Activity Specialist-SAGE (1st shift)

Job Description

our mission:
Transforming the lives of the individuals with disabilities and other barriers through pathways to independence and the power of work.

our values:
Represented by the acronym ICARE, these five values provide a framework for every action and decision our employees make.

Integrity, Caring, Accountability, Respect, Excellence

Summary

To build independence, improve quality of life and provide socialization opportunities to individuals with developmental disabilities by planning and conducting ongoing therapeutic activities in a safe environment.

Essential Job Functions

• Provide active treatment to individuals with disabilities by coordinating and conducting a variety of interesting and therapeutic activities in different life domains, such as health & safety, functional academics, communication, home living skills, work, community service, music, or recreational.
• Develop a monthly calendar of individual and group events by meeting with program participants to discuss desired activities and by researching new and creative ideas.
• Ensure participant needs are met by customizing activities toward their goals.
• Document in detail each participant’s goal-setting, daily activities and progress to create individual monthly progress reports according to prescribed standards.
• Ensure the health and safety of participants in programs by monitoring each activity, supervising appropriate diet and medication for each participant, and intervening in crisis situations.
• Personal care duties as required.

Ancillary Job Functions

• Set up adaptive equipment as necessary to ensure comfort of each participant in every activity by monitoring each individual’s progress and the group dynamics.
• Offer physical assistance to participants as needed.
• Encourage participant socialization with staff and peers by meeting with participants and discussing goals.
• Attend team meetings to discuss participant behavior, health, and goals.
• Plan monthly special event outings for each participant, such as visiting a zoo, movie theater, etc.
• Transport participants to activity sites.
• Occasionally serve as field instructor for student interns.
• Balance finances daily for participant petty cash as assigned.
• Other duties, as assigned.

Education and Experience – An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered.

• Must have two year college or technical degree in education, social and human services, therapy, or a health-related field with 1 to 3 years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, OR must have high school diploma or equivalent with 3 to 5 years experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities.
• College-level coursework in developmental disabilities, geriatrics, or DD is helpful.
• Must have First Aid, CPR/AED, medication administration and Adult Services certifications and other required trainings.
• Experience in providing active treatment and personal care to individuals preferred.
• Must have current, valid OH driver’s license and personal car insurance.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position.

• Creativity and initiative to create and develop new therapeutic activities.
• Clear verbal communication and good listening skills.
• Ability to operate basic computer programs, such as Microsoft Office.
• Flexibility to adjust to new daily activities and ability to multitask.
• Ability to empathize with and anticipate the needs of each individual participant.
• Ability to recognize health stress in individuals who are non verbal and respond in a timely and appropriate manner.
• Familiarity with behavioral management techniques, especially in adults with developmental disabilities.
• Ability to work in teams to develop goals for programs and participants.
• Ability to work independently and make responsible decisions.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job.

• Active and busy environment with potentially high noise levels in activity rooms and lunch areas.
• May be required to assist in food preparation for participants.
• Must load and unload participants from vans, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Work near mechanical moving parts (eg., lifts, wheelchairs)
• Occasionally may be required to drive vans in high-traffic conditions.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous bodily fluids.
• May be exposed to pets and tobacco smoke.
• Active and busy environment with potentially high noise levels in activity rooms.
• May be required to assist in food preparation for participants.
• Must load and unload participants from vans, sometimes in inclement weather.
• Occasionally may be required to drive vans in high-traffic conditions.
• Exposure to potentially hazardous bodily fluids.
• May be exposed to pets and tobacco smoke.

Physical Abilities that are commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job. The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

• Standing and walking for extended periods of time while conducting activities.
• Assists with pushing wheelchairs for participants as needed.
• May be required to operate mechanical equipment related to activities or using wheelchair lifts.
• Must be able to lift up to 100 pounds with assistance depending on activity being conducted.
• Must be able to frequently assist an adult with positioning or sitting.
• Regular attendance is a necessary and essential job function.
• Must be able to provide and/or assist with personal care duties.
• Must be able to move; bend to strap/fasten wheelchairs in vans.

the advantages of working here!

• Competitive wages
• Complete insurance package available for full-time employees (medical/vision/dental/)
• Company paid Life Insurance
• Retirement plan
• Paid vacation, paid holidays, and more….

Goodwill Columbus is an equal opportunity employer and all qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by law

For more information about Goodwill Columbus, we invite you to click here

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