Hesed Social and Community Engagement Specialist

Concordia is a Lutheran higher education community committed to helping students develop in mind, body and spirit for service to Christ in the Church and in the world.

Position Summary

The Hesed Transition Program is a 2-year program for young adults with Intellectual and/or Developmental Disabilities aged 18-25. This program utilizes HTP classes, vocational experiences, and select CUW classes to promote independent living skills, career exploration and preparation, and personal/faith development. HTP students will receive a Record of Program Completion at the end of 2 years and can then choose an optional 3rd year fellowship.

Hesed, a profound concept in Biblical Hebrew, encapsulates the idea of God's steadfast love, kindness, and mercy shown through action. Just as Hesed emphasizes going above and beyond mere obligation or duty, advocating for and participating in a postsecondary transition program reflects CUW's genuine desire to uplift and empower individuals with developmental disabilities as they navigate the challenges of transitioning into adulthood.

Hesed Social and Community Engagement Specialist- The Community and Social Activities Coordinator Specialist will support students in the Hesed Transition Program (HTP) participation in on and off campus community activities. This position reports to the HTP Director, then the Assistant Vice President for Student Success and is at the CUW Mequon, WI campus.

Job Duties and Responsibilities

Campus engagement functions:

• Organize and coordinate Hesed Transition Program activities throughout the academic year.
• Organize, coordinate, and maintain communication with Student Engagement and Campus Activities Board to ensure students are engaging in social activities on campus.
• Communication to School of Health Professions, School of Nursing, and School of Pharmacy to coordinate support to on and off campus events for Hesed Transition students.
• Coordinate, organize Hesed Student Mentorships with traditional CUW students.
• Assist with follow through of Hesed Transition Program goals for Hesed Transition Program students.
• Maintain the Hesed Transition Program social media including Instagram and Facebook.
• Communications to Hesed Transition Program families updates and social happenings.
• Coordinate Bi-Monthly Hesed Reporter Newsletter that is sent out to Hesed Families, CUW advancement donors and supports, and CUW Student Success Team.

Community engagement functions:

• Coordinate off campus learning experiences including cultural, educational, community service, unified sports programs, shopping, public transportation training, and cooking classes in conjunction with the university's mission.
• Coordinate off campus community activities including the transportation with community organizations in order to develop students to promote personal, social, and faith development.
• Identify local community-based resources useful for HTP students.
• Manage program communications, including but not limited to newsletters and social media.

Teaching/ Curricular Job functions:

• Participate in student observations/testing/interview within the application process.
• Serve as an advisor and mentor to assigned HTP students and collaborate with families.
• Collaborate with HTP Director to guide curriculum development and alignment, annually, based on the needs of the students. Outline goals/objectives and learning plans for successful outcomes of the program.
• Prepare and teach classes as needed each semester.
• Other duties as assigned

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent communication skills - written and oral
• Ability to teach using a variety of methods to reach a broad spectrum of learners
• Ability to authentically integrate Christian faith with teaching and learning
• Ability to collaborate with faculty in various disciplines to discuss accommodations for student success
• Ability to work independently, prioritize tasks and organize work in a busy setting
• Ability to demonstrate ingenuity and prompt action in resolving problems
• Ability to read, comprehend, and follow written and verbal instructions
• Ability to maintain strict confi