COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

We are seeking an energetic and dynamic Community Engagement Specialist.

The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities (WCBDD) coordinates services for over 1,000 people with developmental disabilities in Wood County. Our mission is to support, empower, and inspire.

The ideal candidate will be a highly self-motivated problem solver, flexible, detail oriented, and is a team player with time management skills, organizational skills, and leadership skills.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT SPECIALIST

• Civil Service Appointment: Classified
• Bi-Weekly Hours: 80
• FLSA: Non-Exempt
• Healthcare Benefits: Eligible
• Normal Working Hours: M-F, 8:00am - 4:30pm; Evening/Weekend hours required intermittently based on the needs of the agency.

Job Responsibilities:

• Assist the Communications and Community Engagement Manager in the implementation of the organization's mission, vision, and values. This position is responsible for building and maintaining relationships between the WCBDD and key stakeholders across Wood County.
• Assists in the creation of multi-media communications as directed by Communications and Community Engagement Manager. This includes event photography, videography, editing website content, creating and scheduling social media content, and more. Actively participates in planning, coordinating, and supporting community outreach events to ensure high-quality experiences for the public on County Board properties and within the broader community. Responsibilities may include roles assigned by the Communications and Community Engagement Coordinator to enhance the effectiveness and impact of events, activities, and partnerships. Also participates in other Board-wide committees, as assigned, and engages with state, regional, and local alliances and associations, as appropriate.
• Ensure community integration, exploration, and social enrichment programs or clubs for the benefit of the individuals to foster relationships with the community by creating new programs/events for individuals eligible for WCBDD services based on need and interest.
• Support the development and implementation of youth outreach initiatives for Recreation and Special Olympics programming. Collaborate with Wood County Schools and community partners to recruit and engage young participants through presentations, training for educators and athletes, and active involvement in planning and coordinating youth-focused events designed to expand participation and strengthen programming.
• Work with the Recreation and Wellness Manager and Human Resources to recruit volunteers to assist with programming as needed.
• Assist in the development and implementation of department policies and procedures.
• Assist in planning, managing, and coordinating People First Advocacy Group of Wood County. Work in collaboration with support staff and individuals served to create, implement, and maintain advocacy opportunities. Attend monthly meetings.
• Implementation of strategic plan goals and objectives. Compliance with federal, state, and local regulations.
• Facilitate partnerships with universities, colleges, and high schools to promote awareness, practicum opportunities and special projects that support student interest in the field of developmental disabilities.
• Facilitate partnerships with local civic, educational, corporate, networking groups, and other public or private community focused groups promoting a mutual benefit of awareness. Works inclusively with individuals served by the WCBDD, their networks, and partnering organizations to explore shared interests and create and act on common goals, priorities and visions.
• Assists in implementing the Communication Plan, established by the Communications and Community Engagement Manager, in choosing the appropriate method, message, timing, and venue for delivering information appropriate to partnering organizations. Effectively engages with diverse and inclusive audiences.
• Duties such as, but not limited to, representing agency to community through attendance at meetings or presentations before groups. Attend conferences, workshops, etc., designed to enhance professional growth. Assume other related duties as assigned by supervisor and/or administration. Will operate a vehicle in a safe and lawful manner while transporting individuals and/or performing other work-related duties.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Integrity, honesty, and ethical standards of behavior and decision-making principles
• Carries out policies and procedures in a consistent manner
• Excellent organizational and time management skills
• Strong analytical, troubleshooting, and problem-solving skills
• Ability to make independent decisions
• Accept changes as a positive
• Ability to handle confidential information
• Excellent interpersonal skills
• Strong verbal and written communication skills

Education/Experience Requirements

• Must have a Bachelor's Degree.
• Degree in Business, Marketing, or Communications or related field, preferred.
• Demonstrated leadership of 1 year inclusive of project management, preferred.
• Social Media management and experience with Adobe Creative Suite, preferred.

Required Documents

• Completed, submitted application
• Resume
• Cover letter (Letter of intent)

Minimum Qualification Standards:

