Special Needs Care Associate

As part of Matthew’s Ministry staff, this consistent and compassionate member of the team provides hands-on care for participants with special needs. Direct care will be provided for participants on the autism spectrum as well as other types of disabilities.

All members of the team will pursue the mission of Matthew’s Ministry by living out the values of faith, safety, care, and support of Matthew’s Ministry. Emphasis is placed on ministering to individuals of all ages with special needs to ensure that The Church of the Resurrection builds a dynamic Christian community that serves with this population.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities and Expectations:

- Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

- Works with Matthew’s Ministry staff in caring for individuals with special needs during programming throughout the year.

- Keeps participants and others safe, facilitates high-quality engagement and connection during programming, and caters church experiences to help participants of all abilities practice their faith, learn from scripture, and experience the love of God.

- Provide direct care on Sunday’s morning and evening services, Wednesday night programming, monthly Family Night Outs, and other times when needed (For example: VBC.)

- Work at least two programming days a month, unless communicated to the program director ahead of time.

- Arrive on time and participate in pre-service meetings, unless communicated to the program director ahead of time.

- Fosters good communication with parents and fellow staff and represents Matthew’s Ministry well, on or off the clock.

- Attend occasional staff meetings.

- Other duties as assigned.

- Follow Jesus and engage in the “five essential practices” of the Christian life: worship, study, serve, give, and share.

- Support the church’s purpose of “building a Christian community where non-religious and nominally religious people become deeply committed Christians.”

- Exemplify the church’s values and support its theological direction as a United Methodist Church.

Competencies:

Adapting – remains flexible and modifies behaviors quickly to help the ministry meet the dynamic needs of families, staff, and volunteers. This includes volunteering with any participant, age, or ability.

Problem Solving – makes good decisions quickly, solves problems effectively.

Teamwork – willing to contribute to highly effective teams, whether supervised or informal. Ability to work in collaborative environment and be energetic.

Reliability – meeting the needs of the family and ministry by being available to serve per expectations of the role.

Qualifications:

Be a committed follower of Jesus Christ, seeking to know, love and serve God.

Exemplify the church’s values and uphold the staff covenant.

Support the church’s purpose, vision and journey.

Knowledge of autism and other disabilities are helpful but not required.

Knowledge of behavior management and applied behavior analysis are helpful, but not required.

Ability to multi-task and problem solve.