Program Driver/Support Staff
7 days ago
Downers Grove
Job Description Are you looking for a part-time job with a purpose and an opportunity to be a driver recreational programs for people with special needs? Look no further than SEASPAR! We are a special recreation association, which is like a park district just for people with disabilities. We serve thirteen communities in eastern DuPage and southern Cook counties, and our home base is in Downers Grove. We offer recreational programming specifically for children and adults with special needs, and we're looking for kind and energetic people from all backgrounds to help our participants learn, grow, and most importantly have fun! Why work at SEASPAR? We offer flexible hours during days, evenings, and weekends! Interested? Read on for position details, then apply to become a member of Team SEASPAR today! Summary: Responsible for providing program transportation of participants/staff during program hours and assisting in program implementation, supervision, safety of SEASPAR participants, property, equipment, and monies while working community-based recreation programs. Position Qualifications: • 21 years of age or older and able to perform the job functions independently of others., • Hold a valid driver's license., • Pass drug screening and provide a drivers abstract., • Meet SEASPAR driving standards which include:, • May not have revoked or suspended license within the last 24 months., • May not have more than two moving violations (convictions) within the past 12 months., • May not have more than three moving violations (convictions) within the past 24 months, • Able to provide timely and safe transportation services., • Minium of one year of direct experience working with individuals with disabilities., • Availability to commit to assigned work times. Key Responsibilities: • Drive 14-passenger accessible vehicle for programs while safely transporting participants of varying ages and abilities., • Follow all vehicle/driving laws and regulations., • Adhere to program lesson plan and transportation schedule., • Safely load and unload individuals in wheelchairs in and out of vehicles, which includes properly securing the wheelchair to the vehicle and ensuring the participant is secure in their chair., • Pay strict attention to housekeeping of vehicles., • Complete, maintain, or submit vehicle/driver paperwork., • Proactively respond to situations and communicate all vehicle incidents or concerns to Safety Coordinator., • Complete and attend assigned driver trainings., • Use judgment to effectively make decisions and solve problems., • Assist in the implementation of recreation activities for individuals with disabilities while providing appropriate attention to participants in all situations., • Work with full-time staff, part-time leaders, program support staff, volunteers, parents, community partners, member entity staff, and individuals with special needs., • Interpret and use knowledge of the physical, mental, and medical limitations of participants to the benefit of the program., • Adapt activities, rules, equipment and/or supplies as needed to ensure quality participation and the most independent participation possible., • Manage assigned group or individual., • Be alert and responsive to health and safety needs of the participants and staff., • Read, understand, and abide by all SEASPAR policies and procedures., • Regular and predictable on-site attendance., • Perform other job-related duties as assigned. Marginal Responsibilities: • Motivate staff and participants – initiate success., • Attend all job-related seasonal orientations, in-services, conferences, and workshops as directed by supervisor., • Act as an advocate for the participant when necessary., • Be dependable and punctual., • Encourage participation and development of friendships with other participants in the program. Competencies To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies: • Worker Traits: Demonstration of enthusiasm, strong interpersonal skills, communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with people with disabilities, SEASPAR staff, SEASPAR member entity staff, parents/guardians, participants, and community groups, as well as members of the general public., • Safety and Security: Use good safety awareness, judgment and always follow SEASPAR policies; report potentially unsafe conditions; use equipment following manufacturer safety instructions; and follow agency ergonomic policies and procedures., • Problem Solving: Identify and appropriately resolve problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyze information skillfully, develop alternative solutions; work well in group problem solving situations; use reason even when dealing with emotional topics., • Interpersonal Skills: Focus on solving conflict, not blaming; maintain confidentiality; listen to others without interrupting; keep emotions under control; remain open to others' ideas; and try new things., • Oral Communication/Language Skills: Speak clearly and effectively in all situations; listen and ask for clarification from supervisor if needed; respond appropriately to questions; read and interpret all necessary agency documents., • Written Communication: Write clearly and informatively; edit work for spelling and grammar; be able to interpret written information; and present clear, legible handwriting for all SEASPAR forms and documents., • Judgment/Reasoning Ability: Exhibit sound and accurate judgment when making all program related decisions; solve problems involving a few concrete variables; include appropriate people in the decision-making process., • Professionalism: Approach others in a tactful manner, react well under pressure; treat others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accept responsibility for own actions; follow through on commitments., • Adaptability: Adapt activities based on the skill level and needs of each participant to encourage appropriate participation on a regular basis. Adapt to changes in the work environment; manage competing demands; change approach or method as necessary; deal with frequent changes, delays, unexpected events or program cancellations., • Attendance/Punctuality: Demonstrate consistent attendance and on time arrival; ensure responsibilities are covered when absent; arrive at meetings, in-services, and trainings on time., • Dependability: Follow instructions, respond to management direction; take responsibility for own actions; keep commitments; commit to long hours of work when necessary; and complete tasks on time., • Leadership: Lead participants to have successful recreation experiences, demonstrate positive interactions with other staff members, individuals with disabilities, and parents/guardians; the ability to enlist the support of others to accomplish a common task. Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the key responsibilities of this job. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit; use hands to finger, handle, or feel; reach with hands and arms; climb or balance; stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl and talk or hear. The employee is required to stand and walk. The employee must occasionally lift and/or transfer up to 50 pounds and physically assist individuals in wheelchairs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, peripheral vision, depth perception, and the ability to adjust focus. SEASPAR is an Equal Opportunity Employer which has been, and will continue to be, a fundamental principle at the agency, which bases employment upon personal capabilities and qualifications without discrimination because of an individual's actual or perceived race (including but not limited to traits associated with race, such as hair texture and protective hairstyles such as braids, locks, and twists), color, religion, sex, gender (including gender identity and expression), age, national origin, citizenship status, work authorization status, ancestry, marital status, veteran status, disability, association with a person with a disability, sexual orientation, genetic information, unfavorable discharge from military service or military status, civil union partnership, order of protection status, pregnancy, childbirth or a medical condition related to pregnancy or childbirth, or any other protected characteristic as established by law. 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