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

Location

Fort hood, TX

Salary

22.5 - 22.5 HOUR

Published

a month ago

Type

Full Time

Career Level

Senior Level

College Degree

Bachelor's Degree

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Challenge Unlimited Inc

Assistant Project Manager

Fort hood, TX

Assistant Project Manager

Who we are:

At Challenge Unlimited, our vision is to become a national leader in providing employment services to people with disabilities that empower them to reach their full potential. We intentionally provide opportunities for individuals with disabilities which will assist them to live, work, and participate in the community.

Challenge Unlimited is driven by its core values: community, helpfulness, abilities, leadership, learning, ethics, innovation, growth, and effective outcomes. It is these values that have powered Challenge Unlimited to its success and has helped over 600 disabled individuals find meaningful work across all of our locations.

Position Summary:
Reporting to the Project Manager (Commissary), the Assistant Project Manager is responsible for supervising work-related opportunities for people who have different abilities to work with integrated teams and receive work support and development as needed—achieving the highest level of independence possible.

Supervises employees and clients in the performance of commissary store worker janitorial cleaning duties at the assigned site. Back-up/alternate point of contact with site contract management. Provides training, support, and on-going feedback to all workers on job duties, proper procedures, and areas for improvement, with a special focus on safety and company culture. Supervising duties include hiring, scheduling, training, evaluating, disciplining, processing changes and timekeeping for workers. Assists with monitoring the budget, controlling labor and supply expenses and inventory, and ensuring quality and customer satisfaction.
  • Schedule: Sunday, 7:00am - 3:00pm, Monday -Thursday, 8:30am - 4:30pm. One night shift included and may require more than 8-hour work day. 
  • Salary: $22.50
  • Location: Fort Hood, Texas
Key Responsibilities: 
  1. Planning Support: Maintain inventory of supplies and chemicals needed to meet the contract requirements--ensuring the site is properly stocked by advising Project Manager (PM) of reorder needs. Notify PM of any equipment needed to support the contract that is not currently available. Assure proper use of Company resources, equipment, and cell phones. Schedule workers to perform contract requirements; create and communicate daily task assignments. Stocks and straightens merchandise for sale in the store. Displays merchandise by a predetermined placement system using labels or other identifying marks. Develop, modify, and complete contract paperwork as needed and/or required. Support PM (Project Manager) in all needed tasks.
  2. Peformance Management: Ensure work is performed in accordance with the contract’s statement of work and in compliance with Company policies and procedures, applicable laws and regulations, customer requirements, and quality and safety standards. Provide a safe environment for all workers and customers. Follow and enforce OSHA (Occupational Safety and Health Administration) regulations. Complete incident and/or accident reports in accordance with Company policies. Take preventative and corrective action as needed. Conduct safety training, inspections, and ensure workers utilize Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) as required. Develop, modify, and complete contract paperwork as needed and/or required. Support PM in all needed tasks.
  3. Quality Assurance: Maintain quality standards. Promptly correct any deficiencies and rectify any customer complaints. Transport crew to and from cleaning locations as needed. Relay pertinent information to workers and PM about any updates or changes to the contract in a timely, accurate manner.
  4. Client Development (Operations Work/Job Skills): Meet the needs of clients while fulfilling contract obligations. Apply techniques for working with individuals with disabilities in the workplace. Train and work with clients to help them develop job skills and work/behavior skills which may help them achieve the highest level of independence possible. Complete semiannual client assessments.
  5. Effective Leadership: Supervise all site positions, ensuring work is performed according to the contract’s statement of work, company policies, and procedures. Direct any subcontractors used to supplement contract work. Oversee new worker training and ongoing training for all crew members. Provide input on scheduled assessments and/or evaluations. Communicate client, employee and customer issues to Project Manager and make recommendations for correction and/or discipline. Encourage effective outcomes and accountability. Communicate job expectations; motivate, coach, and counsel employees. Build an effective company culture that embodies our Company values to achieve optimum performance levels and achieve goals and objectives.
Position Qualifications:
  • Education: High School Diploma or G.E.D. Preferred: Bachelor’s Degree
  • Experience: Minimum of 5+ years of relevant commissary and/or janitorial experience and at least 2 years in a supervisory or training role. Will accept a commensurate combination of education and experience.
    Solid oral and written communication skills required.
  • Certifications/License: Driver’s License (regular in TX, IL, WI, OH, SC; Class E in MO)
  • Computer Skills:Proficient with Microsoft Excel, Word, and Outlook
  • Background Checks: 
    • Must pass criminal background check.
      Must pass various State and Federal registry checks.
      Must pass DCFS Abuse and Neglect Tracking System check
  • Driving
    •  Must pass driving history check and Company policy criteria. Must maintain a valid driver’s license and be 21 or older to drive. Company travel using personal insured vehicle is required.
Benefits:
  • Health Care Plan (Medical, Dental & Vision)
  • Life Insurance (Basic & AD&D)
  • 401(k) Plan
  • Paid Time Off (Vacation, Sick, & Holidays)
  • Short Term Disability 

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, national origin, disability or protected veteran status.