Happy 2014!

 

The Board of Directors, staff and the individuals served by

The Arc of Orleans County wish you and yours a Healthy and Happy New Year!

Thank you for your kindness and support in 2013.

Your generosity is truly appreciated!

 

 

Santa Visits Rainbow Preschool in Albion

Santa Claus visited Rainbow Preschool in Albion today, taking time to visit with each student, and giving each of them a present and stuffed animal.  Today was the students last day for the year; they return to school on January 2nd.  Shown with Santa above and brother and sister duo, Mason and Cadence.

Happy Holidays From All of Us!

 

The Board of Directors, staff, and the individuals
served by The Arc of Orleans County
wish you and your family

the happiest and healthiest of holiday seasons!

Bracelet Sales Raise Money for Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund

The Arc of Orleans County's Day Habilitation program recently made and sold special bracelets, with the proceeds benefiting the Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund.  The bracelets were available in an assortment of colors, each representing a different type of cancer. 

The Memorial Fund was set up in memory of Richard Knights and Sue Kaderli by their families; money from the fund is used for the benefit of Orleans County cancer patients.  The funds help with prescriptions and nutritional supplements, medical supplies, and bills.  Day Habilitation presented members of the Knights and Kaderli families with a check for $595 from the sale of the bracelets!

Shown the photo above are (l.-r.): Cindy Hunt-Day Hab staff; Jeff Rose-Day Hab participant; Melissa Knights Bertrand from Knights/Kaderli; Erica Francis-Day Hab participant; Rhonda Kaderli Sloper from Knights/Kaderli; Jason McCoy-Day Hab participant; Tina Dusett-Day Hab staff; Pam Lamar-Day Hab Manager; Tim Hodgson-Day Hab participant; and Mary Kaderli Zelazny, also from Knights/Kaderli.

For more information on the Richard Knights-Sue Kaderli Memorial Fund, please go to their website: Knights-Kaderli Memorial Fund. 
You can also find them on Facebook at: Knights-Kaderli Facebook page.

Employment Listing 12/18/13 Individual Service Coordinator

                                               VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT
POSITION:  INDIVIDUAL SERVICE COORDINATOR
 REGULAR FULLTIME      2 POSITIONS
 
REPORTS TO: SENIOR INDIVIDUAL SERVICES COORDINATOR – JEN BATT

LOCATION: FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES – ARNOLD GREGORY COMPLEX - ALBION

DUTIES: UNDER MINIMUM SUPERVISION, REPRESENTS THE INTERESTS OF INDIVIDUALS AND/OR GUARDIANS IN BECOMING INFORMED, FREE, CONTRIBUTING MEMBERS OF THE COMMUNITY.  ASSESS, LINK AND REFER INDIVIDUALS TO SERVICES.  ADVOCATE, MONITOR AND FOLLOW UP TO ASSURE APPROPRIATENESS OF SERVICES IN THE LEAST RESTRICTIVE ENVIRONMENT.
QUALIFICATIONS:
AAS degree in a health or human services field, or a Registered Nurse.  (Please note that a candidate for a BS degree may meet this educational requirement by providing a letter from his or her college verifying that the candidate has completed course work equivalent to an associate degree both in total number of credits received and number of credits earned in a health or human services field.)
One year of experience working with people with a developmental disability or one year experience as a service coordinator with any population, 1 year experience in case management activities, or a Masters degree in health or human services and no experience. Spanish and English speaking preferred.
Ability to facilitate teams, manage conflicts and assess need, deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, strong organization, problem solving and oral and written communication skills are required.  Pay attention to detail and time management skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.

