JOB SUMMARY: The Program Assistant (PA) performs duties relating to the care, welfare, safety and security of clients. This includes supervision and training of clients with physical and cognitive disabilities including those with behavioral challenges. It also includes management and maintenance of the consumer’s home or apartment.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Provide companionship and promote and encourage an environment conducive to a safe, healthy, independent lifestyle. Promote involvement of clients in house and community activities and ensure that physical, mental, medical, and emotional needs are met.

Supervise, and assist, when necessary, the personal care of clients including bathing, oral hygiene, toileting and/or diapering.

Oversee medication administration according to prescribed procedures and medical guidelines, after completed training and authorization by Director of Client Services.

Document information through charting notes, programs, and incident reports.

Assist in planning and preparing nutritious meals and snacks that follow any dietary needs.

Tracking outflow of money in Independent Living Program.

Perform other duties appropriate to the cares, safety and well being of clients and the operation of the home as requested.

Assure that participant’s mobility equipment is kept clean and household appliances are maintained, oversee housekeeping, and assist with keeping of the grounds and facility safe.

Protect and support client rights.

Assist/teach how to achieve hopes, dreams, goals and objectives through self-direction, decision-making, informed choice and goal setting.

Stay abreast of recent developments in the field, and learn, follow and demonstrate the Guiding Principles of Self-Determination in an effort to make the consumer as independent and self-sufficient as possible.

Other duties and projects as assigned.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to: stoop, stand, pull, hear, kneel, see, walk, grab, reach, push, talk, and lift 50 lbs. Position may require lifting and/or assistance with transferring. (Reasonable accommodations can be made)

JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

High School graduate and/or equivalent.

Must be at least 21 years of age with valid driver’s license and clean driving history.

Experience working in a residential care setting, and history of working with individuals with physical, developmental and/or challenging behaviors preferred but not required.

Must be responsible, highly motivated and able to work without direct supervision.

Able to maintain confidentiality.

Must not have been convicted of a crime that substantially relates to the job or abuse, neglect of misappropriation.

Must be free of communicable disease.

Applicant subject to background checks.

College/University coursework in Social Work, Sociology, Special Education, Psychology, Human Services or equivalent preferred.

Current Certified Nursing Assistant, licensed in Wisconsin recommended.