Day Program Activities Assistant

Vinfen; Boston (MA); On-site; USD 25,003 - 35,610; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Employer-sponsored retirement plan

First-rate medical, dental, and vision plans

Educational assistance

Generous paid time off

$500 employee referral bonus

Job summary

A nonprofit health and human services organization is seeking a Day Program Activities Assistant to support adults with disabilities in achieving their goals in a supportive program setting. Responsibilities include skill building, crisis management, and collaboration on Individual Service Plans. Qualifications include a high school diploma and relevant experience. Benefits include a comprehensive health plan, retirement plan, and generous paid time off. Hourly pay of $22.00.

Qualifications

• One year of relevant work experience or training.
• CPR and First Aid certification within two weeks of hire.
• Safety Care within 90 days of hire, NET required.

Responsibilities

• Provide instruction and skill building in various developmental areas.
• Assist in case management responsibilities.
• Implement clinical and daily plans for individuals served.
• Ensure daily documentation and adhere to data policies.
• Support members in crisis management using Positive Behavior Support.

Skills

Advocacy techniques

Applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities population

Crisis intervention techniques

Positive role modeling

Communication styles

Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques

Formal assessment practices

Independent living management skills

Participatory planning techniques

Physical personal management skills

Persuasive, collaborative skills

Presentation skills

Education

High school diploma or equivalent

Job description

As a Day Program Activities Assistant, your direct care and instruction will support adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges to achieve goals, overcome barriers, and build life skills in a Day Program or Day Habilitation setting. In contrast to a traditional classroom setting, Day Programs serve as engaging professional care settings in which individuals can receive direct care, individualized therapeutic services and health services all while socializing with their peers for a part of the day.

On a typical day you may assist a small group of individuals with varying levels of need through direct care and facilitation of rehabilitative activities. Your work may focus on developmental skill training in self‑care, self‑direction, independent living skills, maintaining hygiene, toileting or first aid. You may also work with individuals on improving communication, socialization, fine and gross motor skills, and providing enrichment through activities based around art, music, and horticulture. Our Day Program positions offer a weekday 8 am – 4 pm schedule and emphasize teamwork, socialization, and relationship building.

Responsibilities

• Provides instruction and skill building in Self Help, Sensorimotor, Communication, Social Development, Independent living, Behavior Development, Affective Development, Vocational Development and Wellness Development.
• Assists in case management responsibilities, as directed.
• Provides input for interdisciplinary team reviews.
• Assists in the development of Individuals Service Plans (ISPs) for persons served, including recommendations from professional and para‑professional specialists; maintains contact with family, funding source, and other staff members of the ISP team.
• Implements clinical and daily plans for persons served; recommends or implements changes to ensure continuous improvement of programs.
• Maintains daily documentation, adheres to data collection and maintenance policies; ensures progress notes are completed according to guidelines.
• Works directly with persons served individually and in groups; develops skills for persons served.
• Ensures members are actively engaged in meaningful activities throughout the day, offering choices wherever possible.
• Communicates with management regarding treatment and programs for persons served.
• Participates or is actively involved with teams such as the Case Management Team.
• Supports members in crisis management using Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Safety Care.
• Assists with training of staff, as needed.
• Maintains physical upkeep of the program area; monitors supplies and equipment; ensures equipment is used, cleaned, and stored appropriately; notifies managers of any needs and helps resolve them.
• Acts as advocate for persons served in all areas; follows policies and procedures specific to the program and Vinfen; actively works toward community integration of persons served through community opportunities, volunteer opportunities, reverse integration, and development of friendships.
• Performs other related duties as required.

Skills and Knowledge

• Advocacy techniques
• Applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities population
• Different communication styles
• Empowerment and self‑advocacy techniques
• Formal and informal assessment practices
• Participatory planning techniques
• Physical personal management skills
• Independent living management skills
• Crisis intervention techniques
• Persuasive, collaborative skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Positive role modeling

Typical Requirements

One year of relevant work experience or training.

Preferred /Required Education

A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Driving Requirements

Driving is required using a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age to drive, and must maintain a valid US driver’s license for at least one year and pass a driver’s screening background check.

Physical Effort

Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb; lift at least 25 pounds using proper techniques or a two‑person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment; sit, reach, climb stairs, maneuver through narrow spaces; assist clients with daily living tasks; speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives. Specific vision abilities include close, distance, color, peripheral, and depth perception. For day programs or group residences, ability to assist in routine living activities such as cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications

CPR within two weeks of hire, First Aid within two weeks of hire, Safety Care within 90 days of hire, NET required.

About Vinfen

Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community‑based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our mission is to promote recovery, resilience, habilitation, and self‑determination.

Benefits Package

• Employer‑sponsored retirement plan with no employee contribution; employee‑funded 403(b).
• First‑rate Medical, Dental and Vision plans (open to employees scheduled to work ≥30 hrs/week).
• Employer‑paid Life, Accidental Death & Dismemberment and Long‑Term Disability Insurance (no cost).
• Employer‑paid Short‑Term Disability Insurance with optional additional coverage.
• Flexible Spending Reimbursement Accounts (Health and Dependent care).
• Voluntary Term, Whole Life, Accident and Critical Care Insurance.
• Generous paid time off:
  • 15 days of vacation per year
  • 11 paid holidays
  • 10 sick days per year
  • 3 personal days per year
• Educational assistance and remission programs.
• $500 employee referral bonus.
• Other benefits including discounted YMCA memberships, movie tickets, etc.

Pay Range

USD $22.00 – $22.00 per hour.