STARTING RATE: GRADE 16 - $26,277/yr. or $12.63 PER HOUR
INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY 12/26/13 TO:
HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT.
THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY
PO BOX 439
ALBION, NY 14411. 
e-mail:  cfox@arcoforleans.org  Fax:  (585) 589-5669
The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Posted: 12/18/13

Employment Listing - 12/16/13 Direct Support Professional

                                         VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                                                                                    

POSITION:           REGULAR FULL TIME DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL
                                              AT DAY HAB WITHOUT WALLS
 

REPORTS TO:          DAY HAB MANAGER – PAM LAMAR

LOCATION:                WASHINGTON ST –   ALBION                                     

DUTIES:         Provides direct hands on supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community settings.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Working level knowledge of people with disabilities, provide supervision, training, support of daily living skills and activities to people with disabilities in vocational/community settings.  Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, must be able to complete required trainings and oral & written communication skills required. Must be capable of lifting 40 lbs. Need a valid NYS drivers license.

 

STARTING RATE:     Grade 7DC - $9.28/hr. 
Direct Support Professionals who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 12/23/13 to the Human Resources Department.

The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
122 Caroline Street
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org                Fax: (585) 589 - 5669

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Posted:  12/16/13

 

Employment Listing - 12/16/13 Direct Support Professional

                                       VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                                                                                    

POSITION:  DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL –REGULAR FULL TIME

                                             AT DAY HAB OPTS

REPORTS TO:          DAY HAB MANAGER - JULIE SOLIS

LOCATION:                16 ACADEMY ST –   ALBION                                      

DUTIES:         Provides direct hands on supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community settings.

 QUALIFICATIONS:

                       Working level knowledge of people with disabilities, provide supervision, training, support of daily living skills and activities to people with disabilities in vocational/community settings.  Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, must be able to complete required trainings and oral & written communication skills required. Must be capable of lifting 40 lbs. Need a valid NYS drivers license.

 STARTING RATE:     Grade 7DC - $9.28/hr. 

Direct Support Professionals who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by 12/23/13 to the Human Resources Department.      The Arc of Orleans County

                            ATTN: Carol Fox
                            122 Caroline Street
                            P.O. Box 439
                           Albion, NY 14411

 E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org           Fax: (585) 589 - 5669

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Posted:  12/16/13

 

December is Toy Safety Month

December is Toy Safety Month and with the holiday season in full swing, here are a few tips to help you select safe and suitable toys for those on your list:                       

• Choose toys that are appropriate for the age of the child. Look for labels to judge which toys may not be safe, especially for infants and children under age three.
• For childen of all ages, consider if the toys are suited for their skills and abilities.
• Look for toys that have solid and sturdy construction.
• Read the labels to see if their are any potential fire hazards.
• Look for labels to see if the toy has passed a safety inspection - ASTM means the toy has met the American Society for Testing and Materials standards.
• Do not choose toys with small parts and sharp edges/points, crayons and markers that are NOT labeled nontoxic, toys with ropes/cords, or electric toys with heating elements.

Chosing Toys for Children with Special Needs:

• Choose toys that appeal to the senses - sound, movement, texture.
• Consider interactive toys that allow the child to play with others.
• Think about what size the toy is and what position the child would need to be in to play with it.
• Determine if the toy can be adapted to different kinds of play in different situations - can it be played with alone and also with other children?

For toy safety shopping tips, visit the Consumer Product Safety Commission at: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Safety-Education/Safety-Guides/Toys/

For toy hazard recalls, visit: http://www.cpsc.gov/en/Recalls/

The Arc of Orleans County wishes you and yours a happy and safe holiday season!

Employment Listing - 12/06/13 Driver

  VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                       

POSITION:    NUTRIFAIR/MEALS ON WHEELS/ NUTRIFAIR

                       PTII/RELIEF DRIVER -AS NEEDED 

REPORTS TO:  VICKIE HAVHOLM-MOW COORDINATOR                  
LOCATION:        16 ACADEMY ST, ALBION

DUTIES:       ENSURE DELIVERY OF FOOD, MAINTAIN VEHICLE, PREPARE & LOAD

                    CARRIERS, RECYCLE, GENERAL CLEAN UP.  PRIMARILY A DRIVNG
                      POSITION MAY ALSO INCLUDE ON SITE DUTIES.

