Community Specialist - Art (Brooklyn/Staten Island)

Summary

The Community Specialist – Art is responsible for developing and facilitating engaging, person-centered art programming for individuals supported across Day Habilitation and community-based settings. This role promotes creative expression, skill development, and community inclusion through art instruction, exposure to museums and galleries, and opportunities for showcasing work. The specialist collaborates with interdisciplinary teams to enhance quality of life and ensure meaningful participation aligned with individual goals and interests.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities

• Design and deliver inclusive art programming, including instruction in a variety of art techniques and styles.
• Facilitate both group and individual art sessions across multiple program sites and community-based locations.
• Provide education on art history, genres, and current trends in an accessible and engaging format.
• Submit artwork and related paperwork for inclusion in art contests and community gallery shows.
• Identify community arts and cultural organizations to collaborate with, and venues for potentially showcasing artwork created by artists.
• Aid individuals in identifying and accessing community-based opportunities to perform and share their work.
• Develop promotional materials (e.g., flyers, digital content) to highlight events and opportunities.
• Partner with program leadership to coordinate logistics, including staffing and transportation for community activities such as museum and gallery tours, art shows, and classes.
• Maintain a safe, respectful, and inclusive environment that upholds the dignity, privacy, and confidentiality of all individuals supported.
• Ensure compliance with agency policies, including universal precautions and safety procedures.
• Monitor inventory and purchase supplies in accordance with agency guidelines.
• Provide guidance and support to Direct Support Professionals during programming and community outings.
• Stay current with developments in art, adaptive technology, and best practices in creative arts programming.
• Participate in staff meetings, trainings, and professional development activities.
• Perform other duties as assigned to support program and organizational needs.

Qualifications

• High School Diploma or equivalent required; Associate’s or Bachelor’s degree in Art, Art Education, Creative Arts, or related field preferred.
• Minimum of 1 year experience teaching or facilitating art activities, preferably with individuals with developmental disabilities or diverse populations.
• Strong interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to engage diverse populations.
• Demonstrated creativity and ability to adapt art instruction to varying ability levels.
• Strong organizational skills and ability to manage multiple sites and priorities.
• Ability to work collaboratively as part of a multidisciplinary team.
• Commitment to person-centered practices and community inclusion.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality and exercise sound judgment.
• Flexibility to work evenings or weekends as needed for events and performances.
• Ability to lift, move and position the people we support in beds, wheelchairs, toilets, showers, vans, etc.
• Passion for ADAPT Community Network’s mission and the nonprofit sector.

Compensation

$25.00 - $27.00/hour + Industry-Leading Benefits!