Community Care Leader

Reality Ministries creates opportunities for adults with and without intellectual and developmental disabilities (IDD) to experience belonging, kinship, and the life-changing reality of Christ’s love.

Everything we do is rooted in a foundational understanding that the deepest Reality of each person’s life (whether they know it or not) is their belovedness in Christ. Springing from this theological grounding, the Coordinator of Community Life (CCL) shepherds a community of around 70 participants (people w/IDD) and volunteers (people w/o IDD) through pastoral care, thoughtful programming, and consistent communication.

This role is ideal for someone who loves building relationships, organizing and leading meaningful gatherings, and walking alongside people in their everyday lives. 

• Building meaningful relationships with participants, volunteers, and caregivers
• Visiting community members, attending important life events, and offering prayer and spiritual support
• Welcoming new participants and volunteers and helping them feel connected
• Encouraging members’ gifts and leadership
• Supporting participants’ needs, including advocating for one-on-one support when needed
• Equipping volunteers to practice friendship, hospitality, and mutual care
• Encouraging engagement with Scripture and reminding participants of their belovedness in Christ (through creating small group guides, preparing accessible lessons, leading the group through prayer and liturgy, etc)

• Maintain regular contact with participants, volunteers, and caregivers
• Communicate information about programs, schedules, and events 
• Share updates about community needs and significant life events
• Connect participants and volunteers with opportunities for friendship

Communication happens through email, phone calls, texts, mailings, and in-person conversations and is a crucial part of the CCL’s pastoral role.

• Planning
• Help shape the vision and schedule for Reality programs
• Ensure programs are accessible and welcoming to people of all abilities
• Registration
• Coordinate seasonal sign-ups for participants and volunteers
• Assign groups and communicate placements
• Leading
• Personally lead several weekly groups or gatherings
• Ensure activities are accessible and engaging
• Equipping
• Orient and supervise Community Life Assistants (CLAs) and interns
• Encourage participants and volunteers to grow as leaders in the community
• Programs CCLs CoordinateEvening Gatherings
• Fun weekly gatherings of about 70 people that include singing, sharing food, engaging with Scripture, and deepening friendships.
• Morning Mingles
• Weekly daytime gatherings at the Reality Center with about 40 participants, volunteers, and caregivers. Activities may include a walk, shared activity, conversation, and a meal.
• Interest Groups
• Small groups centered around shared interests such as cooking, karaoke, current events, coloring, songwriting, and more. (CCL leads one Interest Group each season)
• Retreats
• Annual overnight and day retreats for each community group at Kerr Lake (CCL generally leads 3-4 per year)
• Meetups
• Informal gatherings of participants and volunteers throughout the community (CCL leads at least one meetup per month)
• Special Events
• Community-wide annual celebrations including:
• Winter Ball
• Christmas Live Nativity
• Field Day
• Annual Talent Show at the Durham Performing Arts Center

What a Typical Week Might Include

• Because the role is relational and event-based, every week looks a little different. A typical week may include:Meeting with participants or families over coffee or at their home
• Checking in with volunteer leaders in preparation for Evening Gatherings
• Planning upcoming programs or seasonal schedules
• Weekly communication with participants and caregivers about community events
• Leading one evening gathering, one morning gathering, and one interest group
• Attending staff and team meetings
• Coordinating transportation for participants who use public transit systems
• Overseeing/Mentoring Community Life Assistants or Interns
• Writing notes to participants or donors
• Praying with members of the community
• Responding to various Slack communication within organization
• Meeting one on one with Program Director

Staff Team Responsibilities

• All Reality staff share in the life of the organization. In addition to their core role, CCLs participate in:Weekly staff meetings
• Weekly CCL team meetings
• Biweekly meetings with Program Director
• Biannual staff retreats
• A regular front desk shift
• Fundraising support (events, donor thank-you notes)
• Occasional coverage for other staff members during leave

Statement of InclusionReality Ministries is rooted in the all-inclusive love of Jesus and the belovedness of every person.Our community includes people of many abilities, races, ethnicities, faith traditions, cultures, sexual orientations, gender identities, theological perspectives, socioeconomic backgrounds, citizenship statuses, and languages.We are committed to cultivating a community of respect that stands against discrimination and affirms the inherent dignity, sacredness, and gifts of every person.

Qualifications

• We are seeking someone who brings:A deep desire to build beloved community among people with and without developmental disabilities
• Excellent communication skills and comfort with regular communication in a large community of people
• Strong organizational and administrative ability
• Initiative, creativity, and reliability
• Excitement about working within a collaborative, relational team culture
• Flexibility and adaptability when plans change or unexpected needs arise
• Passion for Reality’s mission and commitment to our Core Values:
• Jesus at the Center: The deepest reality of every person’s life is the love of God made manifest in the person of Jesus.
• Belonging: Knowing and being known, sharing life together in joy and pain
• Mutuality: Every person both giving and receiving in authentic friendship
• Personalism: Every person is unique, imbued by the Creator with inherent dignity; and all persons are bound by a shared identity as children and image-bearers of God  
• Equity: Actively moving towards becoming an anti-racist and anti-ableist community

• Prefers primarily independent or desk-based work
• Finds frequent communication with many people draining
• Is uncomfortable navigating relational dynamics or challenging life situations
• Prefers highly predictable schedules with minimal evening/weekend commitments
• Is not excited about working in a community that includes adults with intellectual and developmental disabilities
• Benefits & Work EnvironmentFull-Time/In-Person, Flexible 35-hour work week
• Generous vacation and paid time off policy
• Inclusive, collaborative, and mission-driven team culture

 Salary: $57,284 Benefits

Reports to: Program Director

Level: Senior Coordinator

To Apply:

Send your resume and a letter of interest to Anna Hood, Program Director Anna@realityministries.org. In your letter, please include: What draws you to the work and mission of Reality, why this position feels like the right fit for you, what prior experiences have best prepared you for this role, and how you heard about the position.