Community Inclusion Coordinator

*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 Community Inclusion Coordinator.
This is a newly created role with SOAR and the person in this position plays a vital role in ensuring that individuals with disabilities are integrated into their communities, fostering independence, socialization, and a sense of belonging.
The Community Inclusion Coordinator is responsible for designing, implementing, and overseeing programs and activities that promote the inclusion of individuals with disabilities in community settings.
This role involves collaborating with community organizations, businesses, and individuals to create opportunities for socialization, skill-building, and meaningful participation for individuals with disabilities.
A full list of duties and responsibilities are listed below.
A successful Community Inclusion Coordinator is detail oriented, enthusiastic, has strong written and verbal communication skills, is excited about supporting youth and adults living with disabilities in the community, is creative, and has the ability to build strong relationships specifically to support individuals living with disabilities.
Furthermore, the person in this role should be a planner and love not only planning activities but executing them with a high degree of effectiveness.
*Capacity of the Role* This is a full-time role with SOAR Fox Cities and is housed at our home office located at 211 E.
Franklin Street, Suite A, Appleton, WI 54911.
SOAR business hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00am – 4:30pm with the office being closed for business on Fridays; however, the activities and tasks associated with this role will require the coordinator to have a flexible schedule and have the ability to work some nights and weekends.
*Major Responsibilities* The Community Inclusion Coordinator is a new role with SOAR Fox Cities, but will be building from the foundations of already existing programming and assisting us in meeting our strategic plan goals.
Essential functions of the role are as follows: * Program Development: * Work with our Director of Adult Services to design and implement inclusive programs and activities tailored to the needs and interests of individuals with disabilities (we are targeting young adults, 18-30 years old, with this programming).
These programs may include social outings, recreational activities, educational training and opportunities, physical fitness activities, and volunteer opportunities.
* Community Engagement: * Build and maintain relationships with community stakeholders, including businesses, schools, recreational facilities, and local organizations, to create inclusive opportunities for individuals with disabilities.
Advocate for accessibility and accommodations where necessary.
* Participant Support: * Provide individualized support to participants, including assessing their needs, setting goals, and implementing strategies to promote independence and community integration.
Offer assistance with communication, social skills, and problem-solving as needed.
* Collaboration: * Work closely with interdisciplinary teams that could include social workers, therapists, educators, case managers, and family members, to coordinate services and support for individuals with disabilities.
Collaborate with colleagues to ensure seamless transitions between programs and services.
* Documentation and Reporting: * Maintain accurate records of participant progress, program activities, and community partnerships.
Prepare reports and documentation as required by funding sources, regulatory agencies, and organizational policies.
* Advocacy: * Advocate for the rights and needs of individuals with disabilities within the community, including addressing barriers to accessibility and promoting policy changes that support inclusion and equality.
*Seasonal Duties and Responsibilities* * Attends and assists at agency-wide fundraising and community events when needed.
*Additional Duties and Responsibilities* * Assist in office telephone/receptionist duties and other group efforts when needed/available.
* May assist with fundraising and grant writing from a budget perspective.
* Attends continuing education opportunities provided by SOAR.
* Performs other duties as assigned by the Director of Adult Services and/or Executive Director.
*Required Qualifications* * Bachelor’s Degree in social work, psychology, special education, or a related field.
Equivalent experience if obtained in a directly related role may be accepted in lieu degree.
* Minimum 4 years’ experience working with individuals living with disabilities in community-based settings and in direct-service provision.
* Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the principles of behavior and applied behavior analysis as it applies to behaviors associated with developmental and/or intellectual disabilities.
* Knowledge of disability rights laws, accessibility standards, and best practices in inclusive programming.
* Strong communication, interpersonal, and problem-solving skills.
* Strong organizational skills.
* Ability to work independently and as part of a team, with a commitment to collaboration and partnership.
* Flexibility, creativity, and a passion for promoting inclusion and empowerment for individuals with disabilities.
*Additional Requirements* * Valid driver’s license and access to reliable transportation.
* Background check will be required.
*WORK ENVIRONMENT* The work of a Community Inclusion Specialist may take place in a variety of settings, including, but not limited to, community centers, schools, workplaces, and outdoor recreational areas.
This role may involve travel within the community to facilitate program activities and meetings.
Flexibility in scheduling, including evenings and weekends, may be required to accommodate participant needs and program activities.
Noise levels may vary depending upon location/activity.
Some lifting, bending, and carrying of items/materials will be necessary and one should expect be able to lift at least 30Ibs.
*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, and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate an individual with developmental disabilities.
Job Type: Full-time Pay: From $22.
00 per hour Expected hours: 32 per week Benefits: * 401(k) * Dental insurance * Flexible schedule * Health insurance * Life insurance * Paid time off * Vision insurance Patient demographics: * Adults Schedule: * Evenings as needed * Monday to Friday * Weekends as needed Ability to Relocate: * Appleton, WI 54911: Relocate before starting work (Required) Work Location: In person