Program Assistant(s)

As a Program Assistant at The Gathering Place, your core responsibilities will include providing personal care assistance, helping with meal services, engaging participants in various activities, and ensuring their comfort and safety throughout the day. You'll also be responsible for observing the use of glucometers, taking vital signs, and contributing to housekeeping tasks like laundry and clean-up. Teamwork is essential in this role, as you'll collaborate with your colleagues to create a supportive environment for our participants.

To become a Program Assistant at The Gathering Place, while entry-level candidates are welcome, experience in personal care assistance or working with the elderly or adults with disabilities is preferred. You should have a strong understanding of the physical and cognitive needs of older adults, excellent communication skills, and the ability to engage participants in various activities. We also value a compassionate and patient demeanor, as well as the ability to work well in both team and independent settings.

The pay rate for the Program Assistant position at The Gathering Place starts at $17 per hour, with the potential for higher compensation depending on your experience level. In addition to competitive hourly pay, full-time employees are eligible for an array of benefits, including paid time off, dental and vision insurance, and a 403(b) retirement plan with matching contributions after one year of service.

As a Program Assistant at The Gathering Place, your work schedule will typically be Monday through Friday during regular business hours, making it a fantastic option for those seeking a stable work-life balance with no weekends or evening shifts. You'll also enjoy major holidays off, giving you additional time to recharge and spend time with loved ones.

Successful Program Assistants at The Gathering Place possess several key qualities: they are compassionate, patient, and have strong interpersonal skills. They also demonstrate excellent organizational abilities and the capacity to prioritize tasks effectively. A proactive approach to engaging and motivating participants, combined with the ability to lift up to thirty pounds, will help you thrive in this rewarding role.

When faced with challenging situations involving elderly participants, it's important to remain calm and patient. Listen attentively to their concerns and try to understand the root cause of their distress. Employing your communication skills to de-escalate situations and offering reassurance can go a long way. Present solutions that cater to their needs while keeping their dignity intact.

When answering this question, highlight any relevant experience you have, whether professional or volunteer. Discuss specific instances where you've provided support or assistance, what activities you engaged in, and how you effectively communicated with individuals with disabilities. Emphasize your commitment to empathy and understanding in these interactions.

Engaging participants effectively involves knowing their interests and preferences. You can outline methods such as conducting informal surveys to understand what activities participants enjoy, tailoring games or art projects to their abilities, and creating a welcoming atmosphere. Important is to encourage social interaction, fostering a sense of community among participants.

In a busy environment, I prioritize tasks by assessing their urgency and impact on the participants' wellbeing. By using checklists or digital tools to organize my workload, I can ensure that essential duties are addressed promptly without neglecting ongoing responsibilities. Communication with team members is key to staying coordinated and efficient.

Discuss a specific instance where teamwork was crucial to completing a project or task. Explain your role, how you collaborated with others, and the final outcome. Highlight any challenges and how your team overcame them through communication and shared responsibilities. Focus on your ability to contribute positively to the team's goals.

The most important quality for a Program Assistant is compassion. Understanding the emotional and physical needs of the participants helps build trust and rapport, which is essential for effective support. This quality allows you to create engaging activities that resonate with participants while maintaining a caring and safe environment.

To assist a hesitant participant, approach them with empathy and patience. Offer encouragement, explaining the benefits of the activity, and suggest they join on a trial basis. Personalizing your approach to align with their interests can help build their confidence. Ensure they feel valued and comfortable in the decision-making process.

Health and safety procedures in this role include regular monitoring of participants' vital signs, proper handling and distribution of medications, and adherence to hygiene protocols during personal care tasks. Emphasize the importance of training in first aid and CPR, as well as maintaining a clean and safe environment to minimize risks for all participants.

Effective communication involves active listening and clarity. Engage in open dialogue with coworkers to discuss tasks, concerns, and participant feedback. With participants, simplify your language and use visual aids when necessary to improve understanding. Regularly check-in with both groups to foster a supportive atmosphere.

Express your genuine passion for working with elders and individuals with disabilities while highlighting your alignment with the values of The Gathering Place. Share personal experiences that led you to this path and mention how you believe this role will allow you to make a meaningful impact in participants’ lives, enriching both their days and yours.