Director of Youth and Transition Services

The Ability Center (ACT) is a non-profit Center for Independent Living serving seven counties in NW Ohio. With the assistance of competent, professional staff, and the support of volunteers, ACT works for the rights and concerns of people living with disabilities on local, state, regional, and national levels. Our mission is to advocate, educate, partner, and provide services supporting people with disabilities to thrive within their community.

ACT is an equal opportunity employer and values a diverse workforce and inclusive culture. We encourage applications from all qualified individuals and do not discriminate. The Ability Center is committed to providing reasonable accommodations to individuals with disabilities.

Position Summary:

The Director of Youth and Transition Services is responsible for the direct management and supervision of staff in Youth and Transition Services. The Director will provide strategic leadership and expertise in inclusive programming for youth with disabilities. They will be responsible for collaborating and establishing rapport with local/state entities and community partners who share a similar vision as The Ability Center for creating the most disability friendly community in the country. Services are offered to youth and their families to support independent living goals through best practices and partnerships with schools, service agencies, and community organizations.

Essential Functions:

  • Collaborate with management to ensure programs and services are comprehensive and meet consumers’ independent living needs and interests.
  • Ensure the programs are operating efficiently, are consumer focused, and within budget.
  • Ensure that Youth and Transition services are available to youth who wish to set independent living goals.
  • Oversee and provide direction to youth and transition staff in the areas of curriculum development, skills training, scheduling, peer support, summer programs, community outreach, and consumer recruitment.
  • Will collaborate with community organizations to ensure inclusive, best practice opportunities are available.
  • Review consumer goals and confirm independent living goals are measurable.
  • Responsible for tracking key performance indicators for consumer outcomes and success.
  • Report program successes to the Associate Director and provide reports to the Board of Directors as requested.
  • Act as a liaison to grant monitors in the areas of compliance, funding, and reporting.
  • Will have direct oversight for the Opportunities for Ohioans with Disabilities (OOD) contract.
  • Collaborate with other staff to create a transition plan for youth moving into adult programming.
  • Assist in the development of the strategic plan in collaboration with other Directors and Administration.
  • Create a network consisting of necessary resources to support consumers in their pursuit for independence.
  • May be asked to travel locally, and for training purposes.

Qualifications:

Bachelor’s degree preferred in a disability related field. Qualified candidates must have a minimum of three to five years’ experience working in a disability related field preferably with youth programming. Candidate must have at least 4 years’ management experience. Previous experience organizing programs and facilitating activities for youth with disabilities is required. Previous social service, disability employment, and youth transition experience preferred. Must demonstrate excellent communications skills and the ability to build rapport and collaborate effectively with consumers, community organizations, professionals, and parents/family members. Must be knowledgeable of area social service programs and youth transition services at the state level. Must have the ability to lead others and display the ability to motivate employees to achieve common goals.

Physical Demands:

The physical demands described within this job description must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The person in this position will need to remain stationary for periods of time working at a desk; will need to occasionally move about inside the office to access office supplies, file cabinets, office desk, computer, etc. The employee will operate a computer, copier, and printer. The employee will frequently move from one office space to another and occasionally from one building to another. The person in this position frequently communicates with others; converse, convey, and exchange accurate information. The position will occasionally require the employee to operate a personal and company owned vehicle, meet with individuals outside the regular work location, and work at venues outside the regular work location.

Work Environment:

The work environment described within this job description will be encountered while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. The employee is frequently indoors, outdoors and moving from one worksite to another.  At times, this position will require extended work hours including weekends and evenings. The noise level in the work environment is considered low.

All candidates must pass an FBI/BCII background check and drug screen if position is offered.

Please submit applications/resumes to: [email protected] or fax to 419-885-5005

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