• Must obtain and maintain any training, licenses, registration or certification mandated by the Board (Positive Supports First Training, CPR and First Aid Certification, etc.)
• Upon employment, will be required to have Ohio Notary Public license, within 60 days of hire.
• Ohio Department of Developmental Disabilities Certificate eligible, if applicable
• Ohio Department of Education and Workforce Administrative Certificate eligible, if applicable
• Maintain a valid Driver’s License. Employee must possess/maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record as established by Board policy and must provide proof of liability insurance per Board procedure.
• Must obtain and maintain Ohio public library card.
• All new employees must have medical examination and a one-step PPD test to determine fitness for duty. Initial medical examination must be completed within 30 days of employment. One-step PPD must be completed prior to providing direct care services.
• The employee is required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Pre-employment and random testing results shall test negative in accordance with Board policy and procedure and any applicable state and/or federal law.
• Receipt of satisfactory criminal background reports in accordance with ORC 3319.39, ORC 5123.081 and OAC 5123-2-02, as applicable. Must receive a satisfactory criminal background report from the County Sheriff of employee’s permanent address.
• Receipt of acceptable Ohio Department of DD Abuser Registry, Attorney General’s Office Ohio Offender Watch/Sex Offender Registry, System for Award Management, Ohio Nurse Aide Registry, Exclusions: OIG, and Office of Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Corrections Offender Search as a condition of employment and yearly thereafter.
• Must be able to lift, carry and move individuals who are receiving services, including children, adolescents and adults in a safe manner according to in-service training unless reasonable accommodation has been made. Must be able to lift, carry and move office supplies and equipment required for day-to-day operations.
• Must be able to interact using appropriate and necessary techniques with persons who may display aggressive behaviors and/or provide special health care needs to individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Must have strong functional skills to organize information logically, communicate clearly, analyze/solve problems, and relate effectively to people. Will organize and prioritize several projects simultaneously and prepare meaningful reports. Must be able to meet time frames and design due dates. Must be able to make use of computers or other technology for prolonged periods of time, and provide other forms of documentation requiring extensive writing, if applicable.
• Must have the ability to relate program philosophy, procedures, goals to the general public in a manner representative of our mission to serve individuals with developmental disabilities. The employee shall serve as a role model to our students/individuals who are receiving services and model appropriate social/moral behaviors. The employee shall maintain professional ethics, protecting the confidentiality of the student's or individual’s private life, and other situations, events which must remain confidential.
• Must have the ability to communicate effectively with others using the spoken word and communicate in writing clearly and concisely. Must have the ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others and attempt to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all or part of participants. Must have the ability to present information publicly. Must be able to complete assigned tasks given large caseloads, stressful situations, and emergencies.
• Must have the ability and analytical skills to use critical thinking and reasoning to solve a problem. Must have the ability to pay attention to the minute details of a project or task while seeing a project to completion. Must have the ability to take care of the persons served needs while following the board’s policies and procedures. Must have the ability to appreciate and be sensitive to the feelings of others and attempt to reach outcomes that gain the support and acceptance of all or part of participants.
• Function as a liaison between components and with parents/guardians and as a consumer advocate to ensure their right for choice to live, work and participate in their community.
• Must have the ability to establish and maintain good rapport and effectively cooperate with staff, families, individuals who are receiving services, care providers, advisory boards, volunteers, and the public.
• The employee shall endeavor to provide dependable service to the agency and refrain from excessive, abusive use of leave for illness of self or immediate family members. Employee shall adhere to their established work schedule and will ensure timely arrival to work.
• Responsible for having knowledge of Board policies/procedures and work rules.
• Must have the ability to work effectively with people regardless of their age, gender, race, ethnicity, religion, or job type.

Physical Demands and Working Conditions

• Work is performed primarily in an indoor activity-based setting, a vehicle and/or an occasional community setting.
• Primary functions require sufficient physical ability and mobility to stand or sit for prolonged periods of time; to occasionally stoop, bend, kneel, crouch, reach, and twist; to lift, carry, push, and/or pull moderate amounts of weight; to operate office equipment requiring repetitive hand movement and fine coordination including use of a computer keyboard; operate a vehicle; and to verbally communicate to exchange information.
• Required to safely move/transfer individuals of varying weights using proper lifting techniques and equipment, if applicable.

Reasonable Accommodations Statement

• Accommodations determined reasonable by Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities will be made.

Conditions of Employment

• Must be 18 years of age.
• The employee is required to submit to pre-employment drug and alcohol testing. Pre-employment results shall test negative in accordance with Board policy and procedure and any applicable state and/or federal law.
• Receipt of acceptable criminal background report from the Bureau of Criminal Investigation and Identification (BCII) and county sheriff’s office of permanent address before starting position as required by ORC 3319.39 and/or OAC 5123.081.
• Receipt of seven acceptable background checks required by ORC 3319.39 & OAC 5123:2-2-02.
• Must obtain and maintain any training, licenses, registrations, or certifications mandated by the Board and the State of Ohio.
• Must have a medical examination and a one-step PPD test to determine fitness for duty prior to providing direct care service or within 30 days of employment whichever comes first.
• Possess/maintain an acceptable motor vehicle record (if required for position) per board guidelines. Note: Use of personal vehicle for transporting individuals requires proof of liability insurance.
• Successful completion of general orientation.

Benefits offered

• Sick, vacation, and personal leave
• Health Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Reimbursement
• Retirement through Ohio Public Employees Retirement System (OPERS)
• Optional deferred compensation plans
• Tuition Reimbursement

Interview Schedule

First interviews will be conducted April 13 -17, 2026.

Second interviews will be conducted April 20 - 24, 2026.

• Interviews will be conducted during WCBDD business hours of 8:00am - 4:30pm, M-F.
• The specific days and times per day will vary due to the availability of the interview team members.
• Should you be contacted for an interview those specifics will be given at that time.

The Wood County Board of Developmental Disabilities is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

• Employment policies and decisions on employment and promotion are based on merit, qualifications, performance, and business needs.
• The decisions and criteria governing the employment relationship with all employees are made in a nondiscriminatory manner, without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, age, sexual orientation, national origin, ancestry, disability, veteran status, military status, genetic information, or other unlawful reason according to federal, state, or local statuses.
• If you are a person with a disability and require accommodations, please advise our EEO Officer.

ALL APPLICATIONS MUST BE SUBMITTED NO LATER THAN 11:59pm ON THE STATED DEADLINE DATE.

• Please ensure all required documents have been completed/included.
• Incomplete applications or applications received after the posting deadline will not be considered.
• You will receive a confirmation email upon successful completion of your application.