PROGRAM ASSISTANT  --  REIGH ALLEN CENTRE

Classification:                    Professional Support

Reports to:                           Coordinator of Care Management & Clinical Services

Supervised and

Receives direction and

Performance evaluation

Input from:                           Teacher  -- Reigh Allen Centre

                                                Program Director --  Reigh Allen Centre

 Minimum Qualifications: 

·        Possess a recognized child-care worker diploma or a Bachelor’s degree in the human services field

·        Five (5) years’ experience as a Program Assistant

·        Registration with the appropriate professional association

·        Ongoing development of knowledge and skills

·        Training on an annual basis to meet or exceed the standards of their professional association

·        Meet or exceed the minimum requirements of the Province of Nova Scotia, Department of Community Services, Provincial Standards for Residential Child-Caring Facilities; Children and Family Services Act and Regulations;

Association Philosophy:

Education is viewed as an integral part of the youth’s well being.  Some youth, for practical reasons, in residence at the Reigh Allen Centre (RAC) are not able to attend their current school placements.  The RAC on-site school program allows for uninterrupted academic support for resident youth during a period of crisis; ideally helping to maintain some stability, and offer a positive learning environment.

A student ratio of 1:6 provides for a safe atmosphere where the students can feel comfortable being active participants in their learning.  The opportunity for individual instruction, focusing on the individuality of each youth, appears to reduce anxiety and frustration for the student.

This program strives to facilitate growth in skill development; both social and academic, self-esteem building, and helps prepare the youth for a future with educational choices.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Program Assistant – Reigh Allen Centre  (RAC) works in conjunction with the on-site Teacher at the RAC to help maintain and ensure the general organization of the classroom and availability of materials for the students and the classroom is maintained.   The Program Assistant provides assistance, along the above lines, to the Program Director for summer programs.

ACCOUNTABILITY:

The incumbent is accountable to all standards and expectations of the Province of Nova Scotia:

·        Provincial Standards for Residential Child-Caring Facilities

·        Children and Family Services Act

·        Nova Scotia Child Abuse Protocol

·        ADCRF Code of Conduct

·        Code of Conduct and Ethics of the Association of Registered Social Workers

·        Province of Nova Scotia, Halifax Regional School Board curriculum standards

CORE COMPETENCIES

The incumbent is required to perform, exhibit and lead by example in the following areas:

·        Analytical and conceptual thinking

·        Client service orientation

·        Flexibility

·        Developing Others

·        Interpersonal Understanding

·        Valuing diversity

·        Communication skills (verbal and written)

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

In all duties and responsibilities and any delegation of tasks, the incumbent is responsible to ensure that all matters under the Provincial Standards for Residential Child-Caring Facilities which fall under their responsibilities are routinely reviewed and that the Standards are met or exceeded.

·        Provide leadership and competence in and develop relationships with all the stake holders (youth, families, agency social worker, staff)

·        Maintain the general organization of the classroom; ensuring the student’s individual school supplies are intact, photocopying, as required, is up to date and that the classroom is organized and orderly

·        Be flexible and have an accepting approach to integrate new intakes on an ongoing basis

·        Commitment to each youth and his/her needs, abilities, program and plan of care

·        Participate in individual lesson planning, always considering the unique needs and interests of each student

·        Distribute and collect homework

·        Assist students in areas of difficulty

·        Monitor individual students who are utilizing the computer services

·        Support and participate in a multi-disciplinary approach to care management

·        Facilitate the youth’s transition back into the mainstream or alternative school system

·        The above responsibilities are applicable to the Position providing assistance to the Program Director in the summer programs.  The actual setting may or may not be a ‘classroom’ in the truest meaning of the word.

WORKING CONDITIONS

The work environment demands strong concentration and the ability to focus while maintaining a sensitivity and appreciation of the delicate balance required with the clientele.  Work hours are based upon client needs.  Must be able to work independently and under stressful conditions.  Working environment often requires sensitivity to cultural, societal differences and appropriate protocols.  Working conditions include emotional and mental demands.