Community Day Program Assistant

Position Title: Community Day Program Assistant

Location: Southeast Wisconsin

Reports To: Community Day Program Manager

Status: Part-time, 10-29 hours per week

Pay: $16-$18 / Hour, DOE

FLSA Status: Not applicable

Are you looking for a position that gives your life purpose? Would you like to wake up every day knowing that you are making a difference in the lives of individuals with disabilities? Are you ready to join a team that cares deeply for its staff and has an awesome culture? If this sounds like you, then read on for an exciting opportunity to join us at the Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin!

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a statewide, volunteer-driven non-profit organization dedicated to advancing the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and their families through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

DSAW provides programs and services throughout the lifespan (Parents’ First Call for new and expectant parents, children’s services, adult services, vocational services, and aging services, as well as educational opportunities and events.

Position Description:

The Program Assistant (PA) assists the Program Specialist in providing programming at our Center in Wauwatosa or other community locations. The PA is not required to plan programming, but will support the Specialist in the provision of programming. The PA should show leadership qualities and be able to lead small groups in activities both in the classroom and in the community, and should possess a “think outside the box” mentality when it comes to teaching critical independence skills. The PA will be extremely positive, energetic, and have a passion for helping individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to achieve amazing lives.

The DSAW Program Assistant will assist the lead staff by:

•  Independently supporting small group activities under the direction of DSAW lead
• staff.
•  Implementing daily schedules.
•  Implementing program curriculum and activities to support participants in mastering
• individual and group goals and objectives.
•  Developing effective rapport with participants and preventing behavior problems by
• consistently implementing behavior plans, and by using strategies that reinforce
• positive behavior.
•  Supporting and reinforcing participant experiences within community settings.
•  Establishing and maintaining positive relationships with existing business and
• community partners.

The DSAW Program Assistant is expected to:

•  Be on time to work and maintain focus on job tasks throughout the day.
•  Dress in a professional manner to positively represent DSAW. Respectfully communicate and interact with all staff, and to collaborate with staff to
• work together as a team.
•  Assist with personal care as needed.
•  Depending on the programming at their site, the PA could work some evenings and
• weekends to support this role.

Education/Experience

•  High School diploma or equivalent
•  1-3 years of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities preferred
•  Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and an insured vehicle
•  Applicants must pass a background check that meets the State of Wisconsin requirements

Interpersonal

•  Must be a sensitive and mature individual who is able to relate well to adults, youth, and children with disabilities.
•  Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for persons with disabilities
•  Able and knowledgeable to cope with emergency situations or behavioral situation in a calm and effective manner
•  Must be outgoing and comfortable networking and making connections in the community
•  Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with the team
•  Able to handle multiple projects at once and work independently to meet deadlines

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.