Program Coordinator, Beyond the Classroom Services

Introduction

At SOAR Fox Cities, we envision a world where all individuals are seen for their ABILITY, not their disABILITY. We offer a variety of services including Youth, Adult and Family Programs, Advocacy, Community Education, and the third largest Special Olympics program in the state.

We are an IRS designated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Within the walls of our offices and throughout the community, we aim to do just what our name says: Help our members and participants SOAR above the barriers their varying abilities may create. We strive for inclusivity and have made it our goal to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute their page in the larger story of life.

SOAR Fox Cities is lead and operates with the following Vision, Mission, and Values in mind:

Vision:

• A community where all individuals can be actively involved and have opportunities to maximize their potential.

Mission:

• Empowering people with differing abilities.

Values:

• Advocacy: We champion the needs and concerns of individuals and their families.
• Community: We serve as a resource for the community and provide activities that promote the participation of individuals and their families in the larger community.
• Integrity: We conduct ourselves in a way that is honest, fair, transparent and ethical.
• Life-long learning: We view learning as an activity that engages and enriches individuals over the course of their lives.
• Respect: We honor and celebrate the differences in ourselves and others.
• Positive relationships: We recognize the power of positive relationships, providing opportunities to make human connections and supporting the development of life skills that contribute to strong relationships.

Mission of the Role

Be an active part of the SOAR Fox Cities’ team as the Program Coordinator, Beyond the Classroom Services in managing all elements of our out of school programs for youth living with developmental disabilities. This will primarily include planning, implementation, and execution for three programs: The Beyond the Classroom Program, the SOAR thru Summer Program, and Evolve. As the Coordinator of these programs, you will play a crucial role in providing support, guidance, and mentorship to young individuals living with developmental/intellectual disabilities in our community. Your primary focus will be on assisting and empowering the youth we serve through these programs to ensure they obtain or enhance the skills they need to live their most independent lives. These skills can range from social/emotional skills to functional independence skills. By fostering a positive and inclusive environment, you will help these young individuals develop essential life skills, build self-confidence, and achieve their full potential.

Capacity of the Role

This is a full-time (40 hours/week), non-exempt, role with SOAR Fox Cities and is housed at our home office located at 211 E. Franklin Street, Suite A, Appleton, WI 54911. SOAR offices currently operate on a hybrid schedule so work from home hours are an option if conducive with the requirements of the position. This role will work 40 hours per week with most hours spent either onsite or in the community providing direct services to youth enrolled in either the Beyond the Classroom or the SOAR thru Summer Program.

SOAR office hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00am – 4:30pm with the office being closed for business on Fridays; however, this program will operate on Fridays thus requiring the Coordinator to be onsite.

Major Responsibilities:

· Planning and Coordination: Complete weekly lesson plans for each of the three programs and obtain items necessary to engage youth in said lesson plans. Be prepared to provide person-centered and self-determined learning opportunities that meet the educational needs of the youth involved. For the Beyond the Classroom Program, you will implement and execute the lesson plans. For SOAR thru Summer, you will work with the lead counselors to implement the lesson plans. For Evolve, you will lead the implementation and execution of the programs throughout the summer.

· Individualized Support: Engage with young individuals on a one-on-one basis to understand their unique needs and challenges. Provide personalized support and mentorship tailored to each youth's circumstances.

· Group Activities: Organize and facilitate group programming on life skills, leadership development, emotional intelligence, conflict resolution, and other relevant topics to promote personal growth and resilience.

· Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to handle crisis situations and offer immediate assistance and support to youth in distress. Collaborate with appropriate agencies and authorities when necessary to ensure their safety and well-being.

· Advocacy: Serve as an advocate for the rights and well-being of the youth you work with, ensuring that their voices are heard and their concerns are addressed within the community and various institutions.

· Goal Setting and Monitoring: Assist youth in setting achievable goals through a person centered perspective, and regularly monitor their progress. Provide constructive feedback and encouragement to help them stay on track.

· Outreach and Engagement: Collaborate with schools, county social service departments, and other organizations to identify and reach out to youth living with developmental and/intellectual disabilities who could benefit from the program's services. Maintain strong relationships with these same entities to ensure youth needs are being met and there is a regular stream of students to fulfill vacancies in the program.

· Record Keeping: Maintain accurate and up-to-date case files, progress reports, and other relevant documentation to ensure compliance with program requirements and funding regulations. Must be proficient with computers and data entry.

· Positive Role Modeling: Be a positive and inspiring role model for youth, demonstrating integrity, empathy, and resilience in all interactions.

Additional duties and responsibilities may include:

· Providing assistance in planning for and/or recruiting volunteers where needed within your programming.

· Meeting on a regular basis with schools, community agencies, funding resources to ensure program outcomes are being met.

· Attending staff meetings, individual meetings, and building-wide meetings as deemed necessary.

· Preparing information for monthly SOAR newsletter and/other publications.

· Attends continuing education opportunities provided by SOAR.

· Assists, when requested, with grant writing, reporting and/or data gathering.

Qualifications:

· Bachelor's degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or a related field.

· No less than one year experience lesson planning and/or planning activities for diverse youth in varied program settings including a day camp-type setting.

· No less than three years’ experience working directly with youth living with developmental disabilities in a classroom-type environment, and a clear understanding of how to manage and/or de-escalate behaviors, when necessary.

· Strong organizational skills are a must.

· Strong communication and interpersonal skills.

· Ability to build trust and rapport with young individuals from various backgrounds.

· Empathy, patience, and understanding when dealing with sensitive issues.

· Knowledge of community resources and services available to youth living with developmental/intellectual disabilities.

· Crisis intervention and conflict resolution skills with a particular focus on recognizing how youth living with developmental/intellectual disabilities may need to be responded to differently than neuro-typical youth.

· Capacity to work both independently and collaboratively as part of a team. Must be able to work independently in planning, execution and managing the many facets of out of school programs simultaneously.

· Flexibility and adaptability in a dynamic and challenging work environment.

· Commitment to maintaining confidentiality and ethical standards.

· Valid background check and clearance for working with minors.

· Must have a valid driver’s license, ability to pass agency driving background check (to drive agency vehicles) and reliable transportation.

Working Conditions: The work for this role will be performed both in an office setting, but also in community settings. The employee will be required to lift, stand, sit, carry items, etc. both in the office setting as well as in community-based setting. A significant amount of walking and physical activity may be required. While much of the work will be completed in/around the Appleton Community, some travel throughout and outside the Fox Cities will be required. Travel may occur by using a personal vehicle; however, in some instances the Coordinator will be responsible for using public transportation alongside participants/other program staff.

General: This position description defines the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Executive Director or the Board of Directors. All requirements are subject to change over time.

Benefits: This position is considered full-time at 40 hours per week and as such is benefit eligible. Eligible Benefits include:

· Health Insurance

· Dental Insurance

· Employer sponsored HSA, for employees electing our health insurance coverage

· Life Insurance

· 403(b) (with up to 3% match)

· Paid Time Off (PTO)

· Sick Time

· Paid Holidays

Job Types: Full-time, Part-time

Pay: $19.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Professional development assistance
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Appleton, WI 54911: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person