Director of Inclusion and Ability

Founded in 1854, the Baltimore Jewish Community Center (JCC) has evolved into an organization of vitality and diversity. In keeping with its Jewish values, the JCC is committed to enhancing the general welfare of the total community. If you are looking for a job where the work environment is both stimulating and supportive and the mission is focused on promoting and strengthening Jewish life and values, then the JCC could be the place for you.

Inspired by the work we do every day, the JCC is an organization centered by Jewish values and focused on creating meaningful experiences and opportunities to enrich, connect, and positively impact our community. We pride ourselves on our inclusive and welcoming workplace and celebrate the diversity of our employees. We value all members of our team in a supportive environment in which everyone is treated with appreciation and respect and positioned to do their best work every day.

SUMMARY:
The Director of Inclusion and Ability works under the direct supervision of the Chief Program Officer to lead the agency’s efforts in creating a culture of welcoming and inclusion at the JCC for people of all abilities. The two largest roles included in this position are to oversee the Inclusion program at J Camps and act as the Behavior Specialist in the Stoler ELC. This leader will also work with JCC staff to develop built-in support for programs and events throughout departments across the JCC. To be successful in this role, applicants should have knowledge of adaptive programming, superb communication skills, excellent leadership skills, and a passion for the disability movement. Duties will include providing training, mentoring staff, handling behavioral issues, being an active member in the leadership team, hiring and supervising staff, and communicating with family members. Leading the department of Inclusion and Ability is an evolving commitment to expand a culture of belonging and self-advocacy.

WHAT YOU WILL DO:
Specific duties include but are not limited to:
J Camps

• Oversee the J Camps Inclusion Program including the planning leading up to the summer and the supervision of a Seasonal J Camps Inclusion Director.
• Develop and manage the timeline of enrollment for the J Camps Inclusion program.
• Communicate with families and conduct in-take assessments and observations for campers with disabilities.
• Recruit, hire and train advocates for the inclusion program.
• Create camper recreation plans by reviewing camper questionnaires, year-round educational plans and conducting observations.
• Develop professional development for the J Camps team and work with the Seasonal J Camps Inclusion Director to train Inclusion advocates.
• Is an active member of the J Camps Leadership Team.
• Encourage, inspire, and unify campers and staff.
• Ensure campers learn in a safe, fun, and stimulating environment.
• Communicate with parents/caregivers regularly in a professional caring manner.
• Order and maintain equipment and supplies as needed.

Stoler ELC

• Conduct classroom observations to identify and assess children with behavioral, emotional, or developmental issues.
• Provide interventions and develop resources to ensure high quality care, learning experiences and accessible physical classroom environments.
• Responsible for maintaining records and documentation of assessments and interventions and oversight of the documentation.
• Monitor progress of specific children’s goals and objectives and meet with teachers regularly to share information and develop action plans.
• Support the implementation, scoring and interpretation of the Ages and Stages Developmental Screening.
• Responsible for the coordination with Jewish Community Services for their grant funded social/emotional and mindfulness programs.
• Review incoming applications and children’s student and camper profiles and follow up with family and educational teams as necessary.
• Assist with the scheduling of 1:1 family/school conferences with parents, teacher, administration as they arise, coordinate participation in IEP and IFSP meetings, and participate in yearly Parent/Teacher conferences when appropriate.
• Maintain ongoing and timely contact with therapists, specialists and community agencies serving children in our program.
• Participate in the planning and implementation of early childhood staff orientation and ongoing training to provide educators.
• Participate in family orientation and act as a resource for parents.
• Maintain a current list of approved therapists for access into the ELC (liaison between families, agencies, Human Resources, and our Security Team).

