Day Program Specialist

About the Role

The Day Program Specialist assesses, develops, and implements programming for participants, including job readiness, independent living, education, training needs, and support needs. This role focuses on teaching and strategies to achieve organizational goals, case management services, and employment support and training for Goodwill Day program participants. The position involves implementing, revising, and sustaining policies, procedures, and programs, typically working on projects and initiatives spanning 1 day to 12 months.

Responsibilities

• Assess, develop, and implement programming for participants, including job readiness, independent living, education, training needs, and support needs (60%).
• Develop, implement, and monitor individualized development plans by establishing appropriate goals and objectives for program participants.
• Maintain accurate and up-to-date case file records in compliance with agency, CARF, and contract requirements. Follow up to ensure attendance and analyze progress toward goal achievement for assigned participants. Use attendance reports, phone calls, and individual meetings to monitor progress (15%).
• Provide direct support with activities and services based on individual participant or program staffing needs. Assess individual needs, strengths, and interests. Develop and implement person-centered Individual Plans and objectives with input from participants and stakeholders.
• Attend, organize, and participate in interdisciplinary staffing and team meetings.
• Build and maintain relationships with parents, primary caregivers, and funding sources (15%).
• Assist with the development of community resources to help participants maintain/improve communication, socialization, daily living skills, community integration, and recreation/leisure interests. Utilize participant and stakeholder input to improve activities or services.
• Ensure the vehicle is clean and the outing bag is well-stocked and up to date. Maintain van logs and maintenance. Must be able to maneuver in small spaces, appropriately use lifts and safety equipment, and complete annual van training and compliance requirements (>5%).
• Effectively plan and manage own work to reliably complete routine job responsibilities and special assignments. Periodically serve as a team member or subject matter expert on formal or department projects.
• Engage in change affecting the role, communicating appropriately with supervisors. Follow through on learning, skill-building, and practice necessary to adapt to change.
• Solve problems of routine complexity; identify root causes, interpret data, and resolve issues with general supervision.
• Serve as an ambassador for Goodwill in the wider community. Participate in volunteer opportunities as schedules and interest permit.
• Complete other duties/responsibilities as assigned.

Requirements

• Two years of college education or experience equivalency, and a minimum of 1 year of experience.
• Valid driver’s license and driving record that meets insurance and company criteria.
• Must have own vehicle or reliable transportation.
• Obtain and maintain first aid/CPR and Medication Management certification.
• Work experience in a recreational or human service field.

Skills

• Customer Focus: Independently anticipate and meet customer needs, while searching for ways to improve customer service. Internalize customer feedback and follow up to ensure problems are solved by providing innovative ideas to meet future needs.
• Values Differences: Seek out diverse perspectives and talents of others, striving to work effectively with those who have different perspectives, backgrounds, or styles. Behave with sensitivity toward differences in cultural norms, expectations, and ways of communicating. Challenge stereotyping or offensive comments.
• Communicates Effectively: Share information and updates clearly and professionally through reports, documentation, and other communications. Listen with interest to what others have to say.
• Situational Adaptability: Demonstrate flexibility in responses to different situations by adapting to changing needs, conditions, priorities, or opportunities. Monitor how well an approach is working and adjust as needed.
• Drives Results: Demonstrate a strong drive to achieve meaningful results by completing tasks successfully and setting high standards for performance. Show determination in the face of obstacles and setbacks.
• Ensures Accountability: Take responsibility and ownership for successes and failures in own work. Monitor progress and adjust approach accordingly, following through on commitments.

Physical/Sensory Demands

• Regularly lifts and/or moves up to 10 pounds, frequently lifts and/or moves up to 20 pounds, occasionally lifts and/or moves up to 50 pounds.
• Moves about to accomplish tasks.
• Lift: Raises objects from lower to higher positions or moves objects horizontally.
• Stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl: Positions self to retrieve objects.
• Reach: Extending upwards or downwards to retrieve objects.
• Worker may be subject to human blood, body fluids, or tissue.
• Remain stationary for extended periods of time.
• Repetitive use of hands and vision required while using a computer keyboard and working with written and electronic information.
• Ability to hear and communicate on the phone and in person.
• Travel required.

Pay

When determining placement within the salary range for this position, Goodwill Greater Milwaukee & Chicago considers education, experience, internal equity, market demands, and other qualifying criteria. It is not typical for individuals to be hired at or near the top of the range for their role, and compensation decisions depend on the facts and circumstances of each case. Certain roles are eligible to participate in an incentive plan, though participation does not guarantee an incentive payment and is subject to the terms and conditions of the plan.

Benefits

In addition to compensation, we offer a competitive benefit program that may include:

• Medical, dental, and vision insurance.
• Short- and long-term disability.
• Life insurance.
• Retirement plan.
• Paid time off (PTO).
• Additional benefits may vary depending on factors such as full- or part-time status, contracted, temporary, or other job categories.