Special Needs Coordinator

Overview

The Special Needs Coordinator will provide support to the children’s ministry of Pennington Park Church by overseeing the Buddy Program and being a liaison between families of children with special needs and the church. Specifically, this position will help kids with special needs participate in their age/grade appropriate class with the support of a buddy.

• Bachelor’s degree preferred
• Experience working with families of children with special needs preferred

• Demonstrates a clear commitment and passion for children with special needs and their families
• Passionate about the mission, vision, and core values of Pennington Park Church
• Passionate about using his/her gifts to serve the local church
• Committed to the regular practice of spiritual disciplines in her life
• Exhibits high Christian character and the fruit of the Spirit as outlined in Galatians 5
• Is a covenant member of Pennington Park Church or is willing to become a member

• Excellent communication skills, both verbal and written
• Collaborates well with others to achieve the shared vision and goals of Children’s Ministry
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational and administrative abilities
• Able to maintain a high level of confidentiality and discretion
• Must have high interpersonal skills among families, volunteers, and staff
• Able to recruit, equip, and develop volunteers
• Quick learner, hard worker, and teachable spirit

• Buddy Program
  • Manage the online Buddy Request Form and provide follow-up communication for families
  • Pair buddies with families and children in need
  • Set up initial contact between buddy and the family, and explain the need for regular, ongoing communication between both parties
  • Work with the CM Program Coordinator to adapt curriculum or create helpful in-class resources for children with special needs when necessary
• Volunteer Recruiting, Onboarding, and Training
  • Recruit buddy volunteers in collaboration with the Children’s Ministry volunteer coordinator
  • Oversee the onboarding process for buddies including specialized training
  • Coordinate the weekly scheduling and pairing of buddies, recruit substitutes as needed and communicate with the Children’s Ministry volunteer coordinator
  • Provide ongoing support to buddies throughout the year by providing helpful resources, words of encouragement, observations, tools, etc.
• Family Communication and Partnership
  • Welcome and connect with new families of children with special needs on Sunday mornings
  • Develop loving and supportive relationships with families through ongoing support and regular check-in's
  • Serve as a liaison, connecting families of children with special needs to the life and opportunities of our church and advocating for special needs families in church-wide planning
• Execute additional responsibilities related to Children’s Ministry and church staff as needed
  • Attend all-staff meetings and weekly Children’s Ministry staff meetings
  • Supervise special needs programming on Sunday morning
  • Coordinate respite events in collaboration with Children’s Ministry Director

• 8 - 10 hours per week.
• Ability to work Tuesday AM, most Sundays, and church holidays
• Part-time, hourly position
• Position reports directly to the Children’s Ministry Director