PROGRAM INCLUSION ASSISTANT

Accountability: Inclusion Manager

FLSA Status: Part-time, non-exempt

Summary:

The Program Inclusion Assistant is responsible for working with individuals with varied ages and disabilities in recreational programs throughout Skokie, Morton Grove, Niles, Park Ridge, Golf-Maine, and Des Plaines Park Districts, as well as the Village of Lincolnwood Recreation Department. The position includes support of participants, recognizing the need for adaptive equipment, adapting rules, adapting the environment or identifying adaptive methodologies.

Qualifications: The Program Inclusion Assistant must be at least 16 years of age or older. A basic knowledge and understanding of recreation programming is desired. An individual who is highly motivated and enthusiastic is preferred in order to provide a quality experience for those participating in the program.

Essential Functions (including, but not limited to):

1. Responsible for maintaining assistance for assigned participant(s).

2. Staff is required to maintain responsibility for their assigned individual(s) unless otherwise directed and confirmed by M-NASR full-time staff and the park district supervisor.

3. Develop a positive and professional relationship with included individual(s) and attend to their physical needs when necessary.

4. Modify and adapt activities for included individual(s) with disabilities, if they are unable to accomplish provided activities by Member Park District.

5. Ability and desire to work with individuals with disabilities in a Therapeutic Recreation environment.

6. Take initiative to interact with and work as a team-player with participant(s) and family, peers, volunteers, and park district staff in program.

7. Knowledge of the strengths and concerns of people with developmental, mental, physical, and sensory disabilities as relevant to recreation setting.

8. Act as a liaison with participant’s family and Inclusion Manager.

9. Supervision of individuals with disabilities, including implementing behavior management plans and if certified, Handle with Care.

10. Attend mandatory orientations

11. Any other assigned duties needed to help support our Vision and fulfill our Mission.

Marginal Functions:

1. To maintain the program facilities in a neat and orderly manner.

2. Review and complete feedback forms, documentation, and other materials as needed, in a timely manner.

3. Maintain own schedule and submit electronic timesheets in a timely manner, as guided by the annual payroll schedule

Safety Considerations:

1. Staff will comply with all M-NASR Safety Policies and Procedures and carry out all tasks in a safe manner.

2. Attendance at various safety in-service training will be required.

Psychological Considerations:

1. Must be able to respond to the needs of individuals with disabilities.

2. Must be able to work under stressful conditions.

3. Must be able to maintain a professional attitude with other staff, with participant family members, and with individuals in the community.

Physiological Considerations:

1. Must be able to lift and transfer participants or equipment safely.

Cognitive Considerations:

1. Must be able to demonstrate good safety awareness and judgment.

2. Must be able to follow directions, policies, and procedures.

3. Must be able to communicate effectively.

Environmental Considerations:

1. May be exposed to hazardous vegetation (i.e. poison ivy, etc.) during activities.

2. May be exposed to extreme weather conditions (i.e. rain, snow, heat, etc.)

Essential Physical Capabilities:

1. Prolonged periods of sitting, standing, bending, stooping, walking, and running.

2. Ability to closely supervise individuals with disabilities.

3. Lifting, pushing, pulling and carrying items weighing 20-50 pounds with mechanical 

    assistance or team lift.

Pre-placement Examination:

1. Only required if you are placed in a DCFS Licensed Child Care Facility.