Community Inclusion Specialist

Description

Do you want to work for a company where you will make a difference in the lives of others EVERY SINGLE DAY? Vadis is looking for a professional, energetic self-starter who has a passion for helping people with disabilities partner in community activities that will inspire, grow skills and embrace independence. From day one, you are supported within a learning environment and by managers that care, co-workers that inspire, and the best technology to do your job. Ability and desire to work respectfully with people with disabilities.

Each day is different than the next and may include the following activities: 

• Conduct outreach and orientation activities relative to prospective clients.
• Facilitate intake for those accepted into Community Inclusion (CI) services, including review of services, orientation checklist, and preparation of case file. 
• Facilitate person-centered planning. Assist the client in creating goals and methods to help them explore and engage in their community. 
• Conduct meetings and client review sessions with representatives of involved agencies and families. 
• Complete assessment and assessment updates as needed. Interview people who have been involved in the life of the client.
• Coordinate individualized time with the client to listen, observe interests, passions and responses to influences including sight, smell, sound, and tactile stimulus at intake and on an on-going basis.
• Develop personalized activities to build skills such as volunteer and community readiness, social skills, self-advocacy, and self-motivation through individual coaching.
• Implement a variety of strategies to explore meaningful opportunities in the community that support socialization, education, recreation, and personal development.
• Approach prospective nonprofits, public agencies, and clubs.
• Provide one-on-one direct, on-site training, guidance, and supervision to both the businesses and clients as applicable.
• Assist all clients in engaging in their communities as independently as possible.
• Provide initial and ongoing training to community members, including supervisors, co-workers, co-volunteers, and interns to support clients with development of natural supports and independence.
• Serve as liaison between clients and the community to assist in the resolution of challenging situations, using proactive problem-solving skills.
• Assure quality services are provided to clients, community members, businesses, clubs, recreational organizations, and other community entities.

 Pay and Benefits

• This is a full-time position.
• Full salary range for this position is $26.50 - $31.25 per hour (allows for professional growth over time)
• Medical insurance at low premium cost to employees (dependent coverage available at employee cost)
• Employee dental, vision, and life insurance fully paid by Vadis (dependent coverage and supplemental life insurance available at employee cost)
• Employee assistance program 
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to a 6% company match after one year of employment dependent on contributions 
• Vacation accrual begins at up to 10 days per year (.0385 per paid hour)
• Sick Leave accrues at 1 hour for every 40 hours worked
• Ten Paid Holidays (8 fixed, 2 floating)
• Paid bonus days off between December 26th and December 31 annually
• Holiday bonus 
• Business mileage reimbursement is currently .66/mile 
• Career advancement and professional development opportunities
• Ability to transfer to one of Vadis’ five county office locations. 

Hours of work typically run Monday through Friday, from 8:00am to 4:30pm. However, it is important that our employees understand the importance of supporting our clients during the hours that they work. This requires flexibility for evening and/or weekend assignments as needed, based on client caseload. 

Requirements

• Ability to express ideas clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
• Ability to work collaboratively with diverse groups and individuals from a variety of backgrounds.
• High school diploma or equivalent.
• Personal use of a vehicle, with proper insurance coverage due to variances in client work hours and worksites.
• Driver’s license with favorable driving record.
• Ability to pass initial and ongoing criminal background checks.

Vadis is a local non-profit agency that has been a leader in the field of disability advocacy since 1979. At Vadis, we have a culture of acceptance, collaboration, and innovation. We value equity, diversity, and inclusion and empower our employees to bring their own experiences and approaches to our underserved population.

Be part of a leading company with over 40 years of growth and contribution. Please visit www.vadis.org to watch videos, review reports, and determine if Vadis is the company for you. Apply today! Equal Opportunity Employer It is the policy and intent of Vadis to comply with all Federal and State laws concerning non-discrimination, equal employment and service opportunity, regardless of race, color, religion, creed, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity (or expression) age (except where age is a bona fide occupational qualification), marital status, pregnancy, genetic information, veteran status, or the presence of any sensory, mental, or physical disability, or the use of a trained guide dog or service animal by a disabled person, or any other characteristic protected by law.