Summary
The Activity Specialist works with a team to support adults with developmental disabilities in making a positive difference in their lives by:
assisting with daily living skills
teaching skills and modeling behavior to improve independence and responsible behavior
implementing activities that are functional, person-centered, community-inclusive, and age-appropriate
actively working with a diverse population of individuals with varying levels of skills and needs
assuring individuals receiving services are the focus of each day’s activities
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Facilitate individualized, purposeful, and diverse activities based upon participant interests, strengths, needs, and choices as described in the Individual Service Plan. Incorporate various teaching strategies utilizing available curriculum and encompassing all areas of life domains, including potential employment opportunities.
Provide individual instruction and skill development in the areas of personal care, making meaningful choices about daily activities, and community inclusion opportunities.
Develop and maintain on-going communication with Supervisor as needed regarding participants' services, interests and progress.
Promote positive relationships between Goodwill/Easter Seals Adult Day Programs and Services and community agencies and resources that relate to the program.
Intervene therapeutically during crisis situations as needed.
Assist with personal care, including transferring persons as needed.
Assist in transportation, bathroom, and lunch transitions, as needed.
Provide direct training of persons served utilizing skills such as gentle teaching methods.
Drive the agency van to pick up and return program participants. Safely operate the wheelchair lift on the agency van.
Assist new participants in adjusting to Goodwill/Easter Seals Adult Day Programs and Services, along with assessing their abilities and choice for services.
May be required to provide and/or arrange transportation as needed, i.e., utilize one's own vehicle or local transit.
Maintain and update required program documentation.
Participate as a member of the ISP team as required and prepare/complete assigned paperwork timely.
Attend staff meetings, in-services, and other meetings as assigned.
Follow petty cash procedures as required.
Maintain a clean and safe environment; assist in general cleaning of activity/program areas (e.g.: sanitizing tables, taking out trash, cleaning utensils, and other duties as needed).
Hours may need to be flexible based on the program requirements.
Other duties may be assigned.
Comply with all Agency policies, procedures, and safety standards throughout work areas and maintain same to meet CARF, HIPAA, Department of Labor and other regulatory standards.
Supervisory Responsibilities
None
Education Requirements
High School Diploma or General Education Diploma (GED).
Experience Requirements
One year of experience in the human services field preferred.
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.
Will require flexibility in maintaining hours on various shifts for different sites.
Employees must maintain a valid driver's license and a driving record acceptable to Goodwill's liability insurance provider. If at any time the employee is unable to maintain a valid driver’s license and a driving record acceptable to GESMV’s liability insurance provider, they must immediately notify Human Resources.
Must maintain the ability to pass a criminal background check and random drug screens and obtain the required passes for each of the government facilities in which work is performed by this business unit.
Skills & Abilities
Use of discretion and independent judgment in…