Program Assistant

Caringconnectionmi; Benton Harbor (MI); On-site; USD 17,000 - 22,000; Full time

Job summary

Caringconnectionmi in Michigan seeks a Program Assistant to provide personal care and lead activities for participants in the Adult Day Services program. The role requires showing initiative, assisting with meals, and supporting the supervisor with daily routines and special events.

You will help transport clients via wheelchair van, ensure safety, and document activities and behaviors. High school diploma and caregiving experience preferred; reliable transportation and teamwork are essential.

Qualifications

• High school diploma required; experience with individuals affected by Alzheimer's/dementia preferred.
• Reliable transportation to work.
• Responsible and able to work well with others.
• Experience with elderly, disabled, or dementia patients preferred.
• TB test upon hire and every three years.
• Background LIEN check; no felony or abuse/neglect convictions.
• Preferred experience as Caregiver, DCW, DSP, CNA, HHA, PCA or similar.

Responsibilities

• Set up rooms for daily program activities.
• Assist clients in arrival and departure; help with coats, walkers, wheelchairs.
• Prepare and distribute lunch and snacks; supervise activities.
• Lead daily activities: exercise, morning/afternoon groups.
• Support events and outings with Activity Coordinator.
• Ensure client safety and proper toileting; monitor behavior.
• Maintain supplies and documentation of activities and schedules.
• Communicate with clients, caregivers, and volunteers.

Skills

Dementia care

Elderly care

Patient support

Education

High school diploma

Job description

Description

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 Programs.

Duties and Responsibilities

• 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.
• Ability to work outdoors sometimes in inclement weather.
• Ability to understand and maintain time points and schedules.
• Able to work with a minimum of supervision.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment in emergencies.
• Securing wheelchairs in standard to ADA
• 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.

Requirements

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.
• 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.