Program assistant Jobs in Columbus, GA

ABOUT US Easterseals West Georgia is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization located in Columbus, Georgia. We provide high-quality programs and services designed to empower children and adults with disabilities to achieve their maximum independence. Our commitment to fostering inclusivity and support transforms lives, helping individuals reach their personal goals and thrive within our community.

Position: Adult Director

Reports to: VP of Programs and Services

JOB SUMMARY:

Is responsible for the planning, organizing, directing and quality assurance of Easterseals West Georgia, Inc., adult therapeutic program. Works with the Administrative Team (CEO, VP of Programs and Services, VP of Facility Management & Development, Children’s and Adult Directors, Assessment Specialists, Quality Assurance and Training Specialist, Behavioral Therapist, Nurse/Health & Safety Director, and Family Support Manager) to assure optimum utilization of facilities, funds, and human resources in achievement of program goals and objectives. Ensures all aspects of the program development and delivery are consistent with ESWG’s mission. May assume duties and responsibilities of other program operations in the absence of other Administrative Team members.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Directs and supervises the day-to-day operation of the program, rehabilitation, special education, and adult day services for adults over 18 years of age.

A. Develops quarterly targets for the Adult Program and ensures attainment of program goals.

B. Develops and maintains a work program schedule for staff.

C. Ensures adequate activity room ratios are maintained at all times.

D. Ensures that ESWG policies and procedures are met by all staff persons; recommends needed endorsements to manual when recognized.

1. Supervises directly: Adult Life Skills Coaches, Adult Life Skills Assistants, Transportation Services Coordinator, Recreation Specialist, and Volunteers.

· Conducts initial interviewing process and selection.

· Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensures all new personnel are properly trained and new employee instructional orientation and training is provided in assigned activity rooms. Covering the following:

o Overview of activity room and participants

o ISP’s / POCs/ Goals of assigned participants

o Plans / progress notes

o Governing bodies rules and regulations (DBHDD, CARF, etc.)

· Prepares & presents staff with 1, 2, and 3-month initial evaluations and annual evaluations thereafter.

· Documents all counseling sessions and reports any concern with proposed correction plan VP of Programs and Services for approval. Ensures progressive discipline procedures are implemented.

· Works with the QA&T Specialist to ensure an ongoing training program and ensures continuing education requirements are met for all staff annually.

· Works with QA&T Specialist to ensure annual individual development planning is conducted with each staff to promote professional growth.

· Conducts review of daily progress notes, weekly activity plans, ISP goals and objectives.

· Organizes & conducts staff meetings, at a minimum, every month.

· Provides guidance on an itinerant basis in activity rooms at least 1-2 hours/ day to observe adult program.

· Ensures classrooms are providing quality programming that is culturally relevant, adult appropriate and maximizes independence and participant choice.

1. Ensures that all aspects of new participant’s enrollment and ongoing enrollment are complete.

· Conducts parent/ caregiver tours.

· Enrolls all adult participants.

· Ensures timely review and filing of new and updated applications.

· Coordinates adult participant’s schedules.

· Maintains participant attendance at required levels.

G. Maintains a positive working relationship with family members and caregivers. Ensures prompt responses are provided when replying to parent/ caregiver questions, concerns, inquiries and/or replying to new family inquiries.

H. Maintains adequate records of service programs, which may include assisting with:

· Ensuring progress notes and planning records are maintained up-to-date and are filed/ in documentation system in a timely manner.

· Participating in the designing of Individual Service Plans (adults) within 1 month of assessment, as needed.

· Ensuring daily implementation of all ISP/ POC’s.

· Ensuring all director-driven documents (e.g., participant lists, waiting lists, etc.) remain in an up-to-date status.

I. Participates in Support Intensity Scale, Individual Support Plan and Plan of Care meetings as needed to ensure an accurate reflection of the participant and his/her abilities.

J. Ensures that all aspects of Medicaid requirements are maintained and updated as needed. Assists with Medicaid related duties.

K. Works with VP of Programs and Services to ensure that ESWG meets all licensing requirements and accreditation standards. Maintains and complies with all municipal, state, and federal regulations.

1. Participates on quality improvement committees.
2. Ensures community outings are scheduled and taken as required.
3. Acts as a resource for parents, staff, and volunteers.
4. Ensures that all forms, contracts, and handbooks are current for the adult program. This includes but is not limited to participant’s handbook; applications; service and therapy contracts; medication and emergency forms.

2. Reports any problems relating to potential Easterseals’ liability; any accidents the clients incur; any problems with staff, parents or the public to the President/ CEO or VP of Programs and Services.

3. Reports any needed maintenance to President/ CEO, VP of Facility Management and Development or VP of Programs and Services for building/grounds.

4. Reports any evidence of child/adult neglect and/or abuse to the President/ CEO and Administrative Team for further investigation and possible reporting.

5. Advises VP of Programs and Services on activities within the activity rooms affecting program objectives, staff and relationships with parents and the public.

6. Respects and preserves the dignity, personal safety and confidentiality of all persons served or employed by ESWG.

7. Works with state & local community agencies, school systems and health professionals as liaison for this program.

8. Oversees the self- administration of medications as needed.

9. Works cooperatively with the Administrative Team to establish and maintain a functioning resource center. Submits needed materials list to VP of Programs and Services.

10. Coordinates and completes community referrals for adult participants.

11. Successfully completes at least 20 hours of approved training per year.

12. Performs all other duties as assigned or requested.

WORKING EXPECTATIONS:

· Staff will always exercise professionalism in the presence of participants, visitors, and other staff.

· Staff will ensure that all activities and conversations are always geared toward what is appropriate.

· Participants are supervised at all times. Under no circumstances are participants to be left unattended.

· To ensure quality of services provided, staff are expected to receive a rating of 20 (meets expectation) or higher on all performance reviews. Scoring under 20 will result in the staff member being placed on a 1-3 month probation until the level of quality is improved or termination may result.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university in administration and/or field related to rehabilitation, special education, or education.

· Four years experience working with adults in rehabilitation/ persons with disabilities.

· One-year experience in Administration.

· Good interpersonal and organizational skills. Ability to communicate well orally and in writing. Ability to interpret and carry out written and oral instructions.

· Maintains current certification in First Aid, CPR, and CPI.

· Must have the ability to plan and manage resources and services with minimal supervision.