What are the responsibilities and job description for the Program Aide position at QUEENS COMMUNITY HOUSE?
Queens Community House (QCH) is a multi-site nonprofit organization serving the diverse population of Queens through a broad network of programs for children and youth, adults and families, and older adults. Our mission is to provide individuals and families with the tools to enrich their lives and build healthy, inclusive communities. We are a modern interpretation of the traditional settlement house, bringing to our work innovative leadership and a passion for social and economic justice. We welcome amazing individuals who have diverse backgrounds and experiences, are inspired by our mission and are highly motivated to change lives.
QCH’s Older Adult Services offer multi-faceted programming (6 senior centers, case management and HDML, NORC, Social Adult Day Care and Caregiver Support and Transportation Services) allowing seniors to age in place with dignity, while encouraging independence and engagement with the community. Our programs recognize that the older adult community represents a wide spectrum of the aging process, a spectrum of needs, strengths, and interests.
QCH Social Adult Day Services offer support, social engagement, and therapeutic activities to older adults who are physically frail, socially isolated and/or memory-impaired. These programs are ideal for individuals who live at home, but need extra support and/or companionship during the day. Our programs can also allow them to remain active members of the community for as long as possible. They also provide respite to family members and other caregivers.
We are seeking a qualified Program Aide with a strong commitment to social services and older adults to work in our Social Adult Day Services (SADS) programs in Forest Hills, NY and our temporary site at Kew Gardens, NY during our main site renovation. QCH offers unique programs for adults age 60 or older who are physically frail, social isolated, and/or memory impaired. The Program Aide, along with SADS staff, encourages social interaction with program members, which engages otherwise homebound individuals to participate in educational and recreational activities that increase their confidence and feelings of self-worth.
Primary Responsibilities
- Provide ADL assistance to participants in program (walking, escorting, transferring, toileting, and feeding)
- Assist with calls to program members and their family, as needed, and while remote
- Provide escort between participant resident and program site and return on agency provided transportation (to remain with driver until all participants are escorted to the center or home); escort participants into vehicles; assist them in getting in (or out) of van into center or home
- Ensure that the program room is set up throughout the day, as needed, for participant activities
- Assist in general program needs of coffee time, escorting participants to older adult center classes, and other beginning of the day tasks
- Assist by recognizing emergencies and following agency procedures appropriately; if needed, accompanies participants to hospital
- Plan, prepare, and lead or assist with activities in ADS programs (in-person and/or on zoom);
- Report to Program Director and Assistant Director any physical and/or behavioral changes in participants to assist in development and delivery of participant care plans.
- Decorate program room according to season/holiday
- Encourage social interactions and informal activities
- Shop for program/refreshments supplies as needed
- Perform daily attendance activities including the collection of contributions, purchasing of lunch tickets, and payment to the transportation department.
- Attend staff meetings, trainings, and conferences as appropriate
- Employ principles of infection control and universal precautions
- Complies with agency confidentiality and participant rights policies;
- Provide on-site respite to care recipients so that Caregiver Support clients can receive counseling, attend support group and/or educational/training opportunities
- Assist and substitute for absent staff when needed
Qualifications
- Minimum of High School Diploma; Home Health Aide or Personal Care Certificate certification a plus
- Minimum of 2 years of experience working with older adults
- Basic computer skills
- Excellent interpersonal skills
- Self-motivated and resourceful, able to work independently as well as collaboratively with staff
- Ability to maintain confidentiality and use appropriate discretion
- Bilingual Spanish a plus
Additional Details:
Queens Community House offers a competitive salary commensurate with experience and a comprehensive benefits package. The benefits package includes medical/dental/vision offerings, life insurance, flexible spending accounts, and a 403b plan. We value health and wellness too and as such staff can earn up to 27 annual leave days (17 in your first year), 12 sick days, and enjoy most federal holidays. Staff can also take advantage of an array of professional development opportunities.
Status (Choose 1): Full-Time, Non-Exempt
Salary: $16.30 per hour
Schedule: 9:30 am - 4:00 pm Mondays - Fridays, Some flexibility required one to two times a month for scheduled staff meetings and/or trainings.
As of August 16, 2021, all Queens Community House new hires (who are not currently employees of Queens Community House) must provide either proof of COVID-19 vaccination or evidence of having received one-dose of the two-dose vaccination prior to beginning their employment unless they have been granted a reasonable accommodation for religious or medical reasons.
Queens Community House, Inc. provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, marital status, amnesty, or status as a covered veteran in accordance with applicable federal, state and local laws.
Drug-Free Workplace.
