Department: Disability & Senior Services

Reports to: Director of Disability & Senior

Hourly Rate: $22.94- Experience Based

Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Date: August 2023

Under the supervision of the Director of Disability & Senior Services, the Program Specialist, in partnership with the Program Coordinator, is responsible for the implementation, coordination, and support of recreation and educational programming for Disability& Senior Services. The Specialist will partner with the Program Coordinator to monitor the needs of the community and prepare engaging programming to respond to these needs. The Specialist represents the Township at networking events and conducts outreach presentations and activities to share information on programs.  The Specialist works with potential sponsors, vendors, and independent contractors to support the needs of Disability & Senior Services programs.

Hours: 8:30 AM- 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday, hours can fluctuate based on demand.

Responsibilities Essential Functions:

• Coordinate special events, recreation programming, and educational workshops for township residents with disabilities and those who are 55 and older. Utilize the standard operating procedure for program planning when developing new programs and events.
• Partner with the Program Coordinator to oversee weekly senior bingo and develop and maintain a monthly catered lunch program to coincide with bingo.
• Develop and plan an annual educational and recreational program schedule for clients with disabilities.
• Negotiate contracts and fee structures with service providers and vendors. Actively pursue cost-reducing measures for in-house and off-site programming.
• Oversee registration process and payment procedures for programming. Provide Program Coordinator with money collected for deposit.
• Examine issues affecting program development with the Program Coordinator and make recommendations for improvements to the Director.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Director of Disability & Senior Services.

Required Skills, Knowledge, and Abilities:

• Manage programming invoices and submit them to the Director for approval.
• Assist the Program Coordinator with developing and maintaining a fundraising base to support programs by cultivating sponsorships and donor base. Solicit donations for large special events such as holiday parties, Summer Celebration, Oktoberfest, etc.
• Submit media request needs to Community Relations Department for special events and programs. Partner with Program Coordinator to communicate weekly with Community Relations Departments regarding registration and publicity needs.
• Maintain financial records for payments and donations received.
• Utilize the standard operating procedure for room reservations to reserve rooms and complete a room set up form for programs and events held at the Township building.
• Collaborate with Program Coordinator to submit accurate program and event information for weekly eNewsletter and bimonthly print newsletter.
• Attending training, workshops, and seminars on topics related to Disability & Senior Services and programming; disseminating information learned to other staff if relevant.
• Represent Disability & Senior Services at outreach events, community forums, or networking groups.

Education, Experience, and Computer Skills:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, or Event Coordination preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience to be considered.
• Must be proficient with Microsoft Office applications including, but not limited to, Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Excel.
• Experience in program planning and working with individuals with disabilities and seniors preferred.

Special Requirements

• Willingness to work early mornings, evenings, and/or weekends as needed for special events, meetings, or outreach opportunities.
• Partner with Program Coordinator to escort off-site programming or overnight trips coordinated by Disability & Senior Services. Complete monthly statistics report and submit to the Director.
• Complete training and maintain certification in Food Handler Basic Safety and BASSET.

Physical Demands:

• The physical demands described here represent those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job with reasonable accommodation.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to sit, stand, use repetitive motion, type, and hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands and fingers to handle and feel, and reach with hands and arms. The employee is occasionally required to bend, climb stairs, and reach overheads. The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 40 pounds.

Working Conditions:

• This position is primarily executed indoors; however, it may require contact with outdoor weather for special events. This position may occasionally require off-site training that may have other conditions not listed here. This position works directly with clients. As such, some clients may exhibit a variety of behavioral concerns such as dispute or tension scenarios.

Benefits

• This position is scheduled for 37.5 hours per week, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. The Township offers a generous benefits package including paid time off, major medical, dental, vision, life, and IMRF retirement contribution.
• If you are interested in this opportunity or have any questions regarding this overview, please email an updated resume & cover letter directly to the Township’s HR department at llizcano@schaumburgtownship.org