Community Day Program Specialist, FT

Position Title:    Community Day Program Specialist, NE WI

Location:           Fox Cities Wisconsin

Reports To:       Community Day Program Manager, NE WI

Status:               Full-time

Pay:                    $19 - $21 / hour

FLSA Status:     Not applicable

The Down Syndrome Association of Wisconsin is a statewide nonprofit organization dedicated to improving the lives of individuals with Down syndrome and related disabilities, and their families, through awareness, education, information, programs, services, and the exchange of ideas and experiences.

DSAW provides programs and services throughout the lifespan (Parent’s First Call for new and expectant parents, children’s services, adult services, vocational services, and aging services), as well as educational opportunities and events.

We have an immediate opening for a Community Day Program Specialist in Northeast Wisconsin. The Community Day Program Specialist is a key member of our Community Day Program team, ensuring quality, thorough case coordination, and direct programming services for individuals in Northeast Wisconsin. 

The Community Day Program Specialist will assist with delivery of our Community Day Program(s) at our Appleton Center or other community locations. They will take ownership of everything related to the program(s) that run within it, including overall community partnership, leading day activities, serving as a parent liaison, scheduling, curriculum development and oversight, supplies, and safety. The Community Day Program Specialist will also help grow and develop the site’s program(s). The Community Day Program Specialist will serve as a lead staff member at the site and will be on-site the entire week to lead and oversee programs.

The Community Day Program Specialist will be a point of contact for families, funders, and staff from other departments. The Community Day Program Specialist will be part of the wrap-around team for participants and their families. The Community Day Program Specialist will provide case management and monitor billing and authorizations.

We are looking for someone who has experience working with individuals with disabilities. This person should have excellent organization and prioritization skills to assist with the site and program coordination. Staff management experience is a plus, although this is optional for the position. The candidate must be a fast learner and passionate about helping individuals with disabilities lead amazing lives.

To complete this job well, the Community Day Program Specialist must be very comfortable with technology and able to quickly learn new systems, such as a new Case Management System. The Community Day Program Specialist should also have a thorough understanding of MS Office and G Suite products. Experience with participant management and time-tracking/scheduling systems is a plus.

As DSAW continues to grow rapidly, we are seeking a candidate for this role who is excited about having a say in the organization’s future. We work within a collaborative leadership model, meaning everyone is expected to bring ideas to the table to improve our company. The ideal candidate should be excited to roll up their sleeves and take the initiative in creating new processes and procedures throughout the organization.

Depending on the programming at their site, the Community Day Program Specialist could work some evenings and weekends to support this role. 

Essential Functions and Responsibilities 

• Direct Services Provision

• • Consistently model appropriate social skills

  • Support participants by practicing, modeling, and guiding them through real-life experiences

  • Utilize curriculum to support participants through skill acquisition

  • Maintain and model positive professional working relationships with participants, guardians, employers, and other significant persons in their lives

  • Advocate for participants as needed and teach advocacy skills

  • Attend required meetings and in-service training sessions

  • Monitor participants’ goals and complete progress notes 

  • Assist with personal care as needed.

• Site Coordination

• • Lead and manage groups of participants in the community 

  • Oversee the schedule of programs at the site, ensuring the offerings are consistent with the rest of the region

  • Secure staffing for programs and substitutes as needed 

  • Communicate program information to the marketing team for inclusion on sign-up forms and marketing materials

  • Oversee all communications with participants and parents

  • Create and modify individual participant goals 

  • Create a DSAW curriculum to work for the site/schedule

  • Work with the site staff to ensure appropriate safety plans are in place 

  • Collaborate with the Community Day Programs Regional Manager, NE WI on overall regional program offerings

  • Oversee participant schedules and manage program waitlist

  • Create and send welcome letters, monthly newsletters, and calendars 

  • Depending on the programming, occasional evenings or weekend days may be needed to support this role.

• Other duties as assigned

Qualifications

Education/Experience

• High school diploma or equivalent

• Bachelor’s degree preferred

• Working with families and participants with developmental disabilities

• Supervisory experience preferred but not required

• Applicant must have a valid driver’s license and insured vehicle

• Applicants must pass a caregiver background check that meets the State of Wisconsin requirements

Interpersonal

• Must be a sensitive and mature individual who can relate well to adults

• Demonstrates warmth, insight, interest, and respect for persons with disabilities

• Willingness to accept flexibility with their schedule

• Able and knowledgeable to cope with emergencies or behavioral situations in a calm and effective manner

• Able and willing to be a team player and to work cooperatively with their supervisor

• Able to communicate effectively with consumers and employers 

• Ability to multi-task and adhere to timelines set forth for quality management