Day Program Activities Assistant
Vinfen
Summary
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 at a time 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.
Job description
Responsibilities
- Provides instruction and skill building in the areas of Self Help, Sensorimotor, Communication, Social Development, Independent living, Behavior Development, Affective Development, Vocational Development and Wellness Development.
- Assisting case management responsibilities, as directed.
- Provides input for interdisciplinary team reviews.
- Assists in the development of ISPs for person-served, including recommendations from professional and para-professional specialists. Maintains contact with family members, funding source, and other staff members, including members of the ISP team.
- Implements clinical and daily plans for persons served. Provides recommendations or implements changes to ensure continuous improvement of programs.
- Maintains documentation daily. Adheres to data collection and maintenance policies and guidelines. Ensures progress notes for persons served are completed according to guidelines.
- Works directly with persons served individually and in groups. Works to develop skills for persons served.
- Ensures that members are actively engaged in meaningful activities throughout the entire day, offering choices wherever possible.
- Communicates with management regarding treatment and programs for persons served.
- Participates or is actively involved with various teams, such as Case Management Team.
- Supports members in crisis management using Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Safety Care.
- Assists with the training of staff, as needed.
- Maintains physical upkeep of the program area. Monitors supplies and equipment needed. Ensures equipment is used, cleaned, and stored appropriately. Notifies managers of any needs identified and works to resolve those
- Acts as advocate for persons served in all areas. Follows policies and procedures specific to program and Vinfen. Actively works toward community integration of persons served through community opportunities, volunteer opportunities, reverse integration, and the development of friendships.
- Performs other related duties, as required.
Knowledge and Skills
- Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
- Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities population
- Knowledge and use of different communication styles
- Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
- Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
- Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
- Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
- Knowledge of required independent living management skills
- Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
- Persuasive, collaborative skills
- Presentation skills
- Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
- Ability to provide a positive role model
Requirements
- One year of relevant work experience/training
- High school diploma or equivalent
- Valid driver's license
- Must be at least 21 years of age to drive
- Must have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months
- Must be able to pass a driver's screening background check
- Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb
- Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds
- Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment
- Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living
- Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives
- Specific vision abilities: close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus
- Ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping
- CPR required within two weeks of hire
- First Aid required within two weeks of hire
- Safety Care required within 90 days of hire
- NET required
Company overview
Vinfen is a leading nonprofit health and human services organization established in 1977, specializing in community-based mental health care and disability services. Headquartered in Cambridge, Massachusetts, Vinfen operates over 200 locations across Massachusetts and Connecticut, serving more than 3,500 individuals annually. The organization provides comprehensive services for people with psychiatric conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, acquired brain injuries, autism, and behavioral health challenges. Their evidence-based programs include residential supports, clinical outreach, employment services, day habilitation programs, clubhouses, and crisis intervention services. Vinfen employs approximately 2,600-3,300 dedicated professionals who deliver person-centered care through innovative service models. The organization operates Community Behavioral Health Centers offering 24/7 crisis intervention, outpatient therapy, and medication management. With annual revenues exceeding $250 million, Vinfen is recognized as one of the largest nonprofit employers in Massachusetts and has received numerous awards for excellence in health and human services, including recognition as a Top Place to Work by The Boston Globe.