POSITION PURPOSE
The Program Aide provides direct support, supervision, instruction, and guidance to clients enrolled in B.E.S.T. Opportunities programs. The Program Aide assists clients in developing and maintaining skills that promote independence, dignity, safety, community participation, and successful achievement of individualized goals.
PHYSICAL DEMANDS, WORK ENVIRONMENT, AND HEALTH REQUIREMENTS
The physical demands described below are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform these requirements.
Physical Demands
- Sitting: Ability to sit for prolonged periods as required.
- Vision and Hearing: Ability to see clearly at close range and demonstrate adequate depth perception for performing job duties; ability to hear and understand normal speech, including over the telephone, sufficiently to communicate effectively with others.
- Mobility: Ability to reach, handle, bend, and move as needed to perform job duties and support clients.
- Lifting and Carrying: Ability to lift and carry up to 40 pounds.
- Restroom Assistance: Ability to provide physical assistance to clients during toileting and restroom activities, which may require supporting up to 40 pounds.
- Pushing and Pulling: Ability to push or pull up to 40 pounds.
Work Environment
- Client Needs: Frequent interruptions and changes in activity due to client needs and program requirements.
- Personal Care: Toileting and other personal care assistance is an essential function of the position and may require direct, hands-on assistance.
- Community Outings and Travel: Regular travel between facilities, community outings, and long-distance driving may be required.
- Weather Conditions: Exposure to varying weather conditions, including but not limited to rain, snow, fog, hail, high temperatures, wind, ice, humidity, extreme cold, and thunderstorms.
- Behavioral and Environmental Exposure: Interaction with individuals who may display challenging or unpredictable behaviors, as well as potential exposure to pathogens and cleaning chemicals.
Health and Safety Requirements
- Testing: Employee testing may be required based on current health and safety requirements and organizational procedures.
Activities
- Work Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 2:25 p.m. Regular attendance and punctuality are essential.
- Travel: Travel between assigned facilities and participation in community outings are required as part of the position.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
The essential functions include, but are not limited to, the following:
Attendance:
Maintain regular attendance and punctuality.
Client Interaction:
Support clients with daily activities, including personal care, meal preparation, feeding, skill development, and community involvement while maintaining client dignity, respect, and appropriate professional boundaries.
Professional Environment:
Maintain a positive and professional work environment through respectful communication, appropriate conduct, and professional interactions with clients, coworkers, supervisors, and visitors. Greet clients upon arrival and accurately record client attendance and arrival/departure times.
Record-Keeping:
Maintain complete and accurate records of participant progress, incidents, and other information required by the program, including daily tracking and incident reports.
Communication:
Collaborate with team members to implement individualized support plans and support client goals.
Supervisory Communication:
Effectively communicate and coordinate with the Supervisor regarding client concerns, behaviors, goals, and changes in participant behavior or health.
Training and Development:
Participate in required training, meetings, and ongoing professional development to maintain knowledge and skills necessary to support individuals with developmental disabilities.
Safety and Compliance:
Maintain a safe environment for participants by adhering to health and safety guidelines and agency policies and procedures. Report safety hazards, concerns, and issues immediately to the Supervisor. Participate in required emergency and safety drills.
Medical Emergencies:
Respond appropriately to client medical emergencies and follow established emergency procedures. Immediately notify the appropriate Supervisor and/or emergency personnel as required.
Personal Care:
Assist clients with toileting, menstrual care, and other personal care needs as required by the individual's needs and program procedures. This is an essential function of the position and may require direct, hands-on assistance.
Medication Assistance:
Administer or assist with client medications only when specifically trained, authorized, and assigned to do so, and in accordance with applicable regulations, physician orders, company policies, and established medication procedures.
Behavioral Support:
Use established positive behavioral support strategies to encourage appropriate behaviors, promote client safety and participation, and assist clients in managing behavioral challenges. Respond appropriately to client behaviors, seek assistance from the Supervisor when needed, and promptly communicate significant or ongoing behavioral concerns.
Activity Facilitation:
Plan and implement engaging programs and activities that promote skill development, social interaction, independence, and personal growth.
- Plan and maintain the daily client activity schedule in accordance with program calendars, client needs, and established program requirements.
- Participate in the morning meeting to review daily activities and assignments.
- Instruct clients in work skills, life skills, job skills, and interpersonal skills development, and record progress toward established goals.
- Prepare for assigned activities and ensure necessary materials and supplies are available.
- Create a list of supplies needed for daily activities for the Supervisor to request.
- Participate in community outings and activities as assigned.
Driving and Vehicle Safety:
Safely operate and drive company vehicles as required to perform assigned job duties, including community outings and travel between assigned facilities.
- Practice safe driving habits and follow all applicable safety regulations and company requirements.
- Maintain a clean driving record and remain eligible to operate company vehicles in accordance with company requirements, including applicable DMV and VDDP requirements.
- Complete required pre- and post-trip vehicle inspections and documentation, including recording and reporting vehicle defects or malfunctions and completing required navigation app forms.
- Ensure all clients wear seat belts while being transported
- Maintain cleanliness of company vehicles
Timekeeping and Approval:
Ensure accurate tracking of work hours and timely submission of timesheets. Review and approve timesheets for accuracy and compliance with company policies before approving. Adhere to deadlines to ensure prompt and efficient payroll operations.
- Take duty-free breaks and lunches when applicable
Qualifications
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS (KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND GENERAL ABILITIES) -
- Education: High School Diploma or GED.
- Licensing: Valid California Driver’s License with clean DMV record for VDDP certification.
- Experience: General knowledge of working with persons with disabilities.
- Other: Leadership skills, Competent typing skills
- Skillsets
- Organizational Skills: Ability to prioritize, detail-oriented, and adept at managing multiple tasks.
- Typing Proficiency: Competent typing skills.
- Communication Skills: Effective verbal and written communication skills; experience with multi-line phones.
- Confidentiality: Ability to handle sensitive information responsibly.
- Team Collaboration: Works well independently and as part of a team; strong interpersonal skills.
- Compassion and Patience: Demonstrates empathy, patience, and a genuine desire to support others.
- Problem-Solving: Adaptability and problem-solving skills in dynamic environments.
PREEMPLOYMENT CONDITIONAL OFFER REQUIREMENTS
- Must be able to pass State and FBI Fingerprint clearance
- Must be able to pass Drug Screen, including alcohol and marijuana
- Must be verified cleared through the Office of the Inspector General (OIG)
- CPR and First Aid training provided
NOTE
This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by the employee(s) incumbent in this position. Employees will be required to follow any other job-related instructions and to perform any other job-related duties requested by any person authorized to give instructions or assignments. All duties and responsibilities are essential functions and requirements and are subject to possible modification to reasonably accommodate individuals with disabilities. To perform this job successfully, the incumbents will possess the skills, aptitudes, and abilities to perform each duty proficiently. Some requirements may exclude individuals who pose a direct threat or significant risk to the health or safety of themselves or others. The requirements listed in this document are the minimum levels of knowledge, skills, or abilities. This document does not create an employment contract, implied or otherwise, other than an “at will” relationship.
The company is an Equal Opportunity Employer, drug free workplace, and complies with ADA regulations as applicable.
This job description can be modified at any time, with or without prior notice.
Revised 09.17.2026