Program and Student Affairs Coordinator – Job Description

Created

February 1, 2021
Last Updated

May 25, 2022

Job Title

Program and Student Affairs Coordinator
Reports To

Executive Director

Job Duties:

1. Handle student inquiries and enrollment.
2. Provide student orientations.
3. Oversee student assessments.
4. Develop and update curriculum with input from instructors based on changing participant needs.
5. Ensure student requirements are being met by collecting and compiling student information for their Individual Service Plans and assisting instructors in the writing of student reports.
6. Conduct and compile results from student surveys to make sure the program is meeting their needs.
7. Work as part of an interdisciplinary team to find ways to meet individual participant needs.
8. Manage program-related reports.
9. Maintain statistical records including record of student training hours, Staff hours, and demographics.
10. Develop and maintain systems for filing participant records.
11. Create class schedules.
12. Keep policies, plans, and procedures up to date with current needs and CARF standards, with support from the Executive Director and Director of Operations.
13. Provide counsel and support to individuals and groups.
14. Offer support and guidance to students throughout their program.
15. Mediates and helps to resolve interpersonal problems between participants living in the dorms that arrise.
16. Apply basic counseling knowledge and/or First Aid when necessary.
17. Make appropriate referrals for physical or mental health in the best interest of the student.
18. Advise participants as to proper channels for addressing a grievance.
19. Link students with formal and informal resources, and help individuals develop their skills and ability to use their own resources and those of their community to solve problems and find solutions.
20. Train and supervise instructors and other program staff.
21. Facilitate staff meetings.
22. Investigate and coordinate professional development opportunities for program staff.
23. Conduct program staff evaluations and case reviews.
24. Provide training under sleepshades to fill in for instructors when needed and write reports on student challenges and successes in these classes.
25. Work with rehabilitation professionals, individuals, families, groups and communities, to enhance individual and collective positive blindness philosophy.
26. Work with instructors to plan programs and program activities.
27. Promote, and where applicable use, the structured discovery (problem-solving) method of teaching.
28. Use a long white cane or guide dog at all times during the program.
29. Contribute program-related updates to the Executive Report for the division Board of Directors and other stakeholders.
30. Assist Executive Director with grant writing and reporting.
31. Inform Director of Operations when new program supplies and equipment are needed.
32. Assist in the recruitment of new students.
33. Provide community outreach and help to identify the needs of blind and Deafblind individuals; propose ways to meet these needs.
34. Help participants become independent through gaining problem-solving skills.
35. • Secure and protect the confidentiality of student and staff information.
36. Report any suspected violation of the law such as: child abuse of any kind, harassment, illegal use or sale of drugs or alcohol, threats or possession of a weapon, and other violations to the Executive Director.
37. Perform occasional other tasks as assigned by the Executive Director.

Qualifications

1. Candidate must be legally blind.
2. A degree, diploma or Certificate in rehabilitation, education, Human Services, Social Work, or Community Social Services; training at a structured discovery blindness centre; OR A relevant combination of education and experiences that equate to at least two years.
3. Experience in a relevant field of knowledge with blindness/DeafBlindness experience preferred.
4. Working knowledge of Braille, adaptive speech and Braille technology, travel with the long white cane, and other aspects of blindness/DeafBlindness skills.
5. Experience in teaching adults and an understanding of the unique needs of adult learners.
6. Experience working with people who have various disabilities in conjunction with blindness such as physical challenges, learning disabilities, brain injuries and mental health conditions.
7. Strong belief in and understanding of using problem solving to teach blindness/DeafBlindness skills and the centre’s positive approach to blindness/DeafBlindness.
8. Willing to learn the structured discovery / problem-solving method of teaching used at the centre.
9. Understanding of and ability to access books, websites, media, online classes and other resources.
10. Must be detail oriented and possess effective organizational and basic research skills.
11. Must have excellent written and verbal communication skills.
12. A willingness to be flexible.
13. A willingness to help out occasionally during extra activities such as virtual events or group outings/recreational activities.
14. Ability to serve as an appropriate role model for participants.
15. Ability to work in a collaborative manner with the centre Community.
16. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with participants, staff, and families/support systems.
17. Ability to provide supervision to improve overall program quality.
18. Ability to make difficult decisions with composure, tact and dignity.
19. Ability to maintain materials of a highly confidential nature.
20. Ability to deal effectively with questions or problems, seeking assistance when needed.
21. Ability to exhibit emotional control, patience and persistence in extremely stressful situations.
22. Ability to make decisions using sound judgment with information at hand.
23. Sensitivity to, and appreciation of, participants’ diverse backgrounds.
24. A valid CPR/First Aid certificate is required.
25. Willingness to get a valid Foodsafe certificate.