Paragon has been providing creative, community day program services for individuals with a variety of disabilities since 1983. With your help, we can open the doors of opportunity and assist people through the obstacles the world has waiting for them. Paragon utilizes community resources, current modalities, warm caring guidance and professional expertise to help participants increase and utilize their educational, vocational, social, and recreational skills to enhance self-worth, happiness and quality of life. Paragon emphasizes possibilities and strengths rather than limitations in responding to the needs of the individual, in a continual re-evaluation of current services, and in the development of new programs.

Imagine a door. A temporary barrier to a whole new world. On the other side of it…opportunity, growth and a wealth of new experiences. It’s a chance to make your mark in the world. At Paragon Community Services we are opening that door, creating opportunities for people with disabilities to reach their personal goals and enjoy a wealth of social and recreational activities. These opportunities not only benefit the people we serve, but their communities as well. The world is out there and a disability doesn't need to stop a person from experiencing what it has to offer. With the help of Paragon.....

The door is open, and the world is waiting for you. Our services are as dynamic and changing as the individuals we serve. Paragon provides day program services for participants with developmental disabilities, mental illness, traumatic brain injuries, physical challenges, and other medical needs in a relaxed and friendly atmosphere. Those we serve have a variety of challenges which may affect their ability to care for themselves, communicate their needs and wants effectively, or interact with their environments without assistance. This may include individuals with challenging physical limitations (wheelchairs, Hoyer transfers, etc.), specific medical needs (G-tubes, condom catheters, etc.), assistance with essential personal cares (eating, hygiene, etc.), and assistance in self monitoring appropriate social behavior. Paragon Community Services day programs serve participants Monday through Friday from 9a to 3p. We offer transportation as an additional service, therefore, shifts may start as early as 7:00a or end as late as 5:00p. Paragon Community Services closes for 6 holidays per year.

Employment Paragon’s management structure consists of a Director, Area Directors, Regional Directors, Program Coordinators and Team Leaders. The Director supervises the Area Directors. Area Directors are responsible for quality assurance, new program development and supervision of the Regional Directors. Regional Directors are responsible for supervision of the Program Coordinators and Team Leaders, overall program quality assurance and new admissions. Program Coordinators are responsible for the daily operations of their sites, new program development, progress reviews, and employee supervision at their individual sites. Program Team Leaders execute the day to day program schedule and goal implementation and coordinate the efforts of the direct care staff (Program Instructors, 1:1 Assistants, and Personal Care Workers). Program Instructors are responsible for the hands on implementation of the curriculum theme, facilitating opportunities for goals to be achieved, attending to the needs and wants of each individual. 1:1 Assistants work with individuals who need more supervision and guidance to participate in social settings. PCW or Personal Care Workers attend to the specific needs of those individuals whom need extra help with essential personal cares. Program Coordinator positions require a minimum of two years post-high school education in Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation or a related field. A Bachelor’s Degree is preferred. Previous experience providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities and/ or traumatic brain injury is required. Two years supervisory experience is preferred. Team Leader positions require a minimum of high school diploma, G.E.D. or H.S.E.D. Previous experience providing support to individuals with developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury is required. Program Instructor positions require a minimum of a high school diploma or G.E.D. Experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities and/or traumatic brain injury is preferred. Paragon's staff spends time learning about and assessing individual client needs and aspirations. Based on that data we create an individualized plan and train our staff on the specifics of reaching that client's goals. Paragon staff are trained in: Emergency procedures including fire safety & evacuation , Driver and vehicle safety , Transporting people with special needs , Choking prevention and dietary needs, Exposure control practices , Individual rights for people with disabilities , Abuse and neglect prevention and reporting procedures , Basic first aid , Medication administration , Recognition of infectious disease control including hand-washing and universal precautions for handling bodily fluids , Incontinence care , Ambulation support , Safe transfers and lifting , Communication strategies , Challenging behaviors , Participant specific needs through individual support plans (ISP) , supporting individuals with a variety of challenging behaviors. We are looking for people who are able to see teachable moments in everyday activities Paragon recognizes valuable employees by offering a variety of employment and enhancement opportunities. A comprehensive benefits package is available to employees working 30 hours or more per week. This includes paid training, vacation, sick/personal days and holidays, medical/dental/vision insurance, a 401K plan, life insurance, short-term disability insurance and flexible spending accounts. Paragon is an Equal Opportunity Employer. No question is asked for the purpose of excluding any applicant due to race, creed, color, national origin, sex or any other characteristic protected by law.