Lead Member Engagement Specialist Mission 18 Elgin, IL Job Details Full-time $47,000 - $50,000 a year 5 hours ago Benefits Health insurance Paid time off Qualifications Disability support services Interpersonal skills Experience working with individuals with disabilities Resident personal care assistance Experience working with individuals with cognitive disabilities Driver's License Personal grooming assistance Experience working with adults with disabilities Experience working with individuals with physical disabilities Leadership Communication skills Full Job Description About Mission 18 Mission 18 is an innovative organization in Elgin, IL, supporting adults with alternative abilities through community-based programming, skill development, wellness opportunities, and meaningful engagement. Position Overview The Lead Member Engagement Specialist provides direct, person-centered support to adults with alternative abilities while serving as a consistent frontline leader within the Mission 18 member experience. This position combines hands-on member engagement with daily team coordination, modeling high-quality support, communication, professionalism, and follow-through. The Lead Member Engagement Specialist works closely with the Member Engagement Facilitator to help create meaningful, safe, welcoming, and engaging daily experiences for every member.

Essential Responsibilities Member Engagement & Support:

Build authentic, respectful relationships with members and support each individual in participating meaningfully in the Mission 18 day. Support person-centered activities that promote independence, wellness, recreation, social connection, creativity, and lifelong learning. Recognize individual strengths, interests, communication styles, goals, and support needs and adapt assistance accordingly. Encourage member choice, self-advocacy, independence, and participation while providing appropriate support when needed. Provide respectful, hands-on support with personal hygiene and activities of daily living as needed, including toileting, changing, handwashing, grooming, and other individualized personal care needs, while protecting each member's privacy, dignity, safety, and independence and following established support plans, procedures, and staff training.

Frontline Leadership & Team Support:

Serve as a positive day-to-day resource for Member Engagement Specialists and model Mission 18 expectations in all member interactions. Support daily staff assignments, activity transitions, member coverage, and communication in collaboration with the Member Engagement Facilitator. Help orient and mentor new Member Engagement Specialists through modeling, coaching, and practical support. Identify emerging member or team needs and communicate promptly with the Member Engagement Facilitator and leadership.

Program & Campus Support:

Assist with preparation, facilitation, and cleanup of daily programs, special events, community outings, and wellness activities. Support accurate attendance, participation notes, incident documentation, and other required member records. Maintain safe, organized, welcoming programming spaces and assist with materials, equipment, and room setup. Participate in staff meetings, training, safety drills, and continuous improvement efforts.

Collaboration:

Partner with the Member Engagement Facilitator, Member & Family Navigator, and Mission 18 leadership to support continuity between member goals, family priorities, and daily experiences. Communicate professionally and respectfully with members, families, staff, volunteers, and community partners. Maintain confidentiality and follow Mission 18 policies, procedures, safety expectations, and organizational values. Qualifications Experience supporting adults with disabilities, alternative abilities, or diverse support needs strongly preferred. Demonstrated ability to lead by example, communicate clearly, and support peers in a collaborative environment. Strong interpersonal, organizational, and problem-solving skills. Ability and willingness to provide direct personal care and hygiene support as required by individual member needs and established training. Valid Illinois driver's license and ability to participate in community-based activities and outings. Bilingual English/Spanish skills preferred. Preferred Characteristics Mission 18 values team members who: Leads with kindness, patience, dignity, and professionalism. Models initiative, reliability, flexibility, and strong follow-through. Enjoys being actively engaged with members rather than supervising from a distance. Contributes to a collaborative, solutions-oriented, mission-driven culture. Physical Demands This position requires regular movement throughout the Mission 18 campus and community, participation in recreational and wellness activities, standing, walking, bending, assisting with room setup, and occasional lifting of supplies or equipment. The role may also require direct assistance with member mobility, personal care, hygiene, and activities of daily living in accordance with individualized needs, safety procedures, and staff training. Compensation & Benefits Annual salary range: $47,000-$50,000, with optional health benefits and paid time off consistent with Mission 18 employment policies. Employment Statement Mission 18 is proud to be an equal opportunity employer committed to fostering an inclusive and welcoming environment for all individuals. We celebrate diversity and are dedicated to building a team that reflects compassion, innovation, professionalism, and community connection. Employment with Mission 18 is considered at-will and may be terminated by either the employee or the organization at any time, with or without cause or notice, subject to applicable law.

Pay:

$47,000.00 - $50,000.00 per year

Benefits:

Health insurance Paid time off

Work Location:

In person