LIFE Program Assistant

Job Description

Description:

COMPANY OVERVIEW

Since 1954, The Arc Gateway has been dedicated to enriching the lives of individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. As a trusted non-profit organization serving the greater Pensacola area, we offer life-enhancing programs that empower those we support to pursue their dreams and reach their full potential. Our mission is rooted in celebrating abilities, fostering independence, and creating meaningful opportunities for every individual we serve.

SUMMARY:

The Program Assistant plays a vital role in a day program dedicated to supporting adult individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. This position focuses on fostering independence and personal growth by assisting with life skills training, recreational activities, and meaningful community involvement. Working under the guidance of program coordinators or managers, the Program Assistant offers hands-on support to participants, helping them build essential skills for everyday living, strengthen social connections, and thrive in a safe, welcoming, and inclusive setting.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Participant Support

Support individuals in developing essential life skills, including personal hygiene, meal preparation, budgeting, time management, and effective communication.

Deliver personalized assistance aligned with each participant’s goals, as outlined in their Person-Centered Plan (PCP).

Promote independence by providing guidance and hands-on support tailored to individual needs.

Program Implementation

Lead group and individual activities such as workshops, recreational outings, and skill-building sessions.

Execute daily program schedules, ensuring activities reflect participants’ interests and align with program objectives.

Modify activities to accommodate diverse abilities, preferences, and learning styles.

Behavioral and Emotional Support

Encourage positive behavior and provide de-escalation support using trauma-informed and person-centered strategies.

Cultivate a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere that fosters emotional well-being and social engagement.

Community Engagement

Accompany participants on community outings to practice real-world skills such as shopping, dining, and recreational participation.

Support relationship-building and active involvement in community events and activities.

Documentation and Reporting

Maintain thorough and accurate records of participant progress, attendance, and incidents in accordance with program policies.

Share observations and updates with supervisors and team members to ensure consistent and coordinated care.

Safety and Health

Uphold a safe and healthy environment by following established protocols and emergency procedures.

Provide assistance with personal care tasks—including toileting and mobility support—based on training and individual needs.

Collaboration

Partner with program staff, families, and external service providers to support participants in achieving their goals.

Engage in team meetings, training sessions, and program evaluations to enhance service quality and effectiveness.Requirements:

QUALIFICATIONS:

Direct service staff must be age 18 years or older at the time they are hired.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE:

While prior experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities is valued, it is not a strict requirement. Candidates should bring a high level of energy, enthusiasm, and a genuine passion for engaging with participants in a way that fosters a supportive and empowering atmosphere.

Key Skills and Attributes:

Excellent interpersonal and communication skills to build strong relationships with participants, colleagues, and stakeholders.

Demonstrated patience, empathy, and cultural sensitivity when working with diverse populations.

Foundational understanding of life skills development and behavior support strategies.

Flexibility and adaptability to respond to evolving needs and manage multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced setting.

A strong commitment to upholding the principles of dignity, respect, and inclusion for individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to stand, walk; use hands to finger, handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; talk or hear and taste or smell. The employee is frequently required to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl. The employee occasionally is required to sit. The employee must regularly lift and/or move up to 10 pounds, frequently lift/move up to 50 pounds, and occasionally lift and /or move more than 100 pounds. To perform the duties of this job, the employee must have vision for distance to supervise assigned persons and have vision sufficient to maintain driver’s license

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS:

Must be able to pass 2nd Level background screening, ( Department of Children and Families Abuse Registry Check, local law enforcement background check, Affidavit of Good Moral Character, and drug screen. Successful completion of CPR, First Aid, Core Competencies, and Zero Tolerance, HIV, and HIPAA certifications will be required. These training courses are assigned in house.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

- Location: Day program facility, with occasional community outings.

- Schedule: Full-time typically daytime hours (e.g., 7 AM–3 PM, Monday–Friday)

- Physical Demands: May involve lifting, assisting with mobility, or supporting participants with physical disabilities. Ability to stand or walk for extended periods.

Work Schedule - Monday - Friday - 7am - 3pm

Rate of pay per hour is $15.75

Full-time