Community Connections Facilitator

The Community Connections Facilitator oversees all aspects of the Special Olympics program, Advocacy Programs, and is an integral part of the Communications Department teams and committees, supporting Awareness in the Stark County community. This person also advises the Next Chapter Book Clubs and the Aktion Club volunteer coordinators.

This is specialized work in developing connections, inclusion, and growth opportunities to foster independence through community activities. The focus of this position is to connect individuals with developmental disabilities to opportunities to live, work, and play as full members of the community.

Special Olympics:

• Serves as the designated Local Coordinator for the Stark DD Special Olympics program and ensures the local program operates in accordance with current Special Olympics Ohio and Special Olympics International policies, standards, rules and requirements.
• Maintains the local program's required registration, accreditation/recognition, documentation and records and completes required reports, renewals and submissions to Special Olympics Ohio within established deadlines.
• Completes and maintains all training, screening, certifications and other requirements established by Special Olympics Ohio for the Local Coordinator role and/or Class A volunteer status, as applicable.
• Recruits, selects, orients, evaluates and supports coaches, assistant coaches, chaperones and other Special Olympics volunteers; provides guidance on required training and certifications; and ensures eligibility, screening and credentialing requirements are completed and maintained, including monitoring expiration dates and coordinating renewals and van training as appropriate.
• Ensures athletes and Unified partners, when applicable, meet current eligibility, registration, participation, medical/release and other documentation requirements established by Special Olympics Ohio.
• Maintains current knowledge of Special Olympics Ohio sports rules, policies, competition requirements, deadlines and program updates and communicates applicable changes to coaches, athletes, families, volunteers and Board staff.
• Coordinates athlete and team registration for local, regional and state competitions and ensures required rosters, entries, credentials and documentation are accurate and submitted by established deadlines.
• Maintains required athlete, coach and volunteer records and ensures appropriate documentation is available for practices, travel and competitions.
• Develops seasonal practice and competition schedules; secures appropriate facilities and venues; coordinates equipment and logistical needs; and arranges for referees, officials and other necessary personnel, as needed.
• Coordinates out-of-town Special Olympics competitions and events, including transportation, overnight accommodations, schedules and necessary athlete supports. Collaborates with athletes, families, SSAs, service providers and appropriate medical personnel to coordinate individual support needs according to their ISP, staffing and health and safety arrangements during travel.
• Serves as the primary liaison with the appropriate Special Olympics Ohio Regional Director and other state staff and participates in required Local Coordinator meetings, training and continuing education.

Financial Management and Purchasing

• Manages and monitors two separate funding sources supporting the Special Olympics program: funds allocated by Stark DD and funds raised or donated to the Special Olympics Ohio-Stark County account.
• Exercises authorized spending authority for the Special Olympics Ohio-Stark County account and maintains accurate records of all revenues, expenditures and account balances.
• Submits receipts, financial records and required documentation to Special Olympics Ohio in accordance with established reporting requirements.
• Purchases athlete uniforms, sports equipment, supplies and other materials necessary to support the Special Olympics program.
• Plans and monitors program expenditures to ensure responsible use of available funds and compliance with applicable Stark DD and Special Olympics Ohio financial policies and procedures.

Self- Advocacy

• Serves as the staff advisor to the Self-Advocates Council, providing guidance, resources and support while encouraging self-advocates to lead meetings, establish priorities, plan activities and make decisions.
• Supports self-advocates in developing leadership, communication, decision-making and advocacy skills to increase independence and self-direction.
• Assists self-advocates in identifying opportunities to participate in community events, public speaking engagements, trainings and other advocacy initiatives.
• Collaborates with the Communications Manager and SSA supervisors to support Self-Advocates Council activities and initiatives.
• Promotes self-advocacy opportunities available through OSDA/Synergy, OACB, WeThriveTogether and other community partners.
• Coordinates the Be The Good training calendar and events in collaboration with the Communications Manager, encouraging self-advocate involvement in planning and implementation.
• Responds to referrals for community connection activities, coordinates with appropriate parties and maintains related information on the Stark DD website Calendar of Events.

Clubs & Activities

• Serves as the primary liaison to volunteer coordinators for community-based clubs, including Next Chapter Book Clubs and Aktion Club, as applicable.
• Maintains communication with volunteer coordinators to support program activities, address needs and encourage continued community participation.
• Provides substitute coverage for volunteer coordinators as needed to maintain continuity of club activities.
• Supports the coordination and promotion of club activities and opportunities for community engagement.
• Co-chairs the Great Pumpkin Race to benefit Special Olympics programs, including event planning, budgeting, financial management and fundraising.

Participates in agency committees and community events as assigned, including March Developmental Disabilities Awareness activities, the Golf Outing and Adult Social Nights.

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. Valid Ohio Driver's License, CPR/First Aid certified, Medication Administration Certification, Crisis Intervention Certification, acceptable annual BMV Check, certified van driver or willing to obtain. This position requires the ability to work an adjustable schedule due to evening and some weekend events

Demonstrates the ability to work independently and manage their work schedule to meet the needs of the position. Must exhibit the ability to flex work schedule to attend practices and events to support and direct the activities of the Special Olympic coaches, advocacy officers/leaders, Next Chapter Book Club, and Aktion Club coordinator