Recreation Program Assistant Jobs in Springfield, MO

THIS POSITION WORKS SATURDAYS ONLY, FROM 9:00 AM–4:00 PM.

The Arc of the Ozarks is looking for a Saturday Recreation Assistant to help provide a safe, fun, and engaging recreation experience for a small group of children and adults with developmental disabilities.

This position takes place on Saturdays throughout the school year and includes a variety of activities such as field trips, swimming, cooking, games, singing, arts and crafts, and other recreational activities.

• Provide care, support, and supervision to participants with a broad range of disabilities.
• Assist participants during activities at the recreation center, pool, field trips, and other activities throughout the day.
• Participate in and assist with activities such as swimming, games, singing, cooking, arts and crafts, and field trips.
• Assist with toileting and diaper changes when needed.
• Assist participants with lunch and help clean up afterward.
• Help maintain clean and organized program areas.
• Maintain a positive and encouraging attitude toward all participants.
• Keep track of participants' personal belongings, including clothing, diapers, utensils, and other items.
• Report unusual behaviors, health concerns, accidents, or incidents to the Education and Recreation Supervisor.
• Complete a daily log summarizing activities for assigned participants.
• Attend required training sessions before the Saturday Recreation Program begins, including MANDT, CPR, First Aid, and Med Class.
• Attend the program's annual Open House.
• Assist with department planning and goal setting.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

We are looking for someone who:

• Is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and helping increase their independence.
• Is able to work with and respect individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Has good judgment and discretion.
• Is dependable, punctual, and able to maintain good attendance.
• Is open to feedback and has a willingness to learn and adapt to the diverse needs of participants.
• Can accurately document and report observations.
• Is able to understand and follow directions.
• Has the ability to work in an active environment that may require lifting, carrying, running, and other physical activity.

• Must be at least 18 years of age.
• Must have a high school diploma or equivalent.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Class E Chauffeur’s License and the minimum required liability insurance.
• Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities is not required, but is a plus.
• Must be ambulatory and able to meet the physical requirements of the position, including lifting, carrying, and running.

If you are passionate about helping individuals with disabilities have fun, build skills, and participate in their community, this is a great opportunity to make a difference while working a consistent Saturday-only schedule.

Schedule: Saturdays, 9:00 AM–4:00 PM

SATURDAY RECREATION ASSISTANT

Definition

The Saturday Recreation Assistant is a non-professional working in providing safe and enjoyable recreation experiences for a small group of handicapped children and adults on Saturdays throughout the school year. 

Recreation activities will include field trips, swimming, and participation in cooking, games, singing, and arts and crafts. 

This position requires the employee to be ambulatory.

This position requires lifting, carrying and running.

Essential Job Functions

Mission and Core Values

Serves as an ambassador of the mission and purpose of The Arc of the Ozarks

Use Person-Centered and Employment First principles as the guiding influence in daily interactions.

Care and Support of Individuals

Provide for the welfare and care of a specific group of children/adults with a broad range of disabilities.

Assists and supervises the participants in your assigned group while in the activities center, pool/swimming, field trips, and any other activities done throughout the day.

Assists in toileting and diaper changes (if needed).

Assists participants with daily activities such as singing, games, arts and crafts.

Assists participants with lunches and cleaning up afterwards; also assists in daily clean up of all program areas.

Maintains a positive attitude toward all children and adult participating in the program.

Be on time, which is thirty minutes before and after the programs.

Documentation and Quality Supports

Attends all training sessions prior to the beginning of the Saturday Recreation Program.  This will include a review of the following: Mandt, CPR, First Aid, and Med Class.  Also includes meeting with some of the participants and parents and reviewing files.

Attends Open House at the beginning of the program each year.

Organizes and keeps track of the personal items of participants such as extra clothing, diapers, utensils, etc.

Reports any unusual occurrences of behavior, health, and accidents/incidents to the Education and Recreation Supervisor.

Completes a daily log summary of the activities for each of the individuals assigned to your group and turns completed report in to the Education and Recreation Supervisor before leaving for the day.

Assist in department goal setting and planning.

Required Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities

Ability to exercise good judgment and discretion.

Ability to work varied and flexible hours, to accept and adapt to changes in assignments, methods, policies, etc.

Ability to possess a Class E Chauffeur’s license and the minimum allowed amount of liability insurance.

Ability to work with and respect persons with developmental disabilities.

Ability to apply basic skills required in habilitation programs.

Ability to accurately report and record observations.

Ability to understand directions.

Ability to maintain attendance and punctuality.

Perform other duties as assigned.

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Minimum Experience and Training Qualifications

Be a minimum of eighteen years of age and possession of a diploma from an accredited High School or the equivalent.

  Past experience with individuals who are developmentally disabled is not a requirement but would be a positive attribute.

Traits and Characteristics Desired

The Saturday Recreational Assistant will be a person who is passionate about working with individuals with disabilities and increasing their independence as a valued member of the community.  A sincere dedication to the mission and the people served by The Arc of the Ozarks is crucial.

The Saturday Recreational Assistant will should be open to feedback, possess a growth mindset, and a willingness to learn and adapt to the diverse needs of participants.