Day Program Activities Assistant

Day Program Activities Assistant

As a Day Program Activities Assistant, your direct care and instruction will support adults with intellectual disabilities, developmental disabilities or behavioral challenges to achieve goals, overcome barriers, and build life skills in a Day Program or Day Habilitation setting. In contrast to a traditional classroom setting, Day Programs serve as engaging professional care settings in which individuals can receive direct care, individualized therapeutic services and health services all while socializing with their peers for a part of the day. On a typical day, you may assist a small group of individuals at a time with varying levels of need through direct care and facilitation of rehabilitative activities. Your work may focus on developmental skill training in self care, self-direction, independent living skills, maintaining hygiene, toileting or first aid. You may also work with individuals on improving communication, socialization, fine-and-gross motor skills, and providing enrichment through activities based around art, music, and horticulture.

The essential job duties/responsibilities of the position include but are not limited to the information listed below:

• Provides instruction and skill building in the areas of Self Help, Sensorimotor, Communication, Social Development, Independent living, Behavior Development, Affective Development, Vocational Development and Wellness Development.
• Assisting case management responsibilities, as directed.
• Provides input for interdisciplinary team reviews.
• Assists in the development of ISPs for person-served, including recommendations from professional and para-professional specialists. Maintains contact with family members, funding source, and other staff members, including members of the ISP team.
• Implements clinical and daily plans for persons served. Provides recommendations or implements changes to ensure continuous improvement of programs.
• Maintains documentation daily. Adheres to data collection and maintenance policies and guidelines. Ensures progress notes for persons served are completed according to guidelines.
• Works directly with persons served individually and in groups. Works to develop skills for persons served.
• Ensures that members are actively engaged in meaningful activities throughout the entire day, offering choices wherever possible.
• Communicates with management regarding treatment and programs for persons served.
• Participates or is actively involved with various teams, such as Case Management Team.
• Supports members in crisis management using Positive Behavior Support (PBS) and Safety Care.
• Assists with the training of staff, as needed.
• Maintains physical upkeep of the program area. Monitors supplies and equipment needed. Ensures equipment is used, cleaned, and stored appropriately. Notifies managers of any needs identified and works to resolve those.
• Acts as advocate for persons served in all areas. Follows policies and procedures specific to program and Vinfen. Actively works toward community integration of persons served through community opportunities, volunteer opportunities, reverse integration, and the development of friendships.
• Performs other related duties, as required.

Knowledge and Skills:

• Knowledge and use of advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of applied behavioral analysis with developmental disabilities population
• Knowledge and use of different communication styles
• Knowledge of empowerment and self-advocacy techniques
• Knowledge of formal and informal assessment practices
• Knowledge of participatory planning techniques
• Knowledge of required physical personal management skills
• Knowledge of required independent living management skills
• Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques
• Persuasive, collaborative skills
• Presentation skills
• Ability to work independently and as part of an interdisciplinary team
• Ability to provide a positive role model

Established in 1977, Vinfen is a nonprofit, health and human services organization and a leading provider of community-based services to individuals with mental health conditions, intellectual and developmental disabilities, brain injuries, and behavioral health challenges. Our services and advocacy promote the recovery, resiliency, habilitation, and self-determination of the people we serve. Vinfen's 3,500 dedicated employees are experienced, highly-trained professionals who provide a full range of supportive living, health, educational, and clinical services in over 550 sites throughout Massachusetts and Connecticut. For more information about Vinfen, please visit

My Job. My Community. My Vinfen.

Vinfen is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status, or disability status.

Typical Requirements: One year of relevant work experience/training.

Preferred /Required Education: A high school diploma or equivalent is required.

Driving Requirements: Driving is a requirement for this position using either a Vinfen van or personal vehicle. If using a personal vehicle, you must possess and maintain adequate insurance as well as maintain a safe driving record which is subject to annual checks. A valid driver's license must be presented at the time of employment. Incumbents must be at least 21 years of age to drive, however not all positions require driving. Must have maintained a valid US driver's license for at least six months and must be able to pass a driver's screening background check.

Physical Effort: Ability to stand, walk, bend, kneel, stoop, crouch, crawl, climb as this is a very physically active position. Must be able to lift at least 25 pounds using proper lifting techniques or the use of a two-person lift. Ability to operate a computer and other office equipment such as a calculator, copier, and printer. Ability to sit, reach, climb stairs, and maneuver through narrow spaces or hallways.

Ability to assist clients with tasks of daily living.

Ability to speak, hear, and communicate with clients, staff, and external representatives.

Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus.

Ability to assist in routine living activities including cleaning, meal preparation, vacuuming, shoveling, and grocery shopping.

Required Certifications: CPR required within two weeks of hire First Aid required within two weeks of hire Safety Care required within 90 days of hire NET required

Pay Range: USD $22.04 - USD $22.04 /Hr.