Work Program Assistant (#MDDZ77)

A class incumbent is responsible for assisting a supervisor in the day to day operations of a program in a sheltered workshop  or day habilitation program setting for a group of chronically mentally ill, developmentally disabled, or visually impaired individuals.

A class incumbent reports to a technical superior and is responsible for assisting in the operations of a sheltered workshop or day habilitation program component. Work includes assisting supervisor by completing building census, completing inventory to ensure contract materials/supplies are available for individuals and staff, ensuring quality control of contract work and interacting with businesses/organizations to resolve problems and coordinate contracts. A class incumbent, in the absence of the supervisor, is responsible for signing corrective action for unusual incidents, writing up unit schedule, locking building at end of work day, attending meetings such as high priority meetings, and acquiring additional staff from residential units. In addition, a class incumbent assists in the evaluation of individuals overall progress in meeting objectives outlined in individuals Performance Plan, Individual Program Plan and/or plan to achieve personal outcomes.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Assists supervisor in operation of the sheltered workshop or day habilitation program by completing building census, completing inventory to ensure contract materials/supplies are available for individuals and staff (this involves dealing with businesses/organizations to ensure supplies/materials are delivered to maintain production flow), ensuring quality control of contract work(for assigned contract), monitoring production or activity schedule, interacting with businesses/organizations to resolve problems and preparing  reports for the supervisor as required.
  
• Monitors data collected on individuals training programs and production records to ensure active treatment is being provided; meets with supervisor to suggest revisions needed to individuals training or production needs.
  
• Oversees contract by maintaining an even production flow and ensuring quality control and timely completion of contract through reassigning staff, resolving problems by interacting with businesses/organizations and monitoring production reports.
  
• Acts in the absence of supervisor by supervising day habilitation program staff, signing corrective action for unusual incidents, writing up unit schedule, locking building at end of work day, attending meetings such as high priority meetings, and acquiring additional staff from residential units.
  
• Motivates, instructs and oversees and supports individuals in the completion of their assignments in sheltered workshop or day habilitation program activities. Ensures safety practices and quality of product completed by assigned individuals.
  
• Orders and purchases supplies and materials for assigned contract or program; maintains inventory of supplies and materials.
  
• Implements Individual Program Plan, Performance Plan and/or plan to achieve personal outcomes for assigned individuals.
  
• May operate equipment/vehicles to transport individuals or make pick up/delivery with contractors.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the operations of sheltered workshops or day habilitation programs.
• Knowledge of quality control standards/procedures. Knowledge of standard practices and procedures, training and judgement in the care and safety of individuals.
• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of operating tools, equipment and machinery used in assigned area.
• Knowledge of effective means of dealing with mentally/physically disabled individuals.
• Skill in methods and techniques of implementing Individual Program Plans or Performance Plans for chronically mentally ill, developmentally disabled or visually impaired individuals.
• Ability to deal with chronically mentally ill, visually impaired or developmentally disabled individuals and use sound judgment in difficult situations.
• Ability to supervise and instruct individuals/staff in various activities.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with facility staff, treatment teams and businesses/organizations.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Work Program Assistant
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in instructing and assisting clients in developing functional, social, recreational and vocational skills.
2. Six months experience in working with persons with disabilities.
3. Six months experience in data collection which includes collecting, compiling and maintaining data from multiple sources such as files, records, databases, customers, staff or others.
4. Six months experience in record keeping.
5. Six months experience in applying laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies and procedures.
6. Knowledge of narrative report writing.