Program Assistant in Gulf Breeze, Florida at The Arc Gateway Inc

COMPANY OVERVIEW:

Since 1954, The Arc Gateway has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a trusted non-profit organization serving the greater Pensacola area, we offer life-enhancing programs that empower those we support to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Our mission is rooted in celebrating abilities, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for every individual we serve.

SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant supports a day program located in Gulf Breeze (south) that is dedicated to empowering individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. The role contributes to the delivery of life-skills training, recreational programming, and community engagement opportunities designed to promote independence, social development, and personal growth.

Working under the direction of the Program Manager, the Program Assistant provides direct support to participants in a safe, inclusive, and person-centered environment. Responsibilities include assisting individuals in developing daily living skills, fostering positive social interactions, encouraging participation in structured activities, and supporting individualized goals that enhance overall quality of life.

KEY RESPONSIBILITES: include the following. Other duties may be assigned

Participant Support

• Assist participants in developing essential life skills, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, time management, communication, and community integration.
• Provide individualized support aligned with each participant’s Person-Centered Plan (PCP).
• Encourage independence while offering guidance and hands-on assistance as needed.

Program Implementation

• Facilitate group and one-on-one activities, including workshops, online learning, recreational outings, and skill-building sessions.
• Follow daily program schedules to ensure activities meet participant needs and program goals.
• Adapt activities to accommodate varying abilities and preferences.

Behavioral and Emotional Support

• Promote positive behavior and provide de-escalation support using person-centered and trauma-informed approach.
• Foster an inclusive, supportive atmosphere that encourages social interaction and emotional well-being.

Community Engagement

• Accompany participants on community outings to practice skills such as shopping, navigating public spaces, and participating in recreational activities.
• Support community involvement by helping participants build relationships and engage in local events.
• Assist with transportation, including driving a 12-passenger van.

Documentation and Reporting

• Maintain accurate records of participant progress, attendance, and incidents in accordance with program policies.
• Communicate observations and updates to supervisors and team members to ensure continuity of care.

Safety and Health

• Ensure a safe environment by following all health, safety, and emergency procedures.
• Provide personal care assistance, including toileting and mobility support, in accordance with training.

Collaboration

• Work collaboratively with program staff, families, and external service providers to support participant goals.
• Participate in team meetings, trainings, and program evaluations to enhance service quality.

Facility Maintenance

• Maintain cleanliness and organization of activity areas, kitchens, and restrooms.
• Complete daily, weekly, and monthly cleaning tasks as assigned.
• Report facility safety concerns

Additional Duties: Perform other related tasks as assigned that support the overall mission and function of the role.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

· Must be able to pass Level 2 fingerprint background check, (https://info.flclearinghouse.com), Dept. of Children and Families abuse registry check, and local law enforcement check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character.

· Must pass a drug screen.

· Must be 21 with a valid driver's license, good driving record and proof of vehicle insurance and registration with a satisfactory Motor Vehicle Report.

• Maintain punctual attendance and report to work on time for all scheduled shifts.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

· Must have a High school diploma or general education degree (GED)

· 1-year experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, or have 30 semester hours, 45 quarter-hours, or 720 classroom hours of college or vocational school- strongly preferred, but not always required.

SKILLS:

· Strong interpersonal and communication skills to build rapport with participants and team members.

· Patience, empathy, and the ability to work with diverse populations.

· Basic knowledge of life skills training and behavior support techniques.

· Ability to adapt to changing needs and manage multiple tasks in a dynamic environment.

· Demonstrate a commitment to promoting dignity, respect, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

· Demonstrate an energetic and enthusiastic approach to engaging with participants, fostering a positive and motivating environment

LANGUAGE SKILLS: Ability to read and comprehend simple instructions, short correspondence, and memos. Ability to write simple correspondence. Ability to effectively present information in one-on-one and small group situations to customers, clients, and other employees of the organization.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS: Ability to add and subtract two digit numbers and to multiply and divide with 10's and 100's. Ability to perform these operations using units of American money and weight measurement, volume, and distance.

REASONING ABILITY: Ability to apply common sense understanding to carry out instructions furnished in written, oral, or diagram form. Ability to deal with problems involving several concrete variables in standardized situations.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

• Must be able to achieve a CPR certification within 60 days of employment
• Successful completion of Core Competencies, Zero Tolerance, HIV, and HIPAA certifications will be required. (This training is provided by the agency).

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: The physical demands described here 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 the essential functions.

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to talk or hear. The employee frequently is required to sit, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance; and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl. The employee is also required to stand, walk, use hands to finger and handle or feel. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds, and occasionally lift and/or move more than 100 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

OTHER INFORMATION: Employment is contingent on the choice and satisfaction of the persons served as well as continued funding for the service provided. Employee also understands that Florida is an "at will" State and that all employees of ARC Gateway are considered "at will". This means that employment is not for any set duration and can be discontinued by the Agency or the employee at any time and for any reason.