Program Support Assistant

The OPARC Mission

OPARC believes that all individuals deserve the human right to be valued members of society regardless of their intelligence or physical capabilities. OPARC exists to make training, employment, and social opportunities available and to be the champion for thousands of people with disabilities in Southern California.

Title: PROGRAM SUPPORT ASSISTANT

General Statement of Function:

The Program Support Assistant provides support to their assigned Licensed Day Program. This role involves maintaining accurate documentation, data entry of billing, cash management, computer operations, front office reception, providing administrative support, observing program areas for cleanliness and safety, and providing participant supervision and care. 

Essential Functions:

Program Compliance & Documentation

• Assist in preparing for site visits, inspections, and audits by licensing and funding agencies. 
• Maintain accurate, up-to-date documentation, including program binders, forms, and manuals.
• Use spreadsheet software to maintain staff and participant attendance records.
• Work closely with program managers and other staff members to meet program objectives.
• Complete 40-hours of specified healthcare trainings within 12 months of hire (only ADC-Monte Vista).
• Complete 40-hour Registered Behavior Technicians (RBT) trainings within 12 months of hire (only Summit Services programs).

Administrative Coordination and Support

• Provide excellent customer service to participants, families, care providers, visitors, and Oparc staff.
• Handle incoming calls and route messages appropriately.
• Typing, duplication, processing and mailing of notices, records, reports, and correspondence.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date participant, parent/care provider, and transportation lists. 
• Update participant information in Oparc’s management system.
• Process mail and distribute it accordingly.
• Drop off and pick up mail   and payroll at the Administrative Office.
• Make telephone calls to parents/care providers, transportation sources, and others as directed.
• Maintaining necessary office and maintenance supplies and materials.
• Submit monthly requisition, as needed. 
• Communicate staffing and ratio numbers to the Program Support Specialist during morning call-arounds to determine need of substitute staff. 
• Maintain record of where substitutes worked and obtain final ratios. 
• Take accurate meeting minutes for team meetings and other program-related discussions. 
• Distribute meeting minutes to staff. 
• Assist with data entry, filing, and organization of office records.  
• Distribute memos, updates, and training materials to staff.                      

Program Support

• Maintain active programming and respectful interaction with participants at all times.
• Monitor program areas for cleanliness, safety, organization, and report deficiencies to management. 
• Assist in ensuring participant rights and health/safety standards are upheld in all service areas. 
• Maintain established level of supervision, and at least visual supervision, at all times, for assigned participants both on site and in the community.  For participants needing additional close monitoring, use the procedures and protocols established for additional safety. 
• Follow implemented protocols for behavioral interventions and/or any Restricted Health Care plans at all times.
• Monitor participant’s health and safety concerns at all times, reporting any concern immediately.   
• Report any suspected abuse immediately to the proper authorities as required by law and Oparc policy.
• Track, reconcile, and audit participant cash accounts (ADC sites only), community access, and petty cash.
• Maintain confidentiality.
• Attend staff and other meetings assigned.
• Adhere to all safety regulations.
• All other duties and responsibilities assigned by supervising Program Manager.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Must be at least 18 years of age. 
• High School diploma or equivalent, plus a minimum of two (2) years’ office experience.
• Ability to pass a competency test for grammar, punctuation, spelling, and data entry. 
• Basic level of technical proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, Excel, Outlook) and capable of learning internal documentation systems.
• Ability to pass a Department of Justice (DOJ) background check and fingerprint clearance, complete TB test, pre-employment physical, and provide proof of required immunizations (as applicable).  
• Valid CA driver’s license, proof of current vehicle insurance, and must have a clean driving record with three (3) years of driving experience.
• Preferred experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) or in a similar caregiving, nursing, behavioral, or human services role. 

• Must be able to work in outdoor environments, which can include, but is not limited to allergens, excessive heat, excessive cold, excessive humidity, dampness or chilling, excessive noise and/or slippery and uneven walking surfaces and indoor warehouse-type settings that may lack heating, air conditioning, and have concrete flooring.

• CPR, First Aid, and Crisis Intervention (e.g., CPI) certifications — or ability to obtain upon hire. 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bilingual (Spanish, ASL, etc.) is a plus. 

Work Environment Requirements

• Able to work in both indoor and community-based environments.
• Willing to support individuals during community outings, job coaching, and/or volunteer activities.
• Able to lift up to 25 pounds by self and up to 150 pounds with one other person.
• Assist with physical transfers, if necessary.
• Able to push a wheelchair with a seated participant up to one (1) mile.
• Standing, walking, sitting, pushing, bending and pulling required.
• Squatting and repetitive motion may be necessary.
• Use chemicals in accordance with manufacturer’s labeled instructions. 
• Adhere to the proper care and responsible use of Oparc issued property, tools, and equipment.

Location: OPARC – Determined based on assigned worksite

Reports To: Program Manager

Schedule: Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 4:30 pm, with an ½ hour unpaid lunch. Hours may vary based on program need.