QUALIFICATIONS:  HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA/GED PREFERRED.  EXPERIENCE WITH DRIVING, DELIVERY, CLEANING, RECYCLING & VEHICLE MAINTENANCE.  A WORKING LEVEL KNOWLEDGE OF WORKING WITH ELDERLY PREFERRED.  ABILITY TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE AT ALL ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS.  MUST POSSESS A VALID NYS DRIVERS LICENSE & ABILITY TO LIFT UP TO 20LBS.  

STARTING SALARY:         GRADE 4 STEP 2 - $8.22/HR

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY 12/13/13:

TO:  Carol Fox
        Human Resources Manager
        The Arc of Orleans County
        122 Caroline Street
        Albion, NY 14411

FAX:  589-5669                    EMAIL:  cfox@arcoforleans.org

The Arc Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer         
Posted:  12/06/13

Room Dedication Held at Rainbow Preschool

Family members cut the ribbon of the new
Socio-Dramatic Play Center in memory of Rachel Miller

On Thursday, December 5th, family, friends, and Arc staff gathered at Rainbow Preschool's Albion site to celebrate the life of Rachel Miller.  Rachel was a speech therapist at the Preschool for 15 years.  She enjoyed working with the children, helping them to find their voice.

The group was there to dedicate the new Socio-Dramatic Play Center in memory of Rachel.  The Play Center is a theme based room where the children can interact with their environment in pretend play that simulates real-world situations.  Currently the room is set up as a grocery store complete with pretend food, a cash register, and minature grocery carts.


Grocery Store in the Socio-Dramatic Play Center

Playing is not only fun, it helps with cognitive skill development, promotes social and emotional skills, increases speech and language skills, and helps the children to practice fine and gross motor skills. 

Prior to the ribbon cutting, Kellie Spychalski, Executive Director at Arc of Orleans, shared that Rachel was a dedicated employee whose first concern was always the students at Rainbow Preschool.  Rachel's daughter, Amanda Miller, shared that this room was a long held dream of her mother.  Ruby Hoffee, a music therapist at the Preschool, sang "Rachel's Song," a song that she wrote based on a motivational email Rachel had emailed out to the Preschool staff just a few short weeks before her death. 

Amanda Miller, Rachel's daughter, and family
with Kellie Spychalski, Executive Director

One little boy shared that Rachel was his speech therapist and worked with him, teaching him to say his first word.  He then said that after he finishes college, he would like to help people, just like Rachel did.  And that is truly what the work at Rainbow Preschool is all about!!

Employment Listing - 12/3/13 Medical Advocate Driver

VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT

POSITION: MEDICAL ADVOCATE DRIVER

PART TIME II 20 hrs/wk

HOURS VARY ACCORDING TO PROGRAM NEED

REPORTS TO: DEBRA MAXWELL, ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

LOCATION: FAMILY SUPPORT SERVICES - ALBION

DUTIES: Transports the people we serve to medical and other appointments and advocates health issues with appropriate personnel.

QUALIFICATIONS: MUST HAVE A HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMA. Knowledge of community resources and experience working with people with disabilities preferred. Must be able to handle multiple personalities. Physically able to walk up & down stairs, push a wheelchair up a vehicle ramp, and able to assist in wheelchair transfer. Willingness to work in an independent atmosphere and at various hours. Must have a valid NYS driver’s license in accordance with Agency MVR guidelines and willing to drive in the cities.

STARTING WAGE: 9DC/1 $9.96 PER HOUR

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SUBMIT A RESUME BY 12/10/13 TO:

HUMAN RESOURCES DEPT.

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY
PO BOX 439
ALBION, NY14411.

e-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org Fax: (585) 589-5669

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

ROC The Day is December 11, 2013

On Wednesday, December 11, 2013, The Arc of Orleans County, along with hundreds of other area not-for-profits, will once again participate in "ROC The Day", a day for our supporters - aka ROCstars - to give back by making a donation to an agency (or agencies) of their choosing.  Last year, more than $875,000 was raised in the 24 hour time frame!  

