Program Aide - Creative Arts Program

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.

JOB DESCRIPTION

Title: PROGRAM AIDE

General Statement of Function: Provide essential support, assistance, and training to participants in the engagement of various art projects and activities. This role focuses on fostering an inclusive environment that encourages skill development, self-expression, community engagement, and success of person-centered goals.  

Essential Functions:

Participant Support, Supervision, and Safety

• Provide direct support, assistance, and training to participants in all program areas in accordance with individual program plans and scheduled activities.
• Maintain an established level of supervision, including at least visual supervision, at all times for assigned participants on-site and in the community.
• Provide supervision and support during all program activities, ensuring participant health and safety.
• Implement appropriate interventions as needed, using sound judgment to maintain a supportive and respectful environment.
• Promote a least restrictive environment that fosters participant autonomy, creativity, and independence.
• Facilitate peer interactions to enhance social skills and community engagement.
• Report any concerns or suspected abuse immediately to the appropriate authorities in accordance with Oparc policy and legal requirements. 

Program Implementation, Creative Arts Support, and Community Engagement

• Support Instructors in implementing creative arts activities and programming.
• Be knowledgeable of participant goals and provide guidance to support achievement of person-centered goals.
• Assist in activities that promote skill-building in creative expression and potential employment readiness.
• Provide hand-over-hand assistance as needed to support participant engagement and success in artistic endeavors.
• Serve as a positive role model by demonstrating respectful interactions, effective communication, creativity, and active engagement in programming.
• Maintain scheduled on-site and community activities, notifying supervisors of any schedule changes.
• When assigned community activities, ensure the highest quality services are provided at all times.
• Engage with local organizations to enhance program offerings and expand community involvement.
• Assist with organizing community events, exhibitions, and showcases to highlight participant work and achievements.

Collaboration, Documentation, and Progress Monitoring

• Collaborate with the team to develop and implement individualized, person-centered plans.
• Work closely with Case Managers and Instructors to monitor and document participant progress toward established goals.
• Report needed or requested adjustments to lessons or materials to ensure accessibility for all participants.
• Maintain accurate, timely, and complete documentation related to daily activities, training, progress, and incidents, in accordance with Oparc policy.
• Complete incident reports as required.

Operations, Transportation, and Professional Responsibilities

• Compile programming supplies and equipment daily prior to participant arrival for on-site and community activities.
• Ensure proper use, care, maintenance, inventory, and organization of art supplies and equipment.
• Maintain a clean and organized work area.
• Transport up to six (6) participants and assigned support staff in an Oparc vehicle for community outings, as assigned.
• Attend all assigned meetings and trainings.
• Adhere to all Oparc safety regulations, policies, and procedures.
• Spend 75% or more of the workday providing direct participant support, including supervision, driving, and activity facilitation.
• Use Oparc-issued property, tools, and equipment responsibly and appropriately.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements:

• High school diploma or equivalent required.
• Minimum one year of experience in developmental disabilities preferred.
• Demonstrated ability to support and engage individuals with diverse needs and strengths.
• Ability to work collaboratively in a team-oriented environment.
• Basic understanding of adaptive teaching strategies and creative arts.
• Passion for the arts and a commitment to fostering an inclusive and supportive environment for all individuals served.
• Valid CA Driver’s License with a clear driving record and be willing to drive an Oparc vehicle.
• Must be able to lift up to 25 lbs. alone, and up to 150 lbs. with assistance.
• Must be able to push a wheelchair up to one mile and perform standing, walking, pushing, pulling, squatting, bending, and repetitive motions for up to 80% of the day.
• 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.
• Must maintain current CPR/First Aid certification.

Location: Oparc - Montclair, California

Reports To: Program Manager- Creative Arts

Schedule: 9:30 am - 4:30pm (Varied), Monday through Friday, with a 1/2-hour unpaid lunch