Department: Disability & Senior Services
Reports to: Assistant Director of Programming
Hourly pay rate estimated: $23.00- $24.75 experience based
Status: Full-time, Non-Exempt

Under the supervision of the Assistant Director of Programming, the Program Specialist is responsible for the implementation, coordination, and support of recreation and educational programming for Disability & Senior Services. The Specialist will monitor the needs of the community through conversation, outreach and surveys 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: 9:00 AM- 5:00 PM. Monday through Friday, hours can fluctuate based on demand.

Responsibilities Essential Functions:

• Coordinate special events, overnight trips, 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.
• Develop and plan an annual educational and recreational program schedule specifically for clients with disabilities ensuring accessibility and inclusion.
• Submit media request needs to Community Relations Department for special events and programs. Partner with Assistant Director of Programming to communicate weekly with Community Relations Departments regarding registration and publicity needs.
• Negotiate contracts and fee structures with service providers and vendors. Actively pursue cost-reducing measures for in-house and off-site programming. Manage all programming invoices and submit to the Director for approval, ensuring payments are made on time.
• Oversee registration and payment for programming. Provide Assistant Director of Programming with money collected for deposit. Assist with completing deposit paperwork as requested.
• Escort all off-site programming or overnight trips. When unavailable, partner with the Assistant Director of Programming to coordinate coverage.
• Ensure all programs and events are accurately added to Mon Ami and the Township Events Calendar utilizing the appropriate standard operating procedures.
• Examine issues affecting program development with the Assistant Director of Programming and make recommendations for improvements to the Director of Disability & Senior Services.
• Performs all other duties as assigned by the Assistant Director of Programming or Director of Disability & Senior Services.

Other Job Functions:

• Assist the Assistant Director of Programming 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.
• Collaborate with Assistant Director of Programming to submit accurate program and event information for weekly eNewsletter and bimonthly print newsletter.
• Attend 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.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Recreation, Leisure Studies, or Event Coordination preferred. Candidates with an equivalent combination of education, training, and experience to be considered.
  • Experience in program planning and working with individuals with disabilities and seniors preferred.
  • Proficiency with all Microsoft Office applications, including Outlook and Teams.

Special Requirements:

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

Physical Demands:

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee will engage in a range of motions and is expected to communicate effectively with staff and others. Adaptations and reasonable accommodations are provided to enable individuals who use wheelchairs or other mobility devices.
• This position may require sitting or remaining stationary for extended periods and occasionally lifting items weighing up to 20 pounds for office needs or accessibility purposes.
• Utilizing standard office equipment and keyboards.
• Reaching, grasping, or manipulating objects with hands and arms in an office setting.
• Engaging with files and technology at varying heights and locations, with accommodations as needed for accessibility.
  Working Conditions:
• This position is primarily performed indoors; however, it may occasionally require exposure to outdoor weather conditions at special events, outreach activities, or other meetings. Contact with low- to moderate-noise levels may be experienced during regular working hours and special activities.
• This position may require off-site training, which may involve additional conditions not listed here.
• This position works directly with clients; as such, some clients may exhibit various behavioral concerns, such as yelling or agitation.
• It may require off-site training, which may have additional conditions not listed here.
• Able to work directly with diverse vendors and manage conflict.

Benefits:

• This position is scheduled for 40 hours per week. The Township of Schaumburg offers a generous benefits package, including paid time off, as well as significant medical, dental, vision, and life insurance coverage, and participation in the Illinois Municipal Retirement Fund (IMRF) pension plan.

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter by email directly to hr@schtwn.org, Subject Line: Last name – DSS Program Specialist Candidate