What are the responsibilities and job description for the AMERICORPS EDUCATION SPECIALIST position at OPPORTUNITY VILLAGE?
SUMMARY
Under the supervision of the AmeriCorps Grant Manager, the AmeriCorps Education Specialist is responsible for the development and delivery of a comprehensive curriculum focused on employment readiness and essential life skills. During the term of service, the Education Specialist will design, implement, and facilitate instructional sessions aimed at equipping program participants with the competencies necessary to achieve personal independence and maintain a healthy lifestyle. Instructional topics may include, but are not limited to, household management (e.g., cooking, cleaning), personal enrichment through hobbies, and career preparation. Additionally, the Education Specialist will provide instruction on employment pathways and equip participants with the tools and knowledge needed to pursue and maintain meaningful work opportunities.
Embrace Opportunity Village's core values by cultivating positive and meaningful CONNECTIONS with participants and team members, demonstrating ENTHUSIASM, high standards of PRODUCTIVITY, authentic STEWARDSHIP, and consistent participation in individual and team DEVELOPMENT.
ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES
- Utilize appropriate methods for working with individuals with intellectual and or developmental disabilities.
- Develop and design vocational and related classes specialized for individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities.
- Teach classes and help facilitate other learning sessions on Opportunity Village campuses as needed.
- Collaborate with other team members to ensure adults with disabilities gain knowledge of self-management and behavioral skills that will enhance their contribution to and integration into the community.
- Participate in a National Day of Service.
- Ensure equipment is clean, safe, and functioning.
- Comply with all federal and state (Desert Regional Center) and local regulations and requirements, as well as company policies and procedures.
- Ensure all proper documentation related to the individual's curriculum progress is complete.
- Utilize appropriate methods for working with individuals with intellectual and or physical disabilities.
- Report suspected Abuse, Neglect, Exploitation, Isolation, and Abandonment (ANEIA) immediately as mandated by state law.
- Adhere to Opportunity Village's established policies and procedures.
- May be assigned other AmeriCorps program-related duties.
SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
This position does not directly supervise others.
Qualifications:
SKILLS REQUIRED
- Ability to communicate effectively with individuals, team members, and supervisors (verbal and written).
- Must possess social perceptiveness to assess and understand other's reactions and behaviors.
- Must encompass professional demeanor.
- Ability to define problems and draw valid conclusions.
- Ability to resolve multiple complex issues simultaneously while remaining calm in stressful situations.
- Ability to accept and apply performance-based feedback.
- Ability to interpret instructions, gain knowledge, and have initiative.
EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE
- Required: High School Diploma or equivalent.
- Preferred: Experience working with individuals with disabilities.
- Preferred: One (1) year of verifiable experience in health care, day care, mental health, education, or related field, either through work or studies.
PHYSICAL ABILITIES & WORK ENVIRONMENT
The physical demands described below represent those that a team member must meet to perform essential functions of the job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential duties and functions of the position. The list below of minimum essential functions is illustrative of the minimums only and is not a comprehensive listing of all functions and tasks performed.
- Ability to lift forty (40) pounds.
- Must be able to stand and walk 90% of the work day.
- Frequent bending, sitting, standing, lifting, climbing and walking.
- Ability to endure varied noise levels from moderate to loud.
- Ability to endure and work in indoor and outdoor temperatures.
- Manual dexterity to operate office equipment and examine documents, records, and files.
- Ability to work in a typical office environment.
- Ability to conduct tasks and successfully perform under critical deadlines.