Program Assistant

Position Summary:

• The Program Assistant will provide personal care for participants in the program, lead activities, assist the Adult Day Services Supervisor with activities, and help serve meals and snacks.  Program Assistant must be able to carry out the daily routine at the program site without constant supervision and is under the supervision of the Adult Day Services Supervisor and the Director of Adult Day Services.

• Sets up room for daily program.
• Maintains neatness and order in rooms.
• Assist clients in arriving and leaving program site. Including removal of coats, assisting with walkers and wheelchairs.
• Organizes, prepares, and helps distribute lunch and snacks.
• Leads daily activities on a regular basis, including exercise, AM and PM groups.
• Assists Activity Coordinator with special events and parties.
• Takes clients for walks, and outings.
• Keeps Activity Coordinator informed on needed supplies.
• Socializes with clients.
• Reports unusual behavior of clients (disposition, wandering) to Activity Coordinator or Nurse
• Toilets Clients per client’s individual care plan.
• May open and close the premises.
• Informs Supervisor of all schedule changes within an appropriate amount of time, i.e., calls in sick as soon as possible.
• Communicates in an appropriate manner with clients, caregivers, and volunteers.
• Cleans up after activities, returning items to the proper location in supplies closet.
• Daily documentation of activities, behaviors and toileting schedule.
• Monitoring of clients’ safety and whereabouts at all time.
• Operating a Wheelchair equipped van or Passenger Van
• Assisting clients on and off of the van.
• Maintain cooperative work relationships.
• Able to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergencies
• Assisting confused clients to and from the vehicle.
• Ability to successfully complete a certified first aid and CPR class and to correctly apply training to clients as required.
• Other duties as assigned
   
  Qualifications:
  • Have a high school diploma and demonstrable aptitude in working with individuals affected by Alzheimer's disease and related dementias.
  • Reliable transportation to work.
  • Must be responsible and work well with others.
  • Experienced in working with the elderly, handicapped, or dementia patients is preferred
  • TB Test upon hire and retest every three years.
  • Undergo a LIEN check with no felony convictions and no abuse/neglect convictions. 
   
  Minimum Education and Experience:
  • High school diploma required 
  • Preferred experience as a Caregiver, Direct Care Worker (DCW), Direct Support Professional (DSP), Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA), Home Health Aide (HHA), Resident Assistant, Activities Assistant, or Personal Care Assistant (PCA). Experience working with seniors, individuals with dementia, Alzheimer's disease, developmental disabilities, or behavioral health needs is highly desirable.
   
  Special Conditions of Employment:
  • Valid Driver’s License, a working motor vehicle, and proof of current vehicle insurance.
  • Undergo and successfully pass a State of Michigan LIEN Check and Central Registry Clearance.
  • Pre-Employment Drug and Alcohol Screen.
  • Negative TB Test upon hire with follow-up TB tests as required by The Avenue policy.
  • Undergo a background check with no recent felony convictions and no abuse/neglect convictions.