County of Alameda

Under general supervision, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities to assists with daily operations of the Special Needs Adult Day Program. The Program Leader will lead in facilitating educational, vocational, and recreational training for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their educational goals, while respecting and encouraging Person Centered Thinking. Due to the varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Needs Program Leaders may provide a variety of support and assistance and should be flexible adjusting to participant needs.

DISTINGUISHING FEATURES  

The Special Needs Program Leader position is primarily responsible for leading Special Needs Program Instructors and Special Needs Program Aide duties in the Special Needs Program. This class can be distinguished from the class of Special Needs Program Instructor and Special Needs Program Aide as it may lead Special Needs Program Instructors and Special Needs Program Aides.

NOTE:  The following list of duties are those usually performed by most employees in this classification.  However, employees may perform other related duties at an equivalent level.  Not all duties listed are necessarily performed by each individual in the classification.

1. Writes Individual Service Plan (ISP) reports for Annual and Individual Program Plan (IPP) meetings to address participant progress with the Regional Center of the East Bay (RCEB).
2. Matches participant preferences and needs with program offerings.
3. Maintains records, files, data for the purpose of providing up to date reference for compliance.
4. Presents ISPs at Annual and IPP meetings and acts as a member of the team (along with participants parents, case workers, and home staff) to further to help participants meet educational, academic, life skill, behavioral, physical, social and emotional goals.
5. Create master schedule of classes and schedule hourly staff for work shifts.
6. Mediates participant conflicts in a manner that restores dignity and respect to participants.
7. Collaborates with teachers and participants to problem solve participant needs as issues emerge.
8. Contacts parents, home care operators, advocates, and counselors when participants are in crisis or have health care needs.
9. Instructs in classrooms when there is a need for substitute coverage.
10. Ability to lead groups of special needs participants in classroom settings such as, but not limited to: Art, Computer Education, Cooking, Gardening, Functional Math, Health and Fitness, Music, and Literacy.
11. Ability to lead groups of special needs participants in community-based settings such as at museums, gardens, shopping centers and other outdoor activities.
12. Prepare class and individual lesson plans in accordance with the program goals and requirements and personal needs and abilities.
13. Prepare and maintain accurate records of participants progress towards ISP goals for annual review.
14. Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours.
15. Respect and encourage person centered thinking.
16. Give personal assistance to participants as needed, may include, dress, cleaning, self-care and toileting.
17. Monitor activities in facility, aid and ensure compliance with District regulations, maintain facility security, and report any facility issues related to safety.
18. Open, secure facility before and after program use; prepares facilities and sets up furniture and or equipment for scheduled activities/events.
19. Perform administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and set up of supplies.
20. Perform retail duties in Thrift Store, such as handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, and providing excellent customer service.
21. Assists in the lunch program, overseeing participants.
22. Assist in the implementation of programs and special events.
23. Maintains good public relations.
24. Participate in training sessions and regular staff meetings.
25. Provide input regarding program planning.
26. At all times, demonstrate cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors and the public.
27. Performs other duties as assigned.

A combination of training and experience which demonstrates that a person has obtained the required knowledge and is able to perform the required work (with reasonable accommodation, if needed).  A person with the following combined training and experience would typically qualify to compete in a selection process:  

Education:                

Possession of an Associate’s degree in Recreation from an accredited college or university; and  

CA Teaching Credential – Designated Subjects Adult Education OR 4-year Degree in Human Development, Recreation or related field.  

Experience:  

Minimum of three years previous experience with special needs programs and working with adults with intellectual/developmental disabilities is desirable.  

Proven experience using Microsoft 365 including Excel, OneDrive, OneNote, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Word.  

Using Active Net a plus but not required.  

Special Requirements:          

Possession of an Activity Supervisor Clearance Certificate.  

Possession of a standard First Aid/CPR/AED certification and must maintain thereafter as a condition of continued employment.  

Possession of a Food Handlers Certificate and must maintain thereafter as a condition of continued employment.  

Must be at least 18 years of age.

Must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment.  

Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended.  

Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test.  

Verification of ID and ability work in the USA.  

Bilingual is desirable.

NOTE:  The Civil Service Commission may modify the minimum qualifications in the announcement of an examination.

NOTE:  The level and scope of the following knowledge, skills and abilities are related to duties listed under the “Examples of Duties” section of this specification.    

Knowledge of:

• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and standard computer programs.
• Importance of completing forms, reports and paperwork thoroughly and accurately.
• Perform a variety of clerical duties.
• Safe food handling practices.
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities.  

Ability to:

• Work with the public that are participating in a variety of recreational activities.
• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations.
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies.
• Administer First Aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration.
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people.
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions.
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the work.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Use digital communication tools including Microsoft Teams, Zoom, Skype, or similar tool.

NewSpec

SG:sa 03/04/2021