Tulsa Associate Director of Special Needs

Description

CLASSIFICATION: Non-exempt

REPORTS TO: Tulsa Kids Pastor

DATE CREATED/LAST UPDATED: May 2026

MUST DO

• Lead and develop an inclusive discipleship strategy for Faith Builder environments, focusing on building and equipping volunteer teams, creating individualized discipleship plans for each participant, and ensuring safe, nurturing, and spiritually engaging environments across dedicated special needs classrooms and mainstream Kids Ministry environments. 

RESPONSIBILITIES

 Vision & Strategy

• Lead the vision, strategy, and execution of Special Needs Ministry in alignment with KOTM values and ministry philosophy. 
• Develop and implement discipleship pathways for children, youth, and adults with special needs that are age-appropriate, ability-appropriate, and grounded in Scripture.
• Communicate the vision and strategy of Special Needs Ministry clearly to families and volunteers. 

Discipleship & Care

• Create and oversee individualized Discipleship Plans (IDPs) for each participant, partnering with families to understand strengths, needs, sensory considerations, and spiritual goals. 
• Ensure individualized plans are communicated clearly to volunteer teams and applied consistently in classroom and ministry environments. 
• Regularly review and update discipleship plans based on participant growth, feedback, and family input. 

Classroom Leadership

• Directly oversee and ensure excellence in all Faith-Builders special needs classrooms, ensuring environments are safe, well-staffed, sensory-appropriate, and executed to KOTM ministry standards. 
• Provide hands-on leadership, coaching, and troubleshooting within classrooms as needed. 

Volunteer Development

• Recruit, interview, and onboard volunteers. 
• Train and lead multiple volunteer teams, including dedicated special needs classroom teams and a support team assigned to mainstream Kids Ministry classrooms to support children on the autism spectrum or with additional needs, and provide ongoing coaching, encouragement, and care rhythms for volunteers through regular touchpoints and feedback. 

Cross-Ministry Support

• Partner with Kids Ministry leaders to support children with special needs who attend mainstream classrooms. 
• Serve as a resource and advisor to Kids Ministry and Faith-Builders teams regarding inclusion best practices. 

Systems & Safety

• Develop and maintain systems that help volunteers effectively support individuals with special needs. 
• Manage budgeting, procurement, and maintenance of sensory tools, curriculum adaptations, and classroom resources.

REQUIREMENTS

• Degree or trained background in Special Education, Early Childhood Education, Psychology, or related field preferred. 
• Strong biblical knowledge and understanding of how Scripture applies across developmental and cognitive stages. 
• Demonstrated experience working with children and/or adults with special needs, including individuals on the autism spectrum. 
• Gifted team builder with a heart for recruitment, training, and volunteer care. 
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills, especially with families and volunteers. 
• Creative problem-solver with adaptability in dynamic ministry environments. 
• Passion for inclusive ministry and lifelong learning in special needs discipleship. 

WORK SCHEDULE

• 20 hours per week, flexible weekday hours for planning, recruiting, training, and family communication
• Weekend presence required during Sunday services and selected Saturday services or events
• Availability for special services, trainings, and key ministry events