Seasonal Exceptional Needs Program Aide

City-of-Madison,-Al; Madison (AL); On-site; USD 26,000 - 28,000; Part time

Job summary

The City of Madison Parks & Recreation seeks an aide to support participants with disabilities in camps, sports, arts, and community events. You will provide one‑on‑one or small group assistance under a program coordinator, helping with mobility, personal care, and activity adaptation while fostering inclusion.

This role emphasizes patience, strong communication, and teamwork in a dynamic, high‑energy environment.

Qualifications

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Experience with individuals with disabilities strongly preferred.
• Strong interpersonal skills and patience required.

Responsibilities

• Provide direct support and companionship to participants during programming/events.
• Assist with mobility, personal care, feeding, or other daily needs as required.
• Facilitate recreational, social, and physical activities.
• Monitor participants' well‑being and report concerns to staff.
• Promote a safe, inclusive environment and collaborate with other aides and coordinators.
• Assist with setup, cleanup, and transitions between activities.
• Follow event protocols and emergency procedures.

Skills

Interpersonal skills

Patience

Inclusion

Communication

Conflict resolution

Education

High school diploma or GED

Job description

This is a seasonal position working up to 29 hours per week depending on department's program needs.

The starting pay is $17.29 per hour, based on experience.

Position supports the inclusion and participation of individuals with disabilities in Parks and Recreation programs, including camps, sports, arts, and community events. Working under the supervision of program coordinator, the aide provides one‑on‑one or small group assistance to participants with physical, developmental, behavioral, or emotional challenges. Responsibilities include facilitating communication, adapting activities, assisting with mobility or personal care, and promoting positive peer interactions. The aide plays a vital role in ensuring a safe, engaging, and inclusive environment where all participants can thrive. Strong interpersonal skills, patience, and a commitment to inclusion are essential.

• Provides direct support and companionship to event participants throughout the duration of any exceptional needs programming/events.
• Assists individuals with mobility, feeding, personal care, and other daily needs as required.
• Participates in and helps facilitate recreational, social, and physical activities.
• Monitors participating in their well-being and promptly report any concerns to supervisory staff.
• Ensures a safe, respectful, and inclusive atmosphere for all attendees.
• Works collaboratively with other aides, volunteers, and event coordinators.
• Assists with setup, cleanup, and transitions between activities as needed.
• Follows all event protocols and emergency procedures.

Job Conditions

• Dependability and consistent attendance is required due to program needs.
• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• May require lifting or assisting students with physical disabilities, including transferring to and from wheelchairs or helping with mobility.
• Assisting with personal care tasks such as toileting, feeding, or hygiene may be required.
• Must be able to respond quickly in physically active or emergency situations.
• Regularly works with participants who may exhibit challenging behaviors, including aggression, noncompliance, or emotional dysregulation.
• Requires patience, emotional resilience, and the ability to remain calm under pressure.
• Frequent use of de‑escalation strategies and behavior support plans.
• Exposure to bodily fluids or contagious illnesses is possible.
• Must maintain confidentiality.
• Required to complete ongoing training in areas such as first aid, CPI (Crisis Prevention Intervention), disability awareness, and behavior management

• High school diploma or GED required.
• Strong background record required due to accessibility to employee and city property and children using city parks and facilities.
• Strong work history of dependability and performance.
• Ability to assist with basic caregiving tasks (e.g., toileting, feeding, mobility support) is required.
• Experience working in high‑energy environment is required.
• Experience working with individuals with physical and/or developmental disabilities is strongly preferred. Examples include, but are not limited to, social work, occupational therapy, physical therapy, SPED classrooms, CNA, or similar.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

• Knowledge of developmental and physical disabilities and how they may impact participation in recreational settings.
• Knowledge of first aid and safety practices, including emergency response procedures.
• Knowledge of adaptive sports & arts and crafts.
• Knowledge of and willingness to assist in basic caregiving for those with mobility issues, to include hygiene and feeding if required.
• Skilled in the application of inclusion and accessibility.
• Skilled in the use of behavior management techniques for diverse needs and age groups.
• Skilled in effective communication skills with individuals of varying ability levels, to include non‑verbal participants.
• Skilled at promoting a positive and inclusive environment.
• Skilled at conflict resolution and de‑escalation.
• Ability to work as a team and collaborate closely with staff, families, and participants.
• Ability to establish rapport with families and participants.
• Ability to exercise patience, empathy, professionalism, and confidentiality in challenging situations.
• Ability to physically assist participants, including lifting, guiding, and pushing.
• Ability to follow directions and safety protocols while working independently or as part of team.

Physical Capabilities

• Frequent standing, walking, bending, kneeling, or sitting on the floor to interact with students.
• May require lifting or assisting students with physical disabilities, including transferring to and from wheelchairs or helping with mobility.
• Assisting with personal care tasks such as toileting, feeding, or hygiene may be required.

• Must be able to stand, walk, bend, and lift to 50 lbs.