Community Integration Specialist - Art Studio

Goodwill Columbus•Whitehall, OH

About The Position

The Community Integration Specialist supports artists with developmental disabilities in an Art Studio program. The role focuses on helping participants explore and develop their artistic talents while promoting independence, self-advocacy, self-determination, and community inclusion. This is an art-focused position for someone with a demonstrated background, education, or significant experience in visual arts, studio arts, arts instruction, or the professional arts community who can mentor artists and encourage their creative development. The specialist provides hands-on coaching in real-world settings, teaches practical and social skills, supports participants’ personal goals and community connections, and helps create volunteer and skill-building opportunities through partnerships with local organizations. The role also involves tracking progress and documenting updates for the care team, supporting participants’ health and safety, and driving them to and from programs and activities. Additional duties may include personal care, medication assistance, team meetings, and managing participant petty cash when assigned. Work takes place in varied community settings, such as animal shelters and pantries, as well as indoors and outdoors. The position involves driving in traffic or bad weather, moderate noise, and assisting individuals with mobility and behavior needs. Physical activities include walking, standing, bending, and moving throughout the day; assisting with mobility and lifts of up to 100 pounds with assistance; using lifts or mechanical equipment as needed; and frequently using a computer and completing documentation.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities (IDD/DD) or in a similar field.
Valid Ohio driver’s license and car insurance.
Ability to pass a DOT physical or obtain a doctor’s clearance to provide Non-Medical Transportation (NMT) in vehicles equipped to accommodate necessary devices.
Keep certifications required for the position up to date.
Demonstrated background, education, or significant experience in visual arts, studio arts, arts instruction, or the professional arts community.
Comfort assisting individuals with mobility and behavior needs.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, and move throughout the day; assist with mobility and lifts of up to 100 pounds with assistance; use lifts or mechanical equipment as needed; and frequently use a computer and complete documentation.

Nice To Haves

Degree, coursework, or significant experience in Studio Art, Fine Arts, Art Education, Photography, Sculpture, Graphic Design, or a related artistic field.
Professional, academic, or community-based experience creating, exhibiting, teaching, or facilitating visual arts programs.
Knowledge of art history, artistic techniques, and creative processes.
Connections within the Columbus arts community and a passion for supporting emerging artists.
Experience developing and leading art workshops, classes, or creative skill-building activities.
Experience with personal care or teaching.
College coursework related to IDD/DD.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, developmental disabilities, or behavioral health needs.
Experience with photography, mixed media, sculpture, digital art, social media promotion, or gallery/event coordination.

Responsibilities

Support individuals in exploring hobbies, work interests, and personal goals.
Teach communication, social, work, conflict-resolution, independence, self-advocacy, self-determination, and safety skills.
Help participants build social connections and independence through community and social activities.
Create and maintain partnerships with local organizations for volunteer and skill-building opportunities.
Track progress, complete documentation, and share updates with the care team.
Provide hands-on coaching and support in real-world settings.
Ensure participants’ health and safety in the community, including using approved and taught behavioral interventions as needed.
Drive individuals safely to and from programs and activities.
Assist with personal care and medication if needed.
Attend team meetings to discuss participants’ progress and goals.
Help manage participant petty cash when assigned.
Advocate for individuals’ independence and inclusion.
Mentor artists, provide constructive artistic feedback, and encourage creative growth.
Perform other tasks as assigned.