Hesed Social and Community Engagement Specialist

Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Hesed Transition Program is a 2-year program for young adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities aged 18-25. This program utilizes HTP classes, vocational experiences, and select CUW classes to promote independent living skills, career exploration and preparation, and personal/faith development. HTP students will receive a Record of Program Completion at the end of 2 years and can then choose an optional 3rd year fellowship.

Hesed, a profound concept in Biblical Hebrew, encapsulates the idea of God's steadfast love, kindness, and mercy shown through action. Just as Hesed emphasizes going above and beyond mere obligation or duty, advocating for and participating in a postsecondary transition program reflects CUW's genuine desire to uplift and empower individuals with developmental disabilities as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.

Hesed Social and Community Engagement Specialist- The Community and Social Activities Coordinator Specialist will support students in the Hesed Transition Program (HTP) participation in on and off campus community activities. This position reports to the HTP Director, then the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and is at the CUW Mequon, WI campus.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Campus engagement functions:

• Organize and coordinate Hesed Transition Program activities throughout the academic year.
• Organize, coordinate, and maintain communication with Student Engagement and Campus Activities Board to ensure students are engaging in social activities on campus.
• Communication to School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy to coordinate support to on and off campus events for Hesed Transition students.
• Coordinate, organize Hesed Student Mentorships with traditional CUW students.
• Assist with follow through of Hesed Transition Program goals for Hesed Transition Program students.
• Maintain the Hesed Transition Program social media including Instagram and Facebook.
• Communications to Hesed Transition Program families updates and social happenings.
• Coordinate Bi-Monthly Hesed Reporter Newsletter that is sent out to Hesed Families, CUW advancement donors and supports, and CUW Student Success Team.

Community engagement functions:

• Coordinate off campus learning experiences including cultural, educational, community service, unified sports programs, shopping, public transportation training, and cooking classes in conjunction with the university's mission.
• Coordinate off campus community activities including the transportation with community organizations in order to develop students to promote personal, social, and faith development.
• Identify local community-based resources useful for HTP students.
• Manage program communications, including but not limited to newsletters and social media.

Teaching/ Curricular Job functions:

• Participate in student observations/testing/interview within the application process.
• Serve as an advisor and mentor to assigned HTP students and collaborate with families.
• Collaborate with HTP Director to guide curriculum development and alignment, annually, based on the needs of the students. Outline goals/objectives and learning plans for successful outcomes of the program.
• Prepare and teach classes as needed each semester.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills - written and oral
• Ability to teach using a variety of methods to reach a broad spectrum of learners
• Ability to authentically integrate Christian faith with teaching and learning
• Ability to collaborate with faculty in various disciplines to discuss accommodations for student success
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and organize work in a busy setting
• Ability to demonstrate ingenuity and prompt action in resolving problems
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to maintain strict confidentiality
• Ability to operate office technology and personal computer with related applications efficiently
• Maintain a positive, can-do, service-oriented attitude with Program Director, all faculty, and students
• Supportive of the mission and values of Concordia University Wisconsin/Ann Arbor and the Lutheran Church Missouri Synod (LCMS)

Education and Experience

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree or higher in related field (i.e., social work, occupational therapy, education, special education, etc.
• 2 years related experience with at least 6 months of leadership or supervisory experience.
• Experience working with Neurodiverse populations and individuals with disabilities is required.
• Valid Driver's license

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working with high school and college-age individuals is preferred

Physical Demands/Equipment

Compensation and Benefits

This is a full-time, exempt (salary) position. The starting wage may be determined upon education and/or experience. Concordia University benefit options include, but are not limited to the following:

• Health, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Personal Spending Account, Flexible Spending Account, and/or Health Savings Account
• Disability and Survivor Plan
• Retirement Pension Plan
• Retirement 403(b) Savings Plan
• Basic Life and Supplemental Life Insurance
• Accidental Death and Dismemberment Coverage
• Critical Illness and Accident Insurance
• Tuition waiver benefits (available for employees and their qualified dependents)

Compensation and Benefit Details

Application Instructions

To receive full consideration, all applicants are must complete and submit an online employment application through the Concordia University Employment page: https://cuw.applicantpro.com/jobs/ Click on the job you are interested in applying to, enter your contact information in the Apply Now section, and then click the Apply For This Position button to begin the application process.

Equal Opportunity Employer

It is the policy of CU to provide equal opportunity to all employees and applicants for employment in accordance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws.

The University will not discriminate against or harass any employee or applicant for employment because of race, color, sex, pregnancy, national origin (including ancestry), citizenship status, physical or mental disability, age, marital status, gender, veteran or military status, predisposing genetic characteristics, domestic violence victim status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local laws.

However, CU is an institution of the LCMS and, to the extent allowed by law, CU reserves the right to give preference in employment based on religion. In addition, preference in holding certain employment positions is given to ordained or rostered ministers of the LCMS. Based on a religious tenet, CU recognizes only male, LCMS ordained Ministers of the Gospel, but recognizes both male and female LCMS Rostered Ministers of the Gospel.

The Human Resources Department has been appointed to manage the equal employment opportunity program, including all equal employment opportunity activities, as required by federal, state and local agencies. If any employee or applicant for employment believes this policy has been violated, he/she must contact the Director of Human Resources.

Concordia University is a HLC accredited, co-educational, liberal arts school offering more than 70 undergraduate majors, over 40 master's degree programs, and 4 doctoral programs. There are also a variety of accelerated evening and e-learning programs.