Day Program Associate - job 1 of 2

As a Day Program Associate at Dungarvin, your primary responsibility is to provide vocational supports to individuals with disabilities in a day program facility. This includes planning daily activities to facilitate community integration, assisting with work skills, and ensuring a safe and enjoyable environment. You'll work closely with the Program Director and staff to implement and evaluate outcomes aimed at enriching the lives of individuals with developmental disabilities.

To qualify for the Day Program Associate position at Dungarvin, you should have experience working with individuals with developmental or intellectual disabilities. A person-centered approach, reliability, adaptability, and the ability to work well on a team are essential attributes. Additionally, candidates must be at least 18 years old and have the ability to document with basic computer skills.

Dungarvin offers a robust benefits package for full-time Day Program Associates, including medical, dental, and vision insurance, pet insurance, life insurance, and a 401(k) plan with up to 3% employer matching after one year. You'll also enjoy paid time off (PTO), growth opportunities, and access to tap check, allowing you to access 50% of your pay before payday.

The Day Program Associate role is vital to Dungarvin's mission of supporting individuals with disabilities. By creating engaging activities, fostering independence, and providing essential support, you help these individuals explore their dreams and learn life skills. Your impact can lead to significant improvements in their quality of life and personal fulfillment.

The work schedule for a Day Program Associate at Dungarvin is typically Monday through Friday, from 8 AM to 4 PM. This ensures a predictable day shift that aligns well with work-life balance, giving you time for personal commitments outside of work.

When answering this question, highlight specific experiences where you've supported individuals with developmental disabilities, emphasizing your skills in communication, patience, and understanding. Provide examples of how you adapted activities or supported individuals based on their unique needs.

In your response, discuss your approach to planning activities by considering clients' interests and strengths. Explain how you involve clients in the planning process and how you ensure activities promote socialization, skill development, and enjoyment.

Frame your response around calmness and understanding. Discuss the importance of assessing the situation, using de-escalation techniques, and seeking to understand the underlying causes of the behavior. Highlight your training and experience in these scenarios.

Speak to the necessity of being patient, compassionate, and observant. Highlight how these qualities help build trust and rapport with individuals, facilitating a positive environment that contributes to their growth and development.

Discuss your commitment to safety and cleanliness, emphasizing adherence to protocols and procedures. Explain how you engage with clients in maintaining the environment, teaching them responsibility and ensuring their participation.

In your answer, provide examples of successful teamwork in your past roles, focusing on communication, collaboration, and how you’ve overcome challenges. Mention specific instances where team efforts led to positive outcomes for the individuals you supported.

Share your passion for supporting individuals with disabilities and how it drives your work. Describe moments when you felt particularly fulfilled or proud of the difference you made in someone’s life, reinforcing your commitment to this role.

Describe your organizational skills and attention to detail as they pertain to documentation. Explain the methods you use to track progress—whether through digital or paper means—and how you leverage this documentation to adjust support plans accordingly.

Talk about your experience using alternative communication methods and your patience in listening closely. Highlight the importance of building trust and being sensitive to the non-verbal cues that these individuals may present.

Illustrate how important rapport is in your approach to support. Discuss the strategies you employ, such as spending quality time with clients, finding common interests, and creating a safe atmosphere where they feel valued and understood.