For more information and to see other participating organizations go to the ROC The Day website now.  And don't forget to make a donation on December 11th between midnight and 11:59 PM!

Shopping at Albion Rainbow Preschool

Rainbow Preschool has set up another great learning experience for the students. They have installed a little grocery store within the school.  The children get to learn the whole process from beginning to end.  There's even a scanner that makes noise while totaling up their purchases! 

Thank you to Jerome Pawlak for donating items for the store, including a shopping cart! 

Happy Thanksgiving!

The Arc of Orleans County would like to wish everyone a very Happy Thanksgiving! 

The Arc Board of Directors Announces Interim Executive Director

The Arc Board of Directors is pleased to announce that Patricia Kepner will serve as interim Executive Director after Kellie Spychalski’s departure on December 29, 2013.  Patricia Kepner has worked at The Arc for 25 years and served in many capacities, most recently as Director of Quality Services/Corporate Compliance and HIPAA Privacy Officer.

Ms. Kepner has agreed to serve in the interim position while The Board of Directors considers their various opportunities and options.

Empowering Families - December Workshop Schedule

The Arc of Orleans County’s

Empowering Families Program

December Workshop Schedule

 

Building Partnerships

December 6, 2013

10:00 AM—Noon 

This workshop will provide participants with strategies to break communication barriers and key elements in relationships that work in building effective partnerships.

 

******************************* 

Transition Planning & the IEP

December 10, 2013

6:30—8:30 PM

This workshop will provide participants with information on transition planning requirements in the development of Individualized Education Programs. 

 

*******************************

Workshops will be held at:

122 Caroline Street    Albion,  NY

Please call 589-1750 ext. 2236 to RSVP

 

 

 

The Arc of Orleans County Cordially Invites You...

to attend a Room Dedication Celebration

in memory of Rachel Miller, beloved co-worker and

Speech-Language Therapist at Rainbow Preschool.

 

 

Dedication of the Socio-Dramatic Play Center

Thursday, December 5, 2013

6:00 - 7:00 PM

Albion Rainbow Preschool

243 South Main Street, Sutie 220 (2nd Floor)

Albion, NY

Refreshements will be served.

Employment Listing 11/21/13 Senior Administrative Assistant

                                       VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT 

POSITION:  SENIOR ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT

                                 REGULAR FULL TIME 

REPORTS TO:   JILL PEGELOW-ASSISTANT DIRECTOR OF COMMUNITY LIVING

                            MELISSA COTTER-SUPPORT EMPLOYMENT MANAGER

LOCATION:       MAIN STREET, ALBION

DUTIES:  PERFORMS A VARIETY OF COMPLEX AND CONFIDENTIAL CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE DUTIES IN SUPPORT OF COMMUNITY LIVING AND SUPPORTED EMPLOYMENT.  ABILITY TO DEAL WITH PEOPLE AT ALL ORGANIZATIONAL LEVELS.  WORKING LEVEL KNOWLEDGE OF TYPING, KEYBOARDING & SECRETARIAL PRACTICES AND USE OF A PERSONAL COMPUTER.
 
QUALIFICATIONS:    5 YEARS SECRETARIAL EXPERIENCE OR AAS SECRETARIAL DEGREE.  ONE YEAR SUPERVISORY EXPERIENCE.

 STARTING RATE:     GRADE Management 2, STEP 0 - $10.31/HR.

