The Community Support Staff assists the Program Leaders in leading classes for people participating in CUSR programs. Duties include program implementation, supervision, and safety of CUSR participants, and equipment while working therapeutic recreation programs, trips, and special events. Program Support Staff must demonstrate initiative, as well as the ability to receive delegations from Program Leaders. CUSR will invest in people who are leaders, are flexible, creative, organized, disciplined, takes ownership and pride in their work and is a team player. A variety of different programs and special events will be offered including, but not limited to, aquatics, bowling, fitness, sports, crafting, community outings, and social events.

SUPERVISION

The Community Support Staff is responsible to the Program Leader, Program Manager, and the Program Coordinator (Youth & Teen, Adult, & Athletic/Fitness Programs).

QUALIFICATIONS

• Interest in working with people who have disabilities
• Two to three years direct experience working with individuals with disabilities preferred, but not required
• First Aid and CPR certification or willing to be certified through Champaign Park District within two weeks of the start date
• Attend Champaign Park District bloodborne pathogens training within two weeks of hire
• Availability to commit to a minimum of 3 programs/season, or 1 program a month
• POSITIVE CAN DO TEAM ATTITUDE

TRAINING CAN BE OBTAINED THROUGH CHAMPAIGN PARK DISTRICT

• Bloodborne pathogen training
• Attend and complete CPI training as requested at the next available training date
• CPR, First Aid, and AED certification from American Heart Association or from an accredited agency
• Heads Up Concussion through Center for Disease Control
• Facility training
• Anyone who will be driving a Champaign Park District vehicle will need to complete and pass a driving test from one of our certified Champaign Park District trainers
• Mandated reporter certification

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Follow all Champaign Park District safety policies and perform all work in a manner that ensures the safety of the public, fellow employees, and themselves
• Perform all tasks within the guidelines of agency safety program
• Assist in leading, supervising, and organizing program activities
• Assist Program Leaders in completing all necessary paperwork as assigned
• Communicate and contribute ideas concerning CUSR programming, the participants, and program progress, concerns, issues, or suggestions on a daily basis to Program Leaders and Program Coordinators
• Store equipment, supplies, and materials. Return in proper condition at the conclusion of the program/season.
• Communicate all accidents/incidents to Program Leader immediately.
• Assist in completing all necessary paperwork as assigned in a timely manner.
• Attend staff meetings as assigned
• Arrive at the program site fifteen minutes before the scheduled program and be prepared to stay after program for cleanup and parent pickup
• Notify Program Coordinator immediately of any illness or injury, which may conflict with program responsibilities

PSYCHOLOGICAL CONSDIERATIONS

• Ability to perform required duties under stressful situations without supervisors
• Must resolve differences with coworkers, supervisors, and parents/guardians
• Must be able to provide creative problem solving and programming
• Must be able to positively relate with people who may have severe limitations or who may aggressively act out
• Ability to respond to problem situations in a mature manner and within the policies and procedures of Champaign and Urbana Park Districts and CUSR

PHYSIOLOGICAL CONSIDERATIONS

• Perform safe physical transfers and restraints of youth and teen participants
• Must be able to supervise individuals with disabilities, including behavior management, personal care, and assisting with daily living skills (i.e. feeding, toileting, clothing assistance)
• Feed, diaper, and reposition participants as needed
• Must be able to be physically active (e.g. extensive walking on field trips, push wheelchairs, etc.
• Assist individuals who use a wheelchair- including lifting and transferring from chair to seat and pushing people in wheelchairs. Operate the wheelchair lift operation and wheelchair tie-downs in CUSR vehicles
• Actively participate in program activities, which may include swimming, sports, or other action-based activities
• Must possess the ability to lift up to 40 lbs. and carry for up to 100ft over 40 lbs. requires a two-person lift or mechanical assistance
• Select, recommend, and inventory supplies, equipment, paperwork, and money associated with programs and communicate with Program Coordinator

ENVIRONMENTAL CONSIDERATIONS

• May be exposed to all weather conditions
• Must be able to work indoors and outdoors and under varying weather conditions including heat and cold

COGNITIVE CONSIDERATIONS

• Must possess good safety awareness, judgment, and problem-solving skills