Program Assistant

Summary:

As a Program Assistant at WSRA, you will work with individuals of varying ages and disabilities, providing hands-on support, building meaningful relationships, and making an impact on those that we serve.

Pay Rate: $15.50 per hour

FLSA Status: Non-Exempt

PT/FT Status: Part-Time hours available Monday-Thursday, 3:45-5:15 PM. May include morning, afternoon, and evening hours.

Qualifications:

• Must be at least 16 years old
• Must pass a criminal background check by the state of Illinois
• Must go through Agency Orientation
• Experience with or desire to work with individuals with special needs
• Certification in First Aid and CPR, or the ability to obtain it

Immediate Supervisor: Recreation Manager / Program Lead

Responsibilities:

• Assist the Program Lead with preparations such as, but not limited to, setting up, greeting participants/parents/guardians, and facilitating activity
• Actively supervising individuals with disabilities
• Attend meetings throughout the year (orientation, trainings, and staff meetings)
• If over 21, drive buses (optional)
• Other duties as assigned by Program Lead and Recreation Manager
• Perform all job tasks within the rules and regulations of WSRA policies, procedures, and safety program
• Demonstrate dependability, promptness, flexibility, and punctuality
• Promote good relations with participants, parents, employees, member agencies personnel, and community contacts

Daily Operations:

• Supervise and ensure all assigned participants are accounted for at all times. May work in ratios of 1:1, 1:2, 1:3, or 1:4 depending on participant needs.
• Ensure that all participant needs are being met (toileting, feeding, water breaks)
• Ensure that all participants have the opportunity to actively participate in every activity Adapt activities as needed for each assigned participant and actively participate in program activities
• Ensure participant medication is given to the Program Lead
• Lift, move, or transfer participants (as needed) using proper lifting techniques. Transfer individuals from a wheelchair to a chair, into and out of vehicles, from pool deck to pool. Physically assist individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling, or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
• Complete Accident and/or Incident report forms as needed
• Utilize WSRA behavior modification plan and implement it in a positive behavior
• Role model appropriate behavior for participants
• Interact with staff and participants within activities
• Clean-up program areas before staff departure
• Check in with Program Lead upon arrival and before leaving
• Notify Program Lead of problems or issues that arise during the program (staff or participant injury, behavior incidents, lost or missing items, broken, damaged or missing equipment)
• Greet all parents at drop off and pick up
• Communicate any accidents/incidents or behavior concerns
• Obtain supplies needed for the activity (sports equipment, arts and crafts supplies)
• Ensure that supplies and equipment are in good working order
• Ensure that supplies and equipment are put away in the correct location
• During the transportation of programs, monitor and addressing the medical, safety, and behavioral needs of participants in vehicle
• Communicate any concerns to driver

Agency Expectations:

• Exhibit positive, effective customer service to participants, families, co-workers and community contacts.
• Know and follow personnel, safety, and agency policies and procedures.
• Produce accurate, quality work on a consistent basis.
• Exercise independent judgment and make sound decisions based on appropriate research and analysis.
• Adapt to changes in all aspects of job including assigned tasks, scheduling and new or unforeseen circumstances.
• Initiate new, creative ideas for improved programming, procedures, projects and opportunities.
• Communicate clearly and professionally both verbally and in writing.
• Be able to work efficiently and effectively under pressure, such as emergencies and deadlines.
• Project a professional image by demonstrating the agency’s core values.
• Handle confidential information discreetly and professionally.

Physical Demands:

• Gather, load, transport and set-up equipment and supplies for activities.
• Supervise individuals, including at times the use of physical restraints.
• Physically assess individuals in wheelchairs by pushing, pulling or providing stabilization on unknown terrain.
• Physically transfer individuals from wheelchair to chair, into and out of vehicles, from pool deck into pool, in washroom facilities, etc.
• Lift and carry as much as 50 pounds for as long as 300 feet.
• Actively participate in programs.

Working Conditions:

This position operates indoors in classrooms, gymnasiums, multi-purpose rooms and exercise rooms, as well as outdoors at different activity fields, parks, playgrounds, etc. The noise level can range from quiet to loud. When working inside conditions can include different types of lighting and temperatures. When working outdoors you may be exposed to different types of weather conditions.

Please email resume and attached application to:

[email protected]

Miscellaneous Information

WSRA is an equal opportunity employer. All applicants are considered without regard to race, color, creed, religion, ancestry, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, veteran status, marital status, parental status, disability, perceived disability, or any other basis protected by federal, state, or local law.

Job Details

Category

WSRA

Status

Open

Salary

$15.00-$18.00 / hour

Posted

December 9, 2025

Closing

Open Until Filled