Special Needs Assistant

JOB TITLE: Special Needs Assistant

DEPARTMENT: Vocational Services

SUPERVISOR: Navigator

Gesher Human Services is a bridge to hope and opportunity for people at work, at home, and in the community. Gesher’s workforce development, behavioral health, and inclusion programming serves all Metro Detroiters while meeting the needs of the Jewish community.

GENERAL JOB DESCRIPTION

Special Needs Assistants implement behavioral training programs by using modeling and positive reinforcements during transitional periods and assist with daily activities.

QUALIFICATIONS

Education:

High school diploma or equivalency required.

Other:

Work experience with individuals with developmental, emotional and/or physical impairments preferred. First Aid and CPR certification required. Working knowledge of training techniques, behavior modification and task analysis. Interpersonal skills sufficient to communicate with participants, public and staff. Writing skills sufficient to prepare required reports. Must be flexible to perform job duties in community-based sites.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Implement behavioral and other training programs.
2. Assist designated participant(s) in daily activities.
3. Use modeling and positive reinforcement, during program and transitional periods, to increase participants’ appropriate behaviors and refine interpersonal skills.
4. Assist participants in personal care, hygiene and grooming, including provision of physical assistance in transferring and mobility for individuals with physical impairments.
5. Facilitate participant(s)’ integration and interaction with peers.
6. Serve on Agency committee(s) as appointed.

SUPPLEMENTAL DUTIES

Navigate internet browser to enter data into agency DART system, and utilize Agency email system

WORKING CONDITIONS

Environmental conditions:

• Moderate noise (i.e., business office with computers, phone, and printers, light traffic).
• Ability to work in a confined area.
• Ability to sit at a computer terminal for an extended period.
• Ability to work both inside or outside of building where there may be exposure to environmental conditions such as heat, cold, humidity; dust and cleaning solutions.

Physical requirements:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, sit; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard, reach, stoop, kneel to install computer equipment.
• Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision requirements due to computer work.
• Light to moderate lifting in required.

Other:

• Work involves the ability to work flexible hours and travel to local community/work sites.

Accommodation(s):

As appropriate and fiscally reasonable.

NON-EXEMPT

This position is non-exempt and eligible for overtime pay in accordance with the Federal Fair Labor Standards Act.

The above job description is for general informational purposes only and is not intended to be all inclusive or limiting as to specific duties. The Agency reserves the right to modify, interpret, or apply this job description in any way the Agency desires and in no way implies that these are the only duties, including essential duties, to be performed by the employee occupying the position. The described job requirements are subject to change to reasonably accommodate qualified individuals with a disability.

This job description is not an employment contract, implied or otherwise and any employment relationship remains “at-will.”

Gesher is proud to be an equal employment opportunity and affirmative action employer. We celebrate diversity and do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, veteran or disability status, or any other applicable characteristics protected by law.