Location of Service: UT FUTURE Program – 1122 Volunteer Blvd., Bailey 401
About UT FUTURE Program:
FUTURE is an inclusive postsecondary education program that serves individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities (IDD). FUTURE helps young adults with IDD make a successful transition from high school to adult life. During the program, we provide students with specially designed FUTURE classes, the opportunity to audit undergraduate courses, and an internship on or off campus. Also available is career and clinical counseling to help develop academic, vocational, social, and decision-making skills. Upon successful completion of the program, students receive a vocational certificate.
Position Summary:
- Plan for and attend recruitment events in the community to educate about the FUTURE Program and the benefits postsecondary education can afford individuals with IDD
- Develop and carry out training for volunteers (known as peer mentors) as well as head up recruitment efforts for additional peer mentors
- Oversee volunteers, who in turn work directly with the students enrolled in the FUTURE Program
- Communicate daily with volunteers and Program staff to ensure smooth operations of the Program (via texting, GroupMe, email, phone calls)
- Be in charge of Fun Friday afternoon activities, which are a mainstay of the FUTURE Program and works toward social inclusion and allowing FUTURE students to contribute to their surrounding community
- Oversee social media content for the FUTURE Program
- Oversee fundraising efforts for the Program
- Attend weekly staff meetings
- Communicate with various community partners to establish and maintain good working relationships and promote inclusion in all spaces
- Other various tasks and duties as communicated by the Program Coordinator
- Be flexible and ready to take on something new each day, as working with individuals with IDD can provide unique and varying challenges.
- Gain experience working with a diverse group of individuals, leading and planning events, being part of a team that focuses on a holistic approach to education services, teaching students with diverse abilities, etc.
The member(s) in this position will have the opportunity to gain the following skills/credentials:
- Experience working with individuals with disabilities
- Learn how to manage When to Work scheduling software
- Create projects using Canva software
- Advance professionalism, team building, and communication skills in a higher education setting
Site Preferences/Qualifications:
- Bachelor’s Degree
- Strong communication skills
- Ability to follow instructions
- Ability and willingness to learn
- Ability to work well in a team
- Strong work ethic
- Ability and willingness to follow all safety protocols
Equity and Inclusion: The Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC) is an Equal Opportunity Employer and will take action to ensure that members and employees are treated equally without regard to race, color, national origin, sex, gender, romantic/sexual orientation, age, handicap, cultural or religious convictions. CAC AmeriCorps provides reasonable accommodations to applicants and employees. Applicants with disabilities may request reasonable accommodation at any point in the recruitment / employment process.