Program Assistant, Special Needs

Job Description

Job DescriptionAdaptations Program Assistant (Part Time) The Marlene Meyerson Jewish Community Center in Manhattan is seeking a part-time Program Assistant to work within the Adaptations program, a supportive social community for neurodiverse adults.Positioned within the Center for Diverse Abilities, the Adaptations Program Assistant will build and nurture an inclusive and accepting community where individuals with disabilities and their families have opportunities to make meaningful connections with one another and their community. The JCC Manhattan serves as a catalyst and leader, transforming the ways the community at large understands and interacts with people with different abilities.Adaptations offer individuals with a high level of independence a place to socialize, learn, grow, and deepen their connections to one another. Through 30+ unique monthly structured social/recreational programs inside and outside the JCC, Adaptations provides multiple pathways to fostering independence, finding passion, and experiencing the richness of community.Adaptations is seeking a dynamic Program Assistant to join the team! The Adaptations Program Assistant will support the daily operations and programming of a vibrant neurodiverse social community. Harnessing their passion for accessibility, creativity, and community-facing work, they will develop and design engaging program content, support administrative planning and logistics, and facilitate community-based programming once to twice per week.Responsibilities:Program Development: building/promoting/organizing engaging, accessible, and relevant programming for Adaptations membersProgram Facilitation: executing and facilitating in-person programming 1-2 times a weekSupporting Social Connections: thoughtfully introducing members, facilitating inclusive conversations, and encouraging communication and friendship development while in programsProviding Individualized Member Attention: engaging with individuals around skill building, problem solving, and conflict resolutionSupervision: supervising social work interns regarding administrative and programmatic tasks Logistics: providing promotional engagement via email correspondence with members, seasonal planningwithin the broader team, and helping maintain day-to-day systems managementThis position has the following requirements:This position requires the ability to sit, stand, lift up to 10 lbs., speak, and hear, sometimes for extended periods of timeRequires mobility about 20% of the day during office work, and 80% during programmingRequires the ability to use a computer and office equipment traditionally found in office settingsRequires attending programming in various locations throughout NYC, and taking public transportation Qualifications:1-2 years of experience planning programs/working with neurodiverse adultsExperience validating and affirming the feelings and experiences of othersAvailability to work Sundays and weekday evenings (& special events that may fall outside regular hours)Strong public speaking skillsCompassion, patience, and creativityProficiency in presentation and content design, with an eye toward accessibility, clarity, and aestheticsAbility to work on a teamStrong work ethicExcellent communication and organizational skillsGood sense of humorAssociates or Bachelor's degree in a related field, e.g., social work, psychology, education, special education, disability studies, etc.) Preferred:3-4 years of experience planning programs/working with neurodiverse adultsFamiliarity with Google Workspace and CanvaExperience managing staff and/or internsKnowledge of OPWDD and Self-DirectionMaster's Degree in social work, psychology, education, special education, disability studies, etc.We welcome all applicants and urge applications from members of the disability community to apply. Reports to Adaptations Manager, Center for Diverse AbilitiesPlease submit a cover letter and resumeHourly Salary: $30-$35Approximate Weekly Hours:10-12 across three days a week. The position may require midday to early evening hours on Sundays, as well as some evening hours on one to two weeknights.Diversity is a core value of The Marlene Meyerson JCC Manhattan. We believe in the power of diversity enriches all of us by exposing us to a range of ways to understand and engage with the world, identify challenges, and to discover, design, and deliver solutions.