Inclusion Assistant East (Summer)

Are you looking for a part-time job for summer? 20-35 hours per week in SEASPAR's East districts (Western Springs, La Grange, La Grange Park and Brookfield)? An opportunity to do good things while getting paid? Look no further than SEASPAR!

We are a special recreation association, which is like a park district just for people with disabilities. We serve twelve communities in eastern DuPage and southern Cook counties, and our home base is in Downers Grove. We offer recreational programming specifically for children and adults with special needs, and we're looking for kind, patient, energetic people from all backgrounds to help our participants learn, grow, and - most importantly - have fun!

Interested? Read on for position details, then apply to become a member of Team SEASPAR today!

Summary: The Inclusion Assistant is responsible for completing a variety of tasks relating to the provision of inclusion services to participants with disabilities who register for member entity programs during the summer season. The assistant provides direct service to participants in programs as well as office duties. The assistant must be familiar with the job duties of an Inclusion Aide and be capable of completing any of those tasks as necessary. The assistant must possess a working knowledge of disabling conditions, behavior management, and inclusion policies and procedures. Reliable transportation and insurance are required. The assistant must be capable of working independently as well as with a team of recreation professionals.

Position Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; college degree preferred.
• Minimum of one year experience in a leadership role.
• Have working knowledge of disabilities and strong behavior management background.
• Valid Driver's License.
• 21 years of age or older.
• Must hold or be able to obtain CPR/First Aid certification before the start of camp.

Key Responsibilities:

• Help Inclusion Aides adapt activities, rules, equipment, and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation and the most independent participation possible.
• Assess park districts programs to evaluate what kind of programmatic supports they require, i.e. staff training, modified equipment, visual supports, etc.
• Assess Inclusion Aides to evaluate their job performance, when necessary.
• Act as an advocate for the individual(s) and emphasize the individual's abilities and similarities, while de-emphasizing the differences.
• Make visits to sites to check on the participant's progress.
• Provide on-site staff training and crisis/behavior management when necessary.
• Communicate all incidents/accidents from the program to the Inclusion Manager immediately.
• Follow SEASPAR and the member entities' policies and procedures.

• Attend all orientations, meetings, and in-services relating to SEASPAR or other member entities.
• Encourage participation and development of friendships with other participants in the program.
• Must be dependable and punctual.
• Recognize and report participant behavior issues and environmental hazards.
• Perform other duties asked by supervisor.
• Regular and predictable on-site attendance.

Marginal Responsibilities:

• Substitute for Inclusion Aides at recreation programs as necessary.

• Feed, diaper/take to the bathroom, lift, and transfer individual, if applicable.

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Worker Traits: Assertive when introducing themselves at the program and when adapting or modifying the activity to make sure the participant is engaged with the group as much as possible. Must act with the best interest of the participant in mind, as well as those of the park district.
• Safety and Security: Use good safety awareness and judgment; follow SEASPAR policies at all times; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment following manufacturer safety instructions; and follow agency ergonomic policies and procedures.
• Problem Solving: Identify and appropriately resolve problems in a timely manner; gather and analyze information skillfully; develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem-solving situations; and use reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas; and try new things.
• Oral Communication/Language Skills: Speak clearly and effectively in all situations; listen and ask for clarification from supervisor if needed; respond appropriately to questions; and read and interpret all necessary agency documents.
• Written Communication: Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; be able to interpret written information; and present clear, legible handwriting for all SEASPAR forms and documents.
• Judgment/Reasoning Ability: Exhibit sound and accurate judgment when making all program-related decisions; solve problems involving a few concrete variables; and include appropriate people in the decision-making process.
• Professionalism: Approach others in a tactful manner; react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; and follow through on commitments.
• Adaptability: Adapt activities based on the skill level and needs of each participant to encourage appropriate participation on a regular basis; adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; change approach or method as necessary; and deal with frequent changes, delays, unexpected events, or program cancellations.
• Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrate consistent attendance and on-time arrival; ensure responsibilities are covered when absent; and arrive at meetings, in-services, and trainings on time.
• Dependability: Follow instructions and respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; keep commitments; commit to long hours of work when necessary; and complete tasks on time.
• Leadership: Lead participants to have successful recreation experiences; demonstrate positive interactions with other staff members, individuals with disabilities, and parents/guardians; and possess the ability to enlist the support of others to accomplish a common task.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the key responsibilities of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the key responsibilities. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or transfer up to 50 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus.

Applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation to participate in the hiring rpoces may contact HR at info@seaspar.org