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. This art-focused role helps participants explore and develop their artistic talents while fostering independence, self-advocacy, self-determination, and community inclusion. The specialist provides hands-on coaching in studio and real-world settings, supports participants’ personal goals and interests, and mentors artists in their creative development. The position combines visual arts support with community-based skill building. It includes teaching communication, social, work, conflict-resolution, independence, self-advocacy, and safety skills; building partnerships with local organizations; documenting progress and communicating with the care team; and ensuring participants’ health and safety during activities. The specialist may also assist with personal care, medication, petty cash, transportation, and other assigned tasks. Work takes place in varied community settings, including locations such as animal shelters and pantries, as well as indoors and outdoors. The role may involve driving in traffic or bad weather, assisting people with mobility or behavioral needs, and working in moderate noise. Physical duties include walking, standing, bending, moving throughout the day, assisting with mobility and lifting up to 100 pounds with assistance, using lifts or mechanical equipment as needed, and frequent computer and documentation work.

Requirements

At least 1 year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities (IDD/DD) or in a similar field.
Experience supporting individuals with disabilities, developmental disabilities, or behavioral health needs.
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.
Certifications required for the position must be kept up to date.
Ability to mentor artists, provide constructive artistic feedback, and encourage creative growth.
Ability to walk, stand, bend, and move throughout the day; assist with mobility and lift up to 100 pounds with assistance; use lifts or mechanical equipment as needed; and frequently use a computer and complete documentation.
Comfort with assisting individuals with mobility and behavioral needs and working in varied indoor and outdoor community settings.

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 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.
Build social connections and encourage 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, using approved and taught behavioral interventions when needed.
Drive individuals safely to and from programs and activities.
Assist with personal care and medication when needed.
Participate in team meetings about participants’ progress and goals.
Manage participant petty cash when assigned.
Advocate for individuals’ independence and inclusion.
Mentor artists and support their creative development.