What are the responsibilities and job description for the Integration Teen and Adult Program Assistant position at Hockomock Area YMCA?
Description
The Integration Teen and Adult Program Assistant supports the Inclusion Specialist for Teen and Adult programs in the form of program leadership and development. This position facilitates and provides safe, quality interventions to teen and adult members with disabilities in adaptive YMCA programs and activities. The Program Assistant assists the Inclusion specialist, collaborates with YMCA colleagues, and engages individuals with disabilities and their families to maximize successful participation in an integrated setting.
Essential Functions
The Integration Teen and Adult Program Assistant supports the Inclusion Specialist for Teen and Adult programs in the form of program leadership and development. This position facilitates and provides safe, quality interventions to teen and adult members with disabilities in adaptive YMCA programs and activities. The Program Assistant assists the Inclusion specialist, collaborates with YMCA colleagues, and engages individuals with disabilities and their families to maximize successful participation in an integrated setting.
Essential Functions
- Collaborates with Program Directors to maximize inclusive opportunities and the successful engagement of our older participants into various YMCA programs and activities
- Assists in the coordination of Special Olympic teams, programs, and events for 13 year old participants
- Supports member participation by learning and implementing accommodations that best meet participant needs and promote success, including but not limited to determining appropriate accommodations, approaches, classes, and programs, providing direct service/intervention, consultation with families, and developing aids such as story boards/cue cards
- Facilitates relationships between participants and their peers to encourage engagement in activities, skill development, and socialization in a safe environment
- Is aware of safety issues that may harm the participant or other individuals and resolves these issues first
- Interest and experience in therapeutic recreation, special education, adaptive physical education, psychology or a related field
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities and their families, and a demonstrated ability to communicate and provide support to individuals and their families
- Experience interacting with individuals 13 years of age in a group setting and successfully applying behavior management skills in that setting
- Working knowledge of different types of disabilities and common accommodations and modifications provided in a recreational setting
- Demonstrated interest and commitment to working with individuals with disabilities in the most integrated setting possible
- First Aid, CPR and AED certification required within 30 days
- Report of acceptable background checks
- Effective communication and strong relationship building skills
- Ability to be sensitive to confidential information
- Dependability, timely follow through, trust worthiness, focus, and good judgment
