Program Assistant – LIFE Position Available In Escambia, Florida

Program Assistant•

LIFE 3.9 3.9

out of 5 stars 3932 North 10th Avenue, Pensacola, FL 32503

Job Title:

LIFE Program Assistant Department:

Pollak Training Center•

LIFE Reports To:

LIFE Department Manager Job Summary:

The Program Assistant works in a day program designed to empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities by facilitating life skills training, recreational activities, and community engagement. Under the supervision of program coordinators or managers, the Program Assistant provides direct support to participants, helping them develop skills for daily living, social interaction, and personal growth in a safe and inclusive environment.

Key Responsibilities :

1.

Participant Support :

• Assist participants in developing life skills such as personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, time management, and communication.
• Provide individualized support based on participants’ goals, as outlined in their Person Centered Plan (PCP)
• Encourage independence while offering guidance and hands-on assistance as needed.

2.

Program Implementation :

• Facilitate group and one-on-one activities, including workshops, recreational outings, and skill-building exercises.
• Implement daily program schedules, ensuring activities align with participants’ needs and program objectives.
• Adapt activities to accommodate varying abilities and preferences of participants.

3.

Behavioral and Emotional Support :

• Promote positive behavior and provide de-escalation support when needed, using person-centered and trauma-informed approaches.
• Foster a supportive and inclusive environment to encourage social interaction and emotional well-being.

4.

Community Engagement :

• Accompany participants on community outings to practice skills like shopping or engaging in recreational activities.
• Support participants in building relationships and participating in community events.

5.

Documentation and Reporting :

• Maintain accurate records of participants’ progress, attendance, and any incidents, in accordance with program policies.
• Communicate observations and updates to supervisors and team members to ensure continuity of care.

6.

Safety and Health :

• Ensure a safe environment by adhering to health and safety protocols, including emergency procedures.
• Assist with personal care tasks, such as toileting or mobility support, as needed and in accordance with training.

7.

Collaboration :

• Work collaboratively with program staff, families, and external service providers to support participants’ goals.
• Participate in team meetings, training sessions, and program evaluations to improve service delivery.

Qualifications:

Direct service staff must be age 18 years or older at the time they are hired. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Experience :

Experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is preferred but not always required. Candidates should demonstrate an energetic and enthusiastic approach to engaging with participants, fostering a positive and motivating environment.

Skills :

• Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with participants and team members.
• Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse populations.
• Basic knowledge of life skills training and behavior support techniques.
• Ability to adapt to changing needs and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.
• Demonstrate a commitment to promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee occasionally is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and /or move more than 100 pounds. To perform the duties of this job, the employee must have vision for distance to supervise assigned persons and have vision sufficient to maintain driver’s license

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Must be able to pass FDLE background screening, Department of Children and Families Abuse Registry Check, local law enforcement background check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character, and drug screen. Successful completion of CPR, First Aid, Core Competencies, Zero Tolerance, HIV, and HIPAA certifications will be required. These courses are in house.

Work Environment :

• Location:

  Day program facility, with occasional community outings.

• Schedule:

  Full-time typically daytime hours (e.g., 7 AM-3 PM, Monday-Friday)

•

Physical Demands:

May involve lifting, assisting with mobility, or supporting participants with physical disabilities. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.

Job Type:

Full-time Pay:

From $15.00 per hour Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

401(k) Dental insurance Employee assistance program Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Retirement plan Vision insurance

Schedule:

8 hour shift Day shift Morning shift

Work Location:

In person