OurSpaceLA Director - Jewish Neurodivergent Education Program
California, MO, United States
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OurSpaceLA is a program of Valley Beth Shalom, a warm, welcoming, vibrant Conservative synagogue in the city of Encino, with more than 1,200 families and nearly 75 years of meaningful Jewish engagement. OurSpaceLA offers a full spectrum of Jewish experiences that enable children and teens with special needs and diverse abilities (who are neuro-divergent) to actively embrace Judaism as a meaningful way of life. Participants learn about Shabbat, Jewish holidays, customs, traditions, prayer, and values. They celebrate holidays, life-cycle events, and other important milestones. The variety of program opportunities offered enables participants to create lifelong friendships, and together they are empowered to become active and contributing members of the larger Jewish community.
After 40 years, we have refocused the program to elementary school age children. We currently have 9 students enrolled and are hoping to grow the program next year. We believe that each Jewish child is entitled to a Jewish education and a b'nai mitzvah experience. VBS is committed to OurSpace's ability to accommodate each child's learning needs to make his or her connection to Judaism possible.
VBS is seeking a dynamic, outgoing, and strategic special education and Jewish professional to serve as the Director of the OurSpaceLA program, focused on growth and innovation.
Essential duties and responsibilities include the following:
Administer and plan all weekly, monthly and annual programs, including calendaring, organizing facilities, materials and resources, budgeting and fundraising for special events
Develop a curriculum that follows an informal Jewish experiential, educational approach
Support families and participants through the b’nai mitzvah process and help to create a meaningful service/Jewish life-cycle experience for all
Hiring, training, supervising, and evaluating the OurSpaceLA staff and volunteers
Conduct staff meetings, training, and briefings
Recruit, train, supervise, and evaluate volunteers in the OurSpaceLA program
Recruit and enroll participants
Represent OurSpaceLA in community committees, functions, and programs to enhance its visibility and attract families and resources
Coordinate, and lead the monthly Sunday morning or weekday evening Parent/Grandparent meetings.
Make a positive difference in the lives of students/participants who are neurodivergent and their families
Support in fundraising, grant writing, and evaluation to ensure operational sustainability
Support in building and maintaining strong relationships and partnerships with funders, donors, and agencies
Instill a love of Judaism that remains with them wherever their life journeys take them
Qualifications & Skills:
M.S. Degree in Special Education or related field that includes a range of knowledge about Neurodiversity/Special Needs, Unique and Diverse Abilities.
Experience with informal and/or formal education and teaching children with special needs.
Understanding of various communication devices and systems
Ability to communicate with Regional Centers, Behaviorists, Support Staff, Therapists, OT, Speech and Language Pathologists, Assisted Technology and Facilitated Communication professional, etc.
Excellent customer service skills and ability to make people feel heard and valued
Professional and tactful interpersonal skills with the ability to interact with a variety of personalities
Excellent verbal and written communication skills
Compensation: $30,000- $40,000, depending on experience
Reports to: Senior Rabbi & Executive Director
Hours: 10-15 hours per week, Some evenings and most Sundays required in person- Weekdays can be Hybrid
Direct Reports: Part-Time Administrator & Teachers
Duration Part Time, Contract, & Seasonal
Categories Director | Education - Other
Organization Type Education & Schools | Synagogue
Job Location US
Views 62
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