Program Aid

Hayward Area Recreation and Park District (H.A.R.D.) is committed to providing accessible and inclusive programming for all that wish to participate, despite limitations or disabilities. A variety of Adaptive classes, programs and special events are available. H.A.R.D. is seeking several Special Needs Program Aides to support these programs throughout the year!, Under general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and direct supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, performs a variety of duties and responsibilities to assists with daily operations of the Special Needs Adult Day Program at Sorensdale Center. The Program Aid will assist in facilitating educational, vocational, and recreational training for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities to help them achieve their educational goals, while respecting and encouraging Person Centered Thinking. Due to the varied and individual needs of each participant, Special Needs Program Aids may provide a variety of support and assistance and should be flexible adjusting to participant needs., Incumbents in this class are primarily responsible for performing Program Aid duties in the Special Needs Program. This class can be distinguished from the class of Special Needs Program Instructor as this class does not have Program Instructor responsibilities., Incumbents may not perform all duties. Duties include but are not limited to the following:

• Aid in delivery of educational instruction designed by Special Needs Program Instructors to help participants meet educational, academic, life skill, behavioral, physical, social and emotional goals
• Ability to lead small groups of special needs participants in classroom or community-based setting
• Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours
• Respect and encourage person centered thinking
• Give personal assistance to participants as needed, may include, dress, cleaning, self-care and toileting
• Gather and maintain information for Individual Service Plans
• Monitor activities in facility, aid and ensure compliance with District regulations, maintain facility security, and report any facility issues related to safety
• May open, secure facility before and after program use; prepare facility and set up furniture and or equipment for scheduled activities/events
• Aid with administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies and set up of program supplies
• Aid in retail duties in on site Thrift Store, such as handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, and providing excellent customer service
• Aid in gardening duties, such as watering, planting and picking fruits and vegetables for lunch program
• Assist special needs participants in classroom settings such as, but not limited to: Art, Computer Education, Cooking, Gardening, Functional Math, Health and Fitness, Music and Literacy Classes
• Aid in getting participants on and off daily transportation/ bus services
• Assists in the lunch program, overseeing participants during lunch
• Assist in the implementation of ongoing programs, classes and special events
• Maintains good public relations
• Participates in training sessions and regular staff meetings
• May provide input regarding program planning
• At all times, demonstrates cooperative behavior with colleagues, supervisors, volunteers, participants and the public
• Performs other duties as assigned

WORK ENVIRONMENT

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. The functions of this position are primarily performed indoor but may be at some outdoor locations as part of a team. There will be exposure to computer screens. Incumbents may be assigned a work schedule including weekends, early mornings, evenings and may have to travel between various locations or community-based settings., * Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and standard computer programs

• Complete forms, reports and paperwork
• Performs clerical duties as needed
• Safe food handling practices
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential duties and responsibilities of this position. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to have: hearing and speech adequate to communicate in person, by telephone, by PA system and by radio, and to speak loudly in a noisy setting; vision adequate to clearly distinguish objects and persons at a distance, bodily movement adequate to sit or stand for prolonged periods of time; manual dexterity adequate to grasp objects, use fine manipulation, write and operate office machines and equipment; strength and endurance to safely lift and carry items of up to 50 pounds., * Work with the public that are participating in a variety of recreational activities

• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies, and general safety practices related to activities; firmly but tactfully enforce rules and regulations
• React quickly and calmly in emergencies
• Administer First Aid, CPR and/or artificial respiration
• Communicate effectively with a wide range of people
• Understand and carry out oral and written instructions
• Maintain cooperative relationships with those contacted during the work
• Work independently in the absence of supervision
• Bi-lingual desired, * Completion of high school
• One-year previous experience with special needs populations and programs is desirable
• Must possess standard First Aid/CPR/AED and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
• Possess a CA Food Handlers Certificate and must maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment
• Experience in MS Office Program: Excel, Word, Access, Outlook

Special Requirements:

• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Completion of the Hepatitis B vaccination series is recommended
• Provide proof of negative TB Skin Test
• Must pass a fingerprint and/or background clearance prior to employment
• Verification of ID and ability work in the USA

• Hourly Rate: $17.74/hour - $23.94/hour
• Work Schedule: Up to 18 hours/week on weekdays between the hours of 9am and 4pm. Evenings and weekends may be required based on programming needs.

The Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, known locally as “H.A.R.D.,” is an independent special use district created to provide park and recreation services for over 309,000 residents. Our boundaries encompass a 100 square-mile area, which includes the City of Hayward and the unincorporated communities of Castro Valley, San Lorenzo, Ashland, Cherryland, and Fairview.

In 1944, representatives of the City of Hayward, various school districts, and local civic organizations developed a proposal for establishment of the Hayward Area Recreation and Parkway District. When an initiative was placed on the November 7th ballot, the residents voted overwhelmingly for the creation of the District, which was officially formed on December 11, 1944. In 1958, the District changed its name to the Hayward Area Recreation and Park District, and has become the largest recreation district in the State of California.

Since its creation, the District has provided residents with many beautiful facilities and parks, many of which have received national and state recognition for their design, innovation and beauty, as well as hundreds of educational and recreational classes and programs.

Our Mission Our mission is to enrich the quality of life for our community by providing a variety of recreation activities, parks, and facilities that promote health and wellness, learning, and fun.