POSITION TITLE: Program Lead Staff
REPORTS TO: Manager of School Collaborations, Director of Youth Services, Executive Director
STATUS: Part Time Non-Exempt
Introduction
At SOAR Fox Cities, we envision a world where all individuals are seen for their ABILITY, not their disABILITY. We offer a variety of services including Youth, Adult and Family Programs, Advocacy, Community Education, and the second largest Special Olympics program in the state.
We are an IRS designated 501(c)3 nonprofit organization located in Appleton, Wisconsin. Within the walls of our offices and throughout the community, we aim to do just what our name says: Help our members and participants SOAR above the barriers their varying abilities may create. We strive for inclusivity and have made it our goal to create a world where everyone has the opportunity to succeed and contribute their page in the larger story of life.
SOAR Fox Cities is lead and operates with the following Vision, Mission, and Values in mind:
Vision:
- A community where all individuals can be actively involved and have opportunities to maximize their potential.
Mission:
- Empowering people with differing abilities.
Values:
- Advocacy: We champion the needs and concerns of individuals and their families.
- Community: We serve as a resource for the community and provide activities that promote the participation of individuals and their families in the larger community.
- Integrity: We conduct ourselves in a way that is honest, fair, transparent and ethical.
- Life-long learning: We view learning as an activity that engages and enriches individuals over the course of their lives.
- Respect: We honor and celebrate the differences in ourselves and others.
- Positive relationships: We recognize the power of positive relationships, providing opportunities to make human connections and supporting the development of life skills that contribute to strong relationships.
Mission of the Role
Be an active part of the SOAR Fox Cities' After School Program by supporting and implementing meaningful services for youth ages 12-17, living with a developmental or intellectual disability. These duties include implementing activities, coordinating, and maintaining a safe, fun environment. A significant amount of walking and physical activity may be required. While much of the work will be completed in/around the Appleton Community, some travel throughout and outside the Fox Cities will be required. Travel may occur by using a personal vehicle; however, in some instances, staff will be responsible for using public transportation or ridesharing companies alongside participants/other program staff.
A successful after school staff is 1) resilient, 2) enthusiastic about serving individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities, 3) able to establish and maintain trusting relationships with program partners, other staff members, and 4) a naturally curious, lifelong learner.
Capacity of the Role
This is a part-time role (15 hours/week), non-exempt, role with SOAR Fox Cities, Inc. SOAR After School has a home base at Columbus Elementary School located at 913 N. Oneida St., Appleton, WI 54911. Work weeks will be approximately 15 hours, with workday hours from 3 pm- 6 pm Monday – Friday. The starting date for this position is August 26th, 2026. Planning time can be done with a flexible schedule.
Work Environment
This is an onsite, program-based role that may also include work in the community. Programming may take place in a variety of settings, including schools, community spaces, and outdoor environments. The role involves supporting youth with varying developmental, communication, sensory, and behavioral needs. Noise levels and activity levels may vary depending on participants and programming activities.
Physical Requirements
The work performed in this role is active and community-based in nature. The employee must be able to safely and effectively engage with youth in a variety of environments, including indoor settings, including but not limited to outdoor spaces and parks.
This position requires the ability to:
- Move safely and confidently across a variety of terrains, including uneven ground, grass, gravel, trails, and other outdoor surfaces
- Stand, walk, bend, kneel, and remain active for extended periods of time during program activities
- Lift, carry, and transport materials, supplies, or equipment weighing up to 25–40 lbs
- Actively participate in youth programming, including games, activities, and group facilitation
- Maintain awareness of surroundings and respond quickly and appropriately in situations where a participant may be at risk or in need of immediate assistance
- Provide appropriate physical support or redirection to ensure participant safety when necessary
- Work in a variety of weather conditions during outdoor programming
This role requires a high level of attentiveness, responsiveness, and physical mobility to ensure the safety and well-being of all participants.
Major Responsibilities
- Leads and implements programs for youth living with a developmental or intellectual disability
- Individualized Support: Engage with young individuals on a one-on-one basis to understand their unique needs and challenges. Provide personalized support and mentorship tailored to each youth's circumstances.
- Provide high-quality options for activities and events youth can choose from.
- Provides high-quality educational and recreational opportunities for youth participants.
- Provide leadership and initiative in teaching and assisting activities.
- Provide an environment that ensures safety, caring, skill development, encouragement, and wellbeing for all youth.
- Assign youth groupings and staff to supervise each group of youth.
- Plan crafts, games, snacks, and education activities for youth.
- Communicate program needs to the Manager of School Collaborations.
- Provide day to day onsite supervision and direction at After School Aides, including contributing to performance evaluations and communicating staffing or performance concerns to the Program Manager.
Additional duties and responsibilities may include:
- Lead large and small group activities.
- Assist youth with personal cares and other activities of daily living including but not limited to assistance in the restroom, feeding, mobility, communication, and behavioral support.
- Encourage the decision-making process of all youth.
- Support the decision-making process of all youth.
- Monitor youths' health and condition.
- Accompany youth at all times and maintain constant supervision.
- Crisis Intervention: Be prepared to handle crisis situations and offer immediate assistance and support to youth in distress. Collaborate with appropriate agencies and authorities when necessary to ensure their safety and well-being. It’s important to recognize that SOAR utilizes non-violent crisis-intervention strategies, and we expect all employees to utilize the same. We do not use restraints of any kind.
- Communicate with supervisors regarding daily outcomes and unique situations.
- Assist in keeping accurate records including incident reports and attendance.
- Communicate professionally with youth, parents, supervisors and fellow staff.
- Know and understand emergency procedures.
After School Lead Skills/Qualifications
- At least two years of experience serving individuals with differing abilities.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Enjoy being around youth of all abilities.
- Must possess visual and auditory abilities to identify and respond to environmental and other hazards related to summer experience.
- Must possess the ability to communicate and work with groups of all ages and skill levels in order to provide necessary instruction to youth.
- Close observation of youth behavior, evaluate its appropriateness, and enforce and implement appropriate behavior management techniques.
- Maintain a positive attitude and provide a positive environment for youth.
- Have a strong awareness and commitment to preventing, detecting, and responding to physical, emotional, or sexual abuse.
- Ability to be flexible and adapt to ever changing needs of the program and youth.
- Possess leadership skills and be willing to lead small groups of youth living with disabilities through fun and educational activities.
- Be kind and patient with caring personality
- Excellent independent problem-solving skills.
- Must have the ability to be outdoors and perform job duties/participate in games in various weather conditions including heat, humidity, rain, etc.
- Valid background check and clearance for working with minors.
- Must have a valid driver’s license, ability to pass agency driving background check (to drive agency vehicles) and reliable transportation.
GENERAL
This position description defines the general nature and level of work performed by the employee assigned to this position. It does not state or imply that these are the only duties and responsibilities assigned to the job. The employee may be required to perform other job-related duties as requested by the Evolve Manager, Director of Youth Services, Executive Director or the Board of Directors. All requirements are subject to change over time, and to possible modifications to reasonably accommodate an individual with developmental disabilities.
Job Type: Part-time
Pay: From $19.00 per hour
Work Location: In person
