Special Needs Program Aide

Special Needs Program Aide

Pay: $17.74/hr – $23.94/hr

Location: Multiple locations within the District

Schedule: Up to 18 hours/week on weekdays between 9 am and 4 pm. Evenings and weekends may be required. Part‑time, Year‑Round, Hourly, Non‑Exempt.

Start Date: ASAP. Applications will be reviewed as received; posting may close at any time. Work may not exceed 960 hours per fiscal year (July 1 – June 30).

Under general supervision of the Recreation Supervisor and direct supervision of the Recreation Coordinator II, the Program Aide assists with daily operations of the Special Needs Adult Day Program at Sorensdale Center. The Aide facilitates educational, vocational, and recreational training for persons with intellectual/developmental disabilities while encouraging person‑centered thinking.

• Aide 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.
• Lead small groups of special needs participants in classroom or community settings.
• Oversee and ensure safety of participants during program hours.
• Respect and encourage person‑centered thinking.
• Provide personal assistance to participants as needed (dress, cleaning, self‑care, toileting).
• Gather and maintain information for Individual Service Plans.
• Monitor activities, aid compliance with District regulations, maintain facility security, and report safety issues.
• Open, secure, and prepare facilities before and after program use; set up furniture and equipment for activities/events.
• Assist with administrative duties related to photocopying, gathering supplies, and program set‑up.
• Support retail duties in the onsite Thrift Store (handling and organizing merchandise, selling items, customer service).
• Aid in gardening duties (watering, planting, picking fruit and vegetables for lunch program).
• Assist participants in classroom settings such as 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.
• Assist in the lunch program, overseeing participants during lunch.
• Contribute to the implementation of ongoing programs, classes and special events.
• Maintain good public relations, participate in training sessions and staff meetings.
• Provide input regarding program planning.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

The employee must be able to: communicate verbally in person, by telephone, PA system and radio; see objects and persons at a distance; sit or stand for prolonged periods; grasp objects, use fine manipulation and operate office machines; lift and carry items up to 50 lb. Exposure to computer screens and occasional outdoor work is expected.

• Work with participants in a variety of recreational activities.
• Monitor compliance with District regulations and policies; enforce rules and regulations calmly.
• 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 others involved in the work.
• Work independently in the absence of supervision.
• Bi‑lingual desired.

• Office procedures, methods and equipment including computers and standard computer programs.
• Complete forms, reports and paperwork.
• Perform clerical duties as needed.
• Safe food handling practices.
• Standard safety rules and regulations related to public recreation activities.

• Completion of high school.
• One year of previous experience with special needs populations and programs is desirable.
• Must possess standard First Aid/CPR/AED and maintain certifications thereafter as a condition of continued employment.
• Must possess a CA Food Handlers Certificate and maintain certification thereafter.
• Experience in MS Office (Excel, Word, Access, Outlook).

• 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  ability to work in the USA.