Program Assistant, Special Needs

Adaptations Program Assistant (Part Time) The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan is seeking a part‑time Program Assistant to work within the Adaptations program, a supportive social community for neurodiverse adults. Positioned within the Center for Diverse Abilities, the Adaptations Program Assistant will build and nurture an inclusive and accepting community where individuals with disabilities and their families have opportunities to make meaningful connections with one another and their community. The JCC Manhattan serves as a catalyst and leader, transforming the ways the community at large understands and interacts with people with different abilities. Adaptations offer individuals with a high level of independence a place to socialize, learn, grow, and deepen their connections to one another. Through 30+ unique monthly structured social/recreational programs inside and outside the JCC, Adaptations provides multiple pathways to fostering independence, finding passion, and experiencing the richness of community. Adaptations is seeking a dynamic Program Assistant to join the team! The Adaptations Program Assistant will support the daily operations and programming of a vibrant neurodiverse social community. Harnessing their passion for accessibility, creativity, and community‑facing work, they will develop and design engaging program content, support administrative planning and logistics, and facilitate community‑based programming once to twice per week. Responsibilities Program Development: building/promoting/organizing engaging, accessible, and relevant programming for Adaptations members Program Facilitation: executing and facilitating in‑person programming 1‑2 times a week Supporting Social Connections: thoughtfully introducing members, facilitating inclusive conversations, and encouraging communication and friendship development while in programs Providing Individualized Member Attention: engaging with individuals around skill building, problem solving, and conflict resolution Supervision: supervising social work interns regarding administrative and programmatic tasks Logistics: providing promotional engagement via email correspondence with members, seasonal planning within the broader team, and helping maintain day‑to‑day systems management Requirements This position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 10 lbs., speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of time Requires mobility about 20% of the day during office work, and 80% during programming Requires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settings Requires attending programming in various locations throughout NYC, and taking public transportation Qualifications 1‑2 years of experience planning programs/working with neurodiverse adults Experience validating and affirming the feelings and experiences of others Availability to work Sundays and weekday evenings (& special events that may fall outside regular hours) Strong public speaking skills Compassion, patience, and creativity Proficiency in presentation and content design, with an eye toward accessibility, clarity, and aesthetics Ability to work on a team Strong work ethic Excellent communication and organizational skills Good sense of humor Associates or Bachelor's degree in a related field, e.g., social work, psychology, education, special education, disability studies, etc.) Preferred 3‑4 years of experience planning programs/working with neurodiverse adults Familiarity with Google Workspace and Canva Experience managing staff and/or interns Knowledge of OPWDD and Self‑Direction Master's Degree in social work, psychology, education, special education, disability studies, etc. We welcome all applicants and urge applications from members of the disability community to apply. Reports to Adaptations Manager, Center for Diverse Abilities Hourly Salary: $30‑$35 Approximate Weekly Hours 10‑12 across three days a week. The position may require midday to early evening hours on Sundays, as well as some evening hours on one to two weeknights. Diversity is a core value of The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. We believe in the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions. #J-18808-Ljbffr