SPECIAL NEEDS COORDINATOR

• REPORTS TO: CHILDREN’S MINISTRY DIRECTOR - SARATOGA CAMPUS
• RELATES CLOSELY WITH: CHILDREN’S MINISTRY TEAM
• CLASSIFICATION: PART-TIME / UP TO 10 HRS
• PAY RANGE: $23-$28/ HR 

WestGate Church, a non-denominational, multi-congregational church situated in one of the most diverse and influential regions of the world—the Silicon Valley—is seeking an energetic, skilled Special Needs Coordinator to execute the vision of the Special Needs Ministry at WestGate Church. This part-time role (Sunday - Thursday) may require occasional work on Fridays and Saturdays as well as evening hours, providing exceptional care and advocacy for our families impacted by special needs.

PERSONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Passionate Jesus follower, actively learning and living the way of Jesus: loving God, neighbor, and one another.
• Understanding of and alignment with WestGate's theology, vision, and values, using them as a filter for decisions.
• Embodiment of staff values: Holy, Humble, Hungry, (People-)Smart. 
• Exemplification of essential competencies: oversight, strategy, team leadership, self-leadership, chemistry, communication, execution, stewardship, formation, proficiency.  
• Commitment to continual growth: spiritual, personal, professional; invests in the growth of others. 
• Demonstrates strong chemistry, connecting well with people as a relational team player.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s Degree from a four-year college or university; or over two years related experience and/or training; or equivalent combination of education and experience.  
• Positive, professional, self-starter with the ability to organize and prioritize responsibilities and projects with minimal direction. 
• Maintains a high level of confidentiality, handling situations with discretion, diplomacy, and tact. 
• Exhibits personal and professional discernment and discretion.  
• Superior communication skills: written and verbal in both English and Spanish.

PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES  

• Create an inclusive church environment by educating volunteer leaders in the children’s and student ministries on the value of individuals with special needs and how to effectively include them in our ministries.
• Work with weekend coordinators and ministry leaders to identify and serve individuals with special needs.
• Develop, maintain and staff a classroom environment that supports the unique needs of our special friends that need a separate space.
• Be present on weekends to support the team of volunteer “buddies”, connect with families, and be available to help assimilate new families.
• Cultivate a collaborative relationship with other local churches and ministries (ie: Joni and Friends, YoungLife Capernaum) to better serve our community.
• Cultivate outreach relationships with local schools and organizations to serve those not currently in our church body. 
• Plan and execute events that equip, train, and recharge parents of our special needs friends 3 times per year.
• Plan and execute Respite events to care for our special friends and siblings, while their parents have a break, 3 times per year.
• Recruit, process, and train volunteer teams to support the unique needs of our special families.
• Build a team of “buddies” that allow all kids/students to be a part of WestGate age specific services and events when appropriate. 
• Develop a volunteer team to serve the needs of these families (special friends, siblings, parents) at our SNM events.
• Other duties as assigned.

PRIMARY LEADERSHIP COMPONENTS

Scale - Low 1 to High 5

Motivational Leadership - “I lead through platform” - Inspire action through platform leadership and motivational speaking

Low - 1

Strategic Leadership - “I lead through systems” - Advance our mission through data, planning, execution, and reporting

Med - 3

Directional Leadership - “I lead through vision” - Ensure progress by defining goals, key objectives and providing guidance

Low-Med 2

Relational Leadership - “I lead through connection” - Foster growth and well-being through personalized connection and care

High - 5

Team Leadership - “I lead through team” - Build team by recruiting, training, scheduling, and celebrating contributors

High - 5

LEGAL NOTICES - PHYSICAL DEMANDS

• Stand for extended periods.
• Perform walking, bending, twisting, and kneeling.
• Navigate stairs.
• Demonstrate finger and hand dexterity for computer, instrument, and tool operation.
• Possess specific vision abilities, including close, distance, color, and peripheral vision, with the ability to adjust focus.
• Lift and carry up to 20 pounds with or without assistance.

LEGAL NOTICES - WORK CONDITIONS

• Operate in a professional office or church environment with standard equipment like computers, printers, filing cabinets, and telephones.
• Lead in settings with various equipment, cables, stage lights, loud sounds, and visual stimuli.
• Work typically occurs Sunday-Thursday, with occasional Fridays, Saturdays, or evenings as needed.

This job description is not designed to cover or comprehensively list all possible duties, activities, or responsibilities. These requirements may change at any time. Acceptance of this position constitutes the employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions, and duties of the position.