JCC

• Work closely with other JCC departments to offer support in providing accommodations for program participants with various needs.
• Meet with potential families, develop a plan for support, and ensure the participant is sufficiently accommodated during all programs.
• Hire and supervise inclusion support staff for children requiring additional support to participate in JCC program offerings.
• Assess JCC programs and facilities to determine tactics for increasing agency-wide inclusion and accessibility.
• Interact and communicate closely with lay leaders.
• Represent the JCC as a part of the Associated’s Disability Community of Practice (CoP).
• Provide professional development opportunities for JCC staff and volunteers on best practices of inclusion and creating an inclusive and welcoming community.
• Consult and collaborate with the JCC Marketing department with the goal of increasing accessibility of information and communicating the JCC’s dedication to inclusion and accessibility to the public.
• Research and apply for new grant and funding opportunities.
• Develop and monitor department budget.

GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Create a positive, warm, individualized, nurturing, environment for children.
2. Maintain confidentiality.
3. Promote the equitable, fair and consistent treatment of all staff members, parents, and children.
4. Promote and support the organization’s goals, philosophies, policies and mission statements.
5. Participate in all training programs, conferences, seminars, courses and other aspects of professional growth and continuing education.
6. Communicate effectively and regularly with the ELC Senior Director and J Camps Senior Director.
7. Monitor expenses when purchasing supplies to remain within budget.
8. Document all incidents and keep satisfactory records.
9. Represent the JCC professionally in the community.
10. Manage emergency situations quickly.

WHO YOU ARE:

1. Bachelor’s or Master’s degree in special education, social work, psychology, or related field required.
2. Experience utilizing behavioral management techniques required.
3. Experience developing and facilitating group training required to support staff and families.
4. Experience with Early Intervention.
5. Early Childhood experience and knowledge of child development and age-appropriate milestones preferred.
6. Experience working in camp administration or managing similarly structured programs preferred.
7. Extensive background in planning and program development, as well as modifying activities when required.
8. Experience providing psycho-educational services to children and their families required.
9. Knowledge of school systems and community resources.
10. Familiarity with Jewish cultures and customs or willingness to learn.
11. Must be CPR and First Aid certified or have the ability to obtain and maintain CPR and First Aid certification within three months of employment. The position must also obtain medical administration certification.

PHYSICAL SKILLS AND WORK ENVIRONMENT:
The work environment is usually fast paced. This job requires high energy and positive interactions with staff as well as with members, other agency staff, community leaders, and outside partners. While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to use a computer, talk and hear, reach with hands and arms, and stoop, kneel and crouch. During the summer, this position requires spending at least 5 hours each day on their feet, and the ability to run to opposite ends of the camp facility to address crisis situations. The employee must have the physical strength and ability to lift, carry and/or move children or other objects up to 25 pounds.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS:
Salary (or Salary Range): $55,000 - $65,000
Benefit & Perks: The JCC offers a comprehensive benefits package including generous time off, paid holidays, dental and vision insurance, 401(k) employer match, life insurance, complimentary membership to the Jewish Community Center, discounts on programs including preschool and summer camp, and wellbeing programming.
This job description is not intended to be all-inclusive, and incumbent will also perform other reasonably related business duties as assigned by supervisor or other management, as required. The JCC reserves the right to revise or change job duties as the needs arise. This job description does not constitute a written or implied contract of employment.
The Jewish Community Center of Greater Baltimore is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. In keeping with our Jewish values, we are dedicated to a policy of nondiscrimination in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship, veteran's status, physical or mental disability that does not prohibit the performance of essential job functions (with or without reasonable accommodation) or any other basis protected by federal, or applicable, state or local law. We welcome everyone interested in our mission to join us. If you require accommodation, please contact us and we will make every effort to meet your needs.

The Associated: Jewish Community Federation of Baltimore and its Agencies are equal opportunity employers, dedicated to a policy of non-discrimination in employment on the basis of race, religion, color, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, national origin, age, marital status, citizenship, veteran's status, physical or mental disability that does not prohibit the performance of essential job functions (with or without reasonable accommodation) or any other basis protected by federal, or applicable, state or local law.#J-18808-Ljbffr