Challenge Unlimited Inc
Alton, IL
The nonprofit corporation was originally founded as Specialized Services, Inc., (now Challenge Unlimited) formed by concerned parents of children with disabilities. The parents wanted their adult children to participate in some form of productive activity and hopefully gain vocational experiences that would lead to employment.
Specialized Services, Inc., opened its doors to provide services to six individuals. It was initially funded by contributions from parents, concerned citizens, and local businesses. With a growing need, Specialized Services secured a grant from the Department of Mental Health and grew rapidly to 50 participants. A new building was purchased to provide additional services to individuals with disabilities.
The agency began providing production services as a subcontracted business solution for local companies. Individuals with a disability were able to work according to each person’s abilities under a special minimum wage certificate.
Tom Moehn is hired as President and CEO with a vision for community integration.
Specialized Services, Inc., with a renewed vision to develop human potential through work related opportunities grows to become a social enterprise with the expansion of its production services and the launch of the custodial services line of business employing individuals with disabilities.
Residential Services of Madison County, an Affiliate Organization, was formed with a single group home. The State of Illinois requested that the agency take over a large residential facility in Troy, IL. That facility was downsized and ICF-DD and CILA homes were built to provide 12 homes for approximately 100 residents. This company is now known as Residential Options, Inc.
Through a partnership with NISH, the company expanded its social business model to provide Facility Management Services to the Federal Government. The first contract was at Scott Air Force Base.
Specialized Services rebrands and becomes Challenge Unlimited, Inc.
Alpha Industries was formed as an affiliate organization of Challenge Unlimited. The nonprofit organization was created to broaden production service contracts while creating work related opportunities for individuals with economic, cognitive, social and educational disadvantages.
President & CEO, Tom Moehn, retires after 46 years of service impacting thousands of lives.
Challenge Unlimited hires Charlotte Hammond as President and CEO to further expand and increase the footprint for inclusion and integration in the community for people with a disability.
Challenge Unlimited receives 2013 St. Louis Regional Chamber Arcus Award for Achievement in Economic Inclusion.
Challenge Unlimited expands its footprint to Ohio, South Carolina, Indiana, and Texas.
Job Specifications
Alton and swansea, IL
18.83 - 18.83 HOUR
a month ago
Part Time
Mid Level
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Administrative Assistant
We are seeking an Administrative Assistant at Challenge Unlimited, Inc in our Programs Department.
At Challenge Unlimited, Inc. it is our mission to provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities which will assist them to live, work, and participate in the community. As a leader in providing employment services to people with disabilities our goal is to empower individuals of all abilities to reach their full potential.
- Pay Rate: $18.83 per hour
- Shifts: Part-Time. Scheduled 3 days per week. No weekends required
- Hours: 8:00am-4:00pm Flexible to the needs of persons served.
- Location: Alton and Swansea, Illinois
- Travel: Up to 10%
Reporting to the EVP of Programs, the Administrative Assistant is responsible for supporting activities that advance our mission to provide people who have different abilities opportunities to work achieve the highest level of independence possible.
Provides administrative support services to the EVP of Programs. Researches, analyzes, prepares, and distributes current and future Program requirements to internal and external parties for Ability One and commercial Programs. Manages the Program databases and associated files. Assists with the research, acquisition, and maintenance of various certifications, CIMS (Cleaning Industry Management Standard), ISO, licenses etc
Job Duties:
Support the EVP’s efforts to advance the mission and vision of the organization. Manage and EVP’s efforts and goals for the Programs Division, including all efforts pertaining to CARF accreditation. Assist in preparing presentations. Maintain confidentiality and behave in a way that suggests personal discretion, professionalism, and integrity.Communicate in a clear, accurate and articulate manner both verbally and in writing. Perform a variety of data management functions, including paper and electronic records management, Word processing functions from drafting memos to typing/editing/proofreading/PowerPoint, proposals, and other business documents.Coordinate CARF accreditation efforts, taking minutes and distribution, identifying list of activities and action items, assisting in developing all documentation for mock and actual survey events. Capture Programs department and CARF indicators by developing and implementing systems to collect, analyze, and report on information. Set up and manage spreadsheets and databases, produce reports, compiling information. Prepare and develop a records management system; maintain and recommend changes to the records system when appropriate.
Research and analyze existing and new Programs division and CARF requirements to ensure compliance and make recommendations for improvement and/or changes. Assist in research of new/improved operational processes, equipment, standards, etc. Assist in reporting trending data, performance indicators, performance gaps, etc.
Organize, maintain, and electronically track all requirements and related documents. Ensure timely submission of all assigned department communications and CARF licensure operations. Ensure all CARF and department action items are identified, communicated and distributed. Knowledge of administration principles/practices to monitor performance and solve problems relating to programs modifications, Program progress, Program payments and other similar problems. Work with each Programs Division Manager if changes to individual divisions need to be addressed.
Promote a culture that advances the Company’s mission to provide work opportunities to individuals with disabilities and disadvantages. Display and promote Company values. Maintain effective communication and positive relationships with site managers and co-workers. Ensure a high rate of client and staff satisfaction. Report issues and needs to EVP; implement feedback for improvement. Help build an effective company culture that embodies our Company values to achieve optimum performance levels and achieve goals and objectives.
- Education: High School or G.E.D required. Associates Degree preferred.
- Experience: 3+ years of administrative support experience, preferably supporting a senior executive. Experience in Program administration providing research, analysis and support in federal government Programing.
- Communication/Computer Skills: Must have excellent oral and written communication skills. Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, and Outlook
- Background Checks: Must pass criminal background check, various State and Federal Registry Checks, and pass DCFS Abuse and Neglect Tracking System Check.
- Driving: Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria, be 21 years or older, and maintain valid driver’s license. Company travel using a personal insured vehicle is required.
- Paid time off for holidays and sick time
Sitting: Continuously sitting in the normal course of office-type work
Standing: Occasionally standing, walking, bending, squatting, reaching, and twisting in the normal course of office-sedentary type work.
Hearing, Speaking: Frequently listens and speaks with managers, potential customers, and employees to collect and offer information to solve problems and process financial & accounting tasks.
Seeing: Frequently visually active to read and audit information on screen or in print, occasionally in small font size.
Handling: Frequently using hands in typing, calculating, filing, phone and other office equipment use.
Movement:Occasionally bending, reaching, and twisting; occasionally climbing stairs and/or ladders squatting, and kneeling.
Lifting: Occasionally lifting, carrying, and pushing or pulling up to 10 lbs. in the normal course of office-sedentary type work
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.