Support Staff - Family Support Services
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Racker
Cortland, NY, US
Summary
The Support Staff member will manage the daily operations of the Lending Libraries, including inventory maintenance and facilitating inclusive programs for families. Additionally, they will assist families in navigating grant funding applications and the OPWDD eligibility process.
Job Description
Overview
Racker is seeking a compassionate and organized
Support Staff member to join our
Family Support Services (FSS) team in Cortland. This position plays a key role in ensuring our services are welcoming, accessible, and helpful to individuals supported through OPWDD, as well as their families, caregivers, and staff.In this role, you will work collaboratively across several FSS programs, including the
Lending Libraries,
Family Reimbursement, and
Service Access. This role is well-suited for someone who is:
- Highly organized: able to keep systems, spaces, and records in order
- Personable and welcoming: enjoys interacting with families, individuals, volunteers, and community partners
- A self-starter: comfortable working independently, anticipating needs, and taking initiative to keep services running smoothly
About the Programs You Will Support:
Lending LibrariesRacker’s Lending Libraries help individuals of all ages explore and borrow sensory tools and adaptive items tailored to their needs. We operate library spaces in three locations with open hours, and we also offer inter-site deliveries and occasional home deliveries. Support Staff help open and maintain the library spaces, welcome visitors, and uphold a safe, organized, and accessible environment. As well as create and host a variety of trainings and activities geared towards individuals with developmental disabilities and their families.
Family ReimbursementThis program helps Cortland County families by assisting families in understanding available statewide grant funding and helping them navigate allowable expenses, required documentation, and timelines. Provide guidance on completing applications, gathering receipts/invoices, and submitting materials to ensure families can access funds intended to offset costs related to their child’s or family member’s developmental disability. This role will also help maintain organized tracking systems to ensure accuracy and timely submission of reimbursement requests.
Service AccessThis service offers guidance to help individuals and families understand and move through OPWDD’s “Front Door” process. This includes providing information on eligibility steps, helping gather required documents (such as evaluations, medical forms, and proof of disability), explaining what to expect during each stage, and offering follow-up support. In this role, staff will work collaboratively with families and regional OPWDD contacts to ensure communication is clear and that families feel supported as they pursue eligibility approval and connections to services.
Location: Cortland, NY
Schedule: 27.5 hours/week: primarily evenings and weekends
Starting Pay: $20.00/hour
Benefits: Eligible
Responsibilities
- Ensure services are delivered with a strong customer-service focus while interacting with individuals, families, and other service providers who come to Racker for support
- Oversee the daily conditions of the Lending Libraries to ensure the program is available, organized, safe, and accessible for all.
- Maintain the quality and care of FSS inventory, including inspecting, sanitizing, organizing, and tracking sensory items and materials
- Design and facilitate a variety of weekly programs offered through the Lending Library, focusing on inclusive and engaging activities that support learning, creativity, and community connection.
- Collaborate with all Racker programming to welcome participants and connect them to Family Support Services
- Assisting families in understanding statewide grant funding options, navigating allowable expenses, and gathering required documentation.
- Help families complete funding applications, organize receipts, and submit materials to ensure timely and accurate access to funding that offsets costs related to developmental disabilities.
- Provide guidance on eligibility steps by helping families gather necessary documents, and offer clear communication about what to expect throughout the process.
- Staff will conduct outreach to new and existing FSS families to share information about program offerings, assess current support needs, and connect families with appropriate services and educational opportunities.
- Complete required service documentation
Qualifications
- High School diploma or GED
- Ability to meet Racker’s approved driver criteria
Our approach to Diversity and Inclusion -
"A world where all people know they belong."
Since 1948, Racker has been many things to many different people.
We are a community, a friend, a family, and a provider of services, supports and opportunities that help people live happy and fulfilling lives. Knowing that we work within a system that is limited to helping people once they’ve received a “label” of a disability, Racker chooses instead to focus on what it is that truly makes people, all people, happy- having friends, learning new things, and being independent.
We don’t focus on labels. We focus on people. We continue the vision of our founding families, that all people will be valued members of a welcoming community. That vision is the foundation for everything we do, and we work to share it throughout our community.
Vision
We envision a world where all people know they belong.
Mission
We support people with disabilities and their families to lead fulfilling lives by providing opportunities to learn and be connected with others.
Founded
1948
Company size
501-1,000 employees
Industry
Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Ithaca, NY
Since 1948, Racker has been many things to many different people.
We are a community, a friend, a family, and a provider of services, supports and opportunities that help people live happy and fulfilling lives. Knowing that we work within a system that is limited to helping people once they’ve received a “label” of a disability, Racker chooses instead to focus on what it is that truly makes people, all people, happy- having friends, learning new things, and being independent.
We don’t focus on labels. We focus on people. We continue the vision of our founding families, that all people will be valued members of a welcoming community. That vision is the foundation for everything we do, and we work to share it throughout our community.
Vision
We envision a world where all people know they belong.
Mission
We support people with disabilities and their families to lead fulfilling lives by providing opportunities to learn and be connected with others.
Founded
1948
Company size
501-1,000 employees
Industry
Non-Profit Organizations and NGOs
Org type
Public Company
Headquarters
Ithaca, NY