Description: Activity and Employment Program Specialist - $21.00 - $23.00 per hour to start AWARE - Billings, MT - Full-Time

If you are passionate about providing high-quality care to individuals in your community, we invite you to join our team at AWARE.

AWARE is looking for the right person to join the team as an activity and employment program specialist.

The support we provide helps the adults, children, and families we serve become active and vital members of their community while focusing on personal growth. We are a compassionate and fully engaged team that is dedicated to providing the best possible care to our clients. Our strength lies in our culture of care, and we are looking for individuals who share our commitment to providing unconditional care to those in need.

We are committed to providing a supportive and inclusive work environment where all team members feel valued and respected. We offer competitive compensation and benefits packages, as well as opportunities for professional growth and development. If you are looking for a rewarding career, we encourage you to apply to join our team at AWARE.

Responsibilities:

• Ensure activity center facilities are maintained to ensure a safe, clean, and appropriate environment for associated activities.
• Assist in preparing activity schedules and monitoring the use of activity equipment and facilities.
• Assess strengths and skills in daily living, and assist individuals with special needs in identifying, developing, and participating in a variety of meaningful activities to increase functional independence.
• Assist clients, residents, and/or consumers in resolving personal problems and/ or conflicts by responding in a therapeutic and supportive way to provide them with alternatives to unacceptable or negative behaviors.
• Responsible for the close supervision of individuals who have developmental disabilities while engaged in activities such as work and recreation.
• Performs basic care and provides supervision during hygiene activities, meal preparation, along with assisting with mealtimes, assisting, and household chores – including laundry, while maintaining a safe, attractive, and comfortable environment.
• Plans, escorts, participates in, and supervises individuals during community and group activities, including recreational, leisure, vocational, and educational activities in order to build skills and develop appropriate coping mechanisms.
• Follows Individual Treatment Plans, Behavior Management Plans, Independent Living Plans, and Personal Support Plans.
• Attends and participates in mandatory training, in-services, staff meetings, and committees as assigned and noted in AWARE’s Employee Handbook.
• Must demonstrate – on a consistent basis – the willingness and ability to productively utilize work time to meet the needs of the individuals being served as directed, with the understanding that specific fiscal goals (billing, case load number maintenance, weekly) must be met monthly.
• Records notes, billing units, assessments, referrals, and other data entry assignments as instructed by supervisor.
• Observes, reports, and accurately records data concerning the individuals’ physical, emotional, and behavioral states in daily logs, critical incident reports, etc.
• May assist – as assigned - in medication distribution programs.
• Transports individuals to and from work, recreational activities, appointments, etc. when necessary.
• Utilizes H.E.L.P. (including therapeutic holds) when it is determined an individual is a danger to self or others; also performs basic First Aid and/or CPR when needed.
• Documents all contact with or on behalf of the individual being served in prescribed format and maintains individual charts per AWARE policy, practice, and supervisory directive.
• May provide recreational and social opportunities for the clients - - including family nights and activity groups.
• Performs various coordination, monitoring, referral and follow up activities, such as attending/conducting team meetings, arranging for individual therapy, locating additional supports/resources as defined by State of Montana and AWARE policies, procedures, and guidelines.
• Perform other duties as assigned

BENEFITS: Health Insurance, FSA, HSA, 401k, Employee Assistance Program, Tuition Advancement, Professional Development.

Requirements:

Talents, skills, and abilities:

• Ability to implement individual support plans under AWARE's Unconditional Care Philosophy, incorporating trauma-informed behavioral techniques, interventions, and skill-building strategies while understanding and honoring the emotional and behavioral needs of individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Basic computer literacy, including navigation, recording, and use of performance-based software and electronic medical records systems.
• Strong interpersonal, oral, and writen communication skills to collaborate as a team member, make accurate observations, report them effectively, learn supportive care methods, and follow instructions—all while building trust and promoting empowerment.
• A High School Diploma or HSE is required, along with past employment experience.
• Must have or be willing to obtain a valid Montana Driver's License, with an acceptable driving record. Must pass a criminal and protective services background check.

We are proud to be an equal opportunity employer.