors to help participants meet educational, academic, life skill, behavioral, physical, social and emotional goals
• Ability to lead small groups of special needs participants in classroom or community-based setting
• Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours
• Respect and encourage person centered thinking
• Give personal assistance to participants as needed, may include, dress, cleaning, self-care and toileting
• Gather and maintain information for Individual Service Plans
• Monitor activities in facility, aid and ensure compliance with District regulations, maintain facility security, and report any facility issues related to safety
• May open, secure facility before and after program use; prepare facility and set up furniture and or equipment for scheduled activities/events
• Aid with administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and set up of program supplies
• Aid in retail duties in on site Thrift Store, such as handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, and providing excellent customer service
• Aid in gardening duties, such as watering, planting and picking fruits and vegetables for lunch program
• Assist special needs participants in classroom settings such as, but not limited to: Art, Computer Education, Cooking, Gardening, Functional Math, Health and Fitness, Music and Literacy Classes
• Aid in getting participants on and off daily transportation/ bus services
• Assists in the lunch program, overseeing participants during lunch
• Assist in the implementation of ongoing programs, classes and special events
• Maintains good public relations
• Participates in training sessions and regular staff meetings
• May provide input regarding program planning
• At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, volunteers, participants and the public  
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position.  The functions of this position are primarily performed indoor but may be at some outdoor locations as part of a team. There will be exposure to computer screens.   Incumbents may be assigned a work schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and may have to travel between various locations or community-based settings. 
 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have: hearing and speech adequate to communicate in person, by telephone, by PA system and by radio, and to speak loudly in a noisy setting; vision adequate to clearly distinguish objects and persons at a distance, bodily movement adequate to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time; manual dexterity adequate to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; strength and endurance to safely lift and carry items of up to 50 pounds.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS
 

Ability and Skill to:

• Work with the public that are participating in a variety of recreational activities
• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Administer First Aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the work
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Bi-lingual desired

Knowledge of:

• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and standard computer programs
• Complete forms, reports and paperwork
• Performs clerical duties as needed
• Safe food handling practices
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities

Education/Experience/Training:

• Completion of high school
• One-year previous experience with special needs populations and programs is desirable
• Must possess standard First Aid/CPR/AED and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
• Possess a CA Food Handlers Certificate and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
• Experience in MS Office Program: Excel, Word, Access, Outlook

Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended
• Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test
• Must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
• Verification of ID and ability work in the USA

Salary : $16 - $22