Community Integration Specialist - Art Studio

Goodwill-Columbus-; Whitehall (OH); On-site; USD 35,000 - 52,000; Full time

Job summary

Goodwill Columbus seeks a Community Integration Specialist to help individuals with developmental disabilities grow independence and participate in community activities. You will coach, advocate, and connect participants to learning experiences in real-world settings.

The role emphasizes safety, mobility support, and person-centered planning, including transportation responsibilities and collaboration with the interdisciplinary team.

Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD/DD) or in a related human services field.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to pass a DOT Physical or obtain physician clearance for Non-Medical Transportation (NMT).
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and training.

Responsibilities

• Coach and support individuals in real-world environments.
• Monitor health, safety, and well-being while in the community.
• Implement approved behavioral support strategies when necessary.
• Assist with personal care and medication administration as needed.
• Advocate for individual rights, inclusion, and personal choice.
• Safely transport individuals to and from programs, volunteer sites, and community activities.

Education

College coursework in Developmental Disabilities, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or related field

Job description

Community Integration Specialist

Goodwill Columbus | Day Services | Monday - Friday | 8am - 5pm

Make a difference every day while building lives of possibility.

Do you enjoy helping others reach their goals, build confidence, and become more connected in their community? As a Community Integration Specialist I (DOT Driver), you'll work directly with individuals with developmental disabilities, helping them develop independence, strengthen social connections, learn new skills, and experience meaningful community engagement.

This is more than a direct support role. You'll serve as a coach, advocate, mentor, and community connector while helping individuals live fuller, more self-directed lives.

Why Join Goodwill Columbus?

At Goodwill Columbus, our mission is helping people build lives of possibility and purpose. Every day, we empower individuals to achieve greater independence, employment success, personal growth, and community inclusion. As a Community Integration Specialist, you'll have the opportunity to make a lasting impact by supporting individuals as they develop skills, build community connections, and create meaningful experiences that enrich their lives. If you're looking for a career with purpose, where your work directly changes lives, we'd love to meet you.

What You'll Do

Support Individual Growth & Independence

• Help individuals identify personal goals, interests, hobbies, and future aspirations.
• Teach and reinforce essential life skills, including:
  • Communication
  • Social skills
  • Workplace readiness
  • Conflict resolution
  • Self-advocacy
  • Self-determination
  • Personal safety
  • Independence skills
• Encourage individuals to make informed choices and actively direct their own lives.

Facilitate Community Engagement

• Support participation in volunteer opportunities, social activities, and community-based experiences.
• Foster meaningful relationships and social connections.
• Create inclusive opportunities that promote independence and community involvement.
• Build and maintain partnerships with local organizations and community resources.

Provide Direct Support

• Coach and support individuals in real-world environments.
• Monitor health, safety, and well-being while in the community.
• Implement approved behavioral support strategies when necessary.
• Assist with personal care and medication administration as needed.
• Advocate for individual rights, inclusion, and personal choice.

Transportation Responsibilities

• Safely transport individuals to and from programs, volunteer sites, and community activities.
• Operate agency vehicles in compliance with transportation and safety regulations.
• Maintain eligibility for all DOT and Non-Medical Transportation requirements.

Documentation & Team Collaboration

• Complete timely and accurate service documentation and progress updates.
• Communicate participant achievements and concerns with the interdisciplinary team.
• Participate in team meetings and planning discussions.
• Manage participant petty cash when assigned.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

What We’re Looking For

Required Qualifications

• Minimum 1 year of experience supporting individuals with developmental disabilities (IDD/DD) or in a related human services field.
• Valid Ohio driver's license and proof of automobile insurance.
• Ability to pass a DOT Physical or obtain physician clearance for Non-Medical Transportation (NMT).
• Ability to maintain all required certifications and training.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience providing personal care support.
• Experience teaching, coaching, mentoring, or training others.
• College coursework in Developmental Disabilities, Special Education, Social Work, Psychology, Human Services, or a related field.

Skills for Success

We’re looking for someone who is:

• Compassionate, patient, and person-centered.
• A strong communicator and relationship builder.
• Organized with excellent time management and multitasking skills.
• Creative in developing engaging and meaningful community activities.
• Comfortable working independently and making sound decisions.
• Flexible and adaptable when supporting different individuals and situations.
• A strong problem solver with good judgment.
• Skilled at building partnerships with community organizations.
• Comfortable using technology and mobile documentation systems.
• Customer-service focused when interacting with participants, families, and the public.

Work Environment

This role is primarily community-based and may include:

• Volunteer sites
• Animal shelters
• Food pantries
• Community organizations
• Recreational and educational settings

Candidates should be comfortable:

• Driving throughout the community in varying traffic and weather conditions.
• Working both indoors and outdoors.
• Supporting individuals with mobility, behavioral, and personal care needs.
• Working in moderately noisy environments.

Physical Requirements

• Frequent walking, standing, bending, and movement throughout the day.
• Ability to assist with participant mobility needs.
• Ability to lift and transfer up to 100 pounds with assistance.
• Use of lifts and adaptive equipment as needed.
• Frequent computer and electronic documentation use.