INTERESTED CANDIDATES SHOULD SEND A RESUME TO THE HUMAN RESOURCES BY

NO LATER THAN 11/29/13 TO:
Carol Fox

Human Resources

The Arc of Orleans County
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

E-Mail – cfox@arcoforleans.com               FAX:  (585) 589 – 5669

The Arc of Orleans is an Equal Opportunity Employer

POSTED:  11/21/13

 

 

 

 

New Video Released from Songs for NYSARC CD

The third video from the Songs for NYSARC CD has just been released.  "We're Just the Same" is a true story about facing a fear. Some of us are uncomfortable being around people with intellectual disabilities and don't quite know how to act so we behave awkwardly. This song was written (and performed) from the heart by someone who recognized and faced that fear, Terry Vital.  Watch "We're Just the Same"
 

For those who haven't heard the wonderful songs on this great CD yet, you can hear all the songs, buy downloads, and make a donation at: Songs for NYSARC - Arc of Orleans

The Songs for NYSARC CD can also be purchased at The Arc's Community Relations Department, 122 Caroline Street, or Rainbow Preschool, 243 South Main Street, both in Albion. Cost is just $5 and proceeds benefit Rainbow Preschool.

Please share the songs with your friends and help The Arc of Orleans County support families in our community!

Employment Listing - 11/19/13 Direct Support Professional

                     

                                             VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                                                                            

POSITION:           DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL – REGULAR FULL TIME

                                                                        40 HOURS PER WEEK/DAY SHIFT

 REPORTS TO:          REHAB SERVICES MANAGER – JOELLE BROWM

LOCATION:                ORLEANS ENTERPRISES –   WASHINGTON ST, ALBION                                     

DUTIES:         Provides direct hands on 1:1 supervision, training and counseling to people with disabilities in a variety of vocational & community based prevocational services.

QUALIFICATIONS:  Working level knowledge of people with disabilities, provide supervision, training, support of daily living skills and activities to people with disabilities in vocational/community settings. Creativity and ability to provide career planning to a person with disabilities. Ability to deal with people at all organizational levels, good administrative, organizational, problem solving, must be able to complete required trainings and oral & written communication skills required. Must be capable of lifting 40 lbs. Need a valid NYS drivers license.

 STARTING RATE:     Grade 7DC - $9.28/hr. 

Direct Support Professionals who are currently paid at grade 9, will continue to be paid at grade 9.

 Interested candidates should submit a resume by 11/25/13 to the Human Resources Department.      The Arc of Orleans County

                                        ATTN: Carol Fox
                                       122 Caroline Street
                                        P.O. Box 439
                                       Albion, NY 14411

 E-mail: cfox@arcoforleans.org                          Fax: (585) 589 - 5669

THE ARC OF ORLEANS COUNTY IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER.

Posted:  11/18/13

 

                 

Employment Listing - 11/19/13

Certified Occupational Therapist Assistant needed (NYS professional license required) to work with preschool children in Genesee County area. 

 

Special Education Teacher needed (NYS certification required in Special Education or Students w/Disabilities Birth-Grade 2) to work with preschool children in the Genesee County area. 

 

E-mail resumes for either position to: tcaldwell@arcoforleans.org or mail to: Rainbow Preschool, 243 S Main St, Albion NY 14411

Employment Listing - 11/15/13 Direct Support Professional

      
VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT                                                                                 

POSITION:  DIRECT SUPPORT PROFESSIONAL – REGULAR FULL-TIME

REPORTS TO:   COMMUNITY LIVING MANAGER – CORTNEY KUJAWA

LOCATION:        HAMILTON ST., ALBION

DUTIES:  Provides program participants with support and training in independent living skills, such as meal planning and preparation, home maintenance, money management, etc.

Qualifications:   Good math & writing skills.  Must have a valid NYS driver’s license.  Experience preferred but not required.  Must be willing to work various hours to include evenings, weekends, overnights & holidays. Must be able to lift, push and pull 40 lbs and must be capable of completing SCIP, CPR, First Aide and other trainings as required.

STARTING RATE:  Grade 7DC, STEP 1 - $9.28 per hour.

Interested candidates should submit a resume by November 22, 2013 to:
The Arc of Orleans County
ATTN: Carol Fox
P.O. Box 439
Albion, NY 14411

Fax (585) 589 – 5669                   email: cfox@arcoforleans.org

The Arc of Orleans County is an Equal Opportunity Employer

Posted: 11/15/13