JOB TITLE: LifeLong Learning Program Assistant
LOCATION Onsite, Plano, TX
HOURS Full Time, Permanent
REPORTS TO LifeLong Learning Program Coordinator
Who We Are
My Possibilities (MP) is an innovative, mission-driven organization that serves adults with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD), also known as Hugely Important People (HIPsters). We envision a world of inclusion, dignity, and opportunity for everyone. We believe people can do meaningful work, love their jobs, and enjoy life. If you are looking for a daily challenge, to make a huge impact, and to help define the future of disability inclusion, let’s talk!
We provide benefits and support to help you rest easy and focus on things that matter. Some of our perks include:
· Generous paid time off
· Health insurance (medical, dental, and vision)
· Company-sponsored retirement
· Flexible working hours
· Learning and development support
Who we’re looking for
The Program Assistant will proactively support and assist in the day-to-day development, training, activities, care and needs of the clients with physical and intellectual disabilities. This position ensures that a clean and safe environment is maintained, and will follow the mission, vision, philosophies, goals, policies and core values of Ability Connection.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:
· Works both individually and as a team.
· Performs or assists HIPster with various personal care services and activities of daily living, including but not limited to hygiene, toileting, feeding, transfers, etc.
· Assists with program activities, educational, vocational, inclusion, independence and health/wellness.
· Provides hands-on support in the classroom, ensuring the safety, care, training, life skills development and overall success of the HIPster in the program.
· Assists the Lead Instructor with recording detailed information about each client’s specific learning experiences, appointments, and events into Service Delivery Logs.
· Follows safety and infection control procedures.
· Attends in-service programs, client care conferences and staff meetings, as scheduled.
· Maintains current meds and van training as defined by Ability Connection and job duties.
· Communicate effectively and appropriately with all staff, clients, family members, volunteers and visitors.
· Always respect the confidentiality of all clients.
· Maintains a positive working environment and ‘can do’s attitude.
· Completes other duties as assigned.
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE
High School diploma or equivalent required. Excellent verbal and written communication and one-year experience working with people with disabilities. Teaching or classroom experienced strongly preferred.
LANGUAGE SKILLS
Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence and memos. Ability to complete progress notes on a daily basis. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients and other employees of the organization as needed.
REASONING ABILITY
Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations. Ability to perform basic math skills as they relate to the job.
CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS
Current Driver's License, proof of auto liability insurance, copy of TB test results and CPR certification must be current in personnel file. Must not possess a criminal record that would prohibit the employee from working with people with disabilities.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS
Must have good health in order to maintain an acceptable attendance record as established by the agency. Must be able to assist with lifting objects or residents (a minimum of 50 pounds for a one person lift and 150 pounds for a two-person lift) utilizing approved techniques. The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
ORGANIZATIONAL EXPECTATIONS
Every employee of My Possibilities must adhere to the mission, vision, philosophies, core values and confidential nature of the organization, while maintaining a positive attitude toward our clients, families, volunteers, coworkers, the organization as a whole and the community.
TEAM COLLABORTION
· Work collaboratively with the LLL Instructor to ensure a cohesive team approach
· Take direction from the LLL Instructor while also demonstrating initiative in supporting classroom needs
· Maintain a positive, respectful, and team-oriented environment
COMMUNICATION
· Communicate professionally and respectfully with staff, HIPsters, and families as appropriate
· Share relevant observations and updates with the LLL Manager leadership and instructor to support continuity of care and programming
SAFETY & COMPLIANCE
· Follow all HHSC, ISS, and organizational policies and procedures
· Support implementation of safety protocols, including emergency procedures
· Assist with documentation as required (attendance, incident reporting, ISS notes, etc.)
PROGRAM SUPPORT
· Assist in preparing classroom materials and setting up activities
· Help maintain a clean, organized, and sensory-considerate environment
· Support transitions throughout the day, including arrival, lunch, and dismissal
COMPENTENIES (Knowledge, skills and abilities)
· Experience working with adults with special needs a plus.
· Experience working with behaviors is a plus.
· Must have experience in using Microsoft applications and Google Drive.
· Understands instruction methods including curriculum-base instruction.
EDUCATION
· High school diploma or equivalent, required
· 2+ years’ experience as a teaching assistant or paraprofessional, preferred
REQUIREMENTS
· Sit, stand, and bend throughout the day
· Occasionally lift up to 75lbs.
· Clean up body fluids to maintain safety and dignity of HIPsters
All potential employees must pass a background check and drug screening.
BELONGING AND ACCOMONDATION STATEMENT
My Possibilities is committed to building a team that represents a variety of backgrounds, perspectives, and skills. We believe diversity of ideas fosters innovation and engagement. All qualified individuals are encouraged to apply. If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation during the application and recruiting process, please get in touch with us.
EQUAL EMPLOYER OPPORTUNITY
My Possibilities is committed to creating a diverse environment and is a proud Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected status under the law.
Job Type: Full-time
Pay: From $15.00 per hour
Benefits:
- 401(k)
- 401(k) matching
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Employee discount
- Flexible spending account
- Health insurance
- Health savings account
- Life insurance
- Vision insurance
Application Question(s):
- Do you now or in the future require visa sponsorship to continue working in the United States of America?
- Have you ever pled guilty to or been convicted of any criminal offense (misdemeanor or felony) other than parking tickets?
- How many years of experience do you have working with people with disabilities?
- Are you at least 18 years of age or older?
Education:
- High school or equivalent (Preferred)
Work Location: In person
