Beyond the Classroom Program Instructor

SOAR Fox Cities, Inc

Empowering People with Differing Abilities

POSITION TITLE: Beyond the Classroom Program Instructor

REPORTS TO: Youth Services Manager, Executive Director

STATUS: Non-Exempt

Part Time, 25-27 hours per week

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 second 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.

Program Description

The Beyond the Classroom Program Instructor supports two programs within the SOAR Fox Cities Youth Department: Beyond the Classroom (September-May) and Evolve (June-August). The full-time Instructor will report to the School Collaborations Manager and will work closely with other program instructors to collaborate on lesson plans, materials, and community-based experiences, when applicable.

Beyond the Classroom is a collaborative partnership with area high schools that provides students with disabilities with meaningful opportunities to build life skills in community settings. Beyond the Classroom Instructors plan, lead, and deliver small group instruction that follows the established 18-week curriculum. Instructors facilitate community-based life skill learning in the areas of public transportation, work readiness, cleaning and hygiene, food preparation, and other essential daily living skills for students with intellectual, developmental, and physical disabilities. The part-time Instructor will provide at least 15 hours of direction instruction to students per week, currently serving students within the Appleton Area School District.

Evolve is a summer day program for young adults with disabilities ages 18-25, offering self-directed, interest-based activities throughout the Fox Valley community. During the summer months, the Beyond the Classroom Instructor provides direct support, facilitates educational activities, leads community outings, and provides recreational opportunities for Evolve participants.

Capacity of the Role

This is a part-time hours/week), non-exempt, role with SOAR Fox Cities and is housed at our Youth Hub, located on the second floor of the City Center Building in downtown Appleton. The SOAR main office is located at 211E. Franklin St., Appleton, WI 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 20-25 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 Evolve programs.

SOAR office hours are Monday through Thursday 9:00 am – 4:30 pm, with the office being closed for business on Fridays; however, this program will operate on Fridays, thus requiring the instructor to be on-site. The current direct instruction schedule is Monday-Friday, 12:30 pm-3:30 pm. The summer schedule will be determined by the Evolve Manager and will be split between direct service for Evolve and planning for Beyond the Classroom.

Major Responsibilities:

• Planning and Coordination: Complete weekly lesson plans and obtain all supplies and materials to engage students in activities. Coordinate with community partners to execute meaningful, community-based learning experiences that fit within the 18-week curriculum. Work closely with parents, students' IEP teams, and community partners to support program implementation and student success. For the Evolve program, Instructors execute lesson plans created by the Evolve Manager on your scheduled program days.
• Individualized Support: Engage with youth to provide meaningful learning opportunities and ensure activities are thoughtful, enriching, and aligned with the mission of the program. Provide personalized support and mentorship tailored to each participant'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. It's important to recognize that SOAR utilizes non-violent crisis-intervention strategies, and we expect all employees to utilize the same. We do not use restraints of any kind.
• 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: Assist in a variety of assessments, including pre/post tests, functional skills assessments, progress reports, case notes, and person-centered plans. Provide timely and constructive feedback to parents, teachers, and other members of the students' IEP teams.
• 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, as deemed necessary.
• 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, education, 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.
• Adapt seamlessly to evolving priorities and navigate change with agility.
• Strong organizational skills are a must.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Excellent time management – a large number of hours are direct service and must be able to plan during unrestricted times.
• Strong delegation and collaboration 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 Instructor will be responsible for using public transportation or ridesharing companies alongside participants/other program staff.

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 Instructor will be responsible for using public transportation or ridesharing companies 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 their immediate supervisor, the Director of Youth Services, the Executive Director, or the Board of Directors. All requirements are subject to change over time.

Benefits:

Paid Time Off

403B

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: From $21.00 per hour

Benefits:

• Paid time off
• Retirement plan

Work Location: In person