PWW Program Assistant/Driver

The Program Assistant/Driver is responsible for overseeing participants enrolled in our Irene & Ronald Cohen Life Skills Training Center programs, working with and training them to learn and develop life skills. Additionally, the applicant is responsible for providing safe and reliable transportation services to clients enrolled in program.

Essential Duties + Responsibilities:

• Ensures safety of program participants while at program site; agency location and community volunteer jobs. Reports incidents to Director of LSTC
• Trains program participants to perform volunteer tasks and community integration skills to the best of their abilities within the JCC and community volunteer activities
• Acts as liaison between the volunteer site staff and program participants
• Prompts participants to interact appropriately with peers and with all persons at primary site and all other agencies, community volunteer sites, and all other hub sites
• Facilitates social and recreational activities for participants on a daily basis
• Manages required documentation, including attendance, goal sheets, ABC forms, and daily logs
• Map out most effective routes to minimize driving time
• Operate vehicle in safe manner at all times, while ensuring the safety of all individuals
• Arrive at pick-up and drop-off points on time
• Perform pre- and post-trip inspections
• Notifies supervisor with passenger concerns
• Report any violations received while driving
• Appropriately completes all required documentation training and all mandatory training and personally ensures that their attendance is scheduled per deadlines
• Accompanying certifications (CPR; SCIP; First Aid) are to be sustained and scheduled as per required time frames

Qualifications:

• A minimum of one year of experience supporting people with developmental disabilities is required
• High School Diploma or GED
• Knowledge of state funding streams, including OPWDD, Medicaid, ISS, SSI, and OMH services
• Communication skills, including strong interpersonal skills, and ability to speak, read, and write effectively
• Ability to maintain HIPAA confidentiality and exercise discretion when discussing clients
• Demonstrate detail orientation
• Exhibit patience, initiative, enthusiasm, adaptability, and resourcefulness
• Able to effectively develop and document behavior management protocols
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Outlook, Internet, and/or database management
• No less than 18 months experience as a licensed driver
• No DWI or DUI within the last 3 years
• Six or fewer accumulated points (4-6 points will require DD Course completion within 90 days of hire)
• Three or fewer accident and moving violations (combined) within previous 12-month period
• Valid, clean NYS Driver’s License. Able to safely operate a 10-passenger van
• First Aid/CPR/SCIP-R Training preferred

Physical Requirements:

• Driving – Safe operation of a vehicle (van or car)
• Frequent sitting – Especially while driving participants to and from activities
• Ability to assist with activities inside homes, program sites, or community locations (includes walking, standing, bending)
• May require assisting individuals with mobility needs or lifting supplies, groceries, or small equipment (up to 30–50 lbs.)

Work Environment:

• Work takes place in various locations, such as homes, grocery stores, banks, transit centers, or recreational sites
• Significant portion of the day may be spent in a vehicle transporting individuals
• Exposure to changing weather conditions while assisting with errands or outdoor learning experiences