What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vocational DSP position at Sparc?
Position Summary:
Teach, coach, and mentor individuals through applying the Person-Centered Plan (PCP) Implementation Strategies for persons served. The Vocational DSP (Direct Support Professional) works in a dynamic environment supporting adults with I/DD and works closely with service recipients, Vocational QIDPs, BCBAs, and the Site Supervisor and/or Operations Manager to plan daily work activities and provide support to persons served. The Vocational DSP will support recipients with daily living activities and maximize physical, emotional, and intellectual growth. The Vocational DSP will provide daily coaching, teaching, and mentoring to the individuals they work with and they will ensure the Person-Centered Plan’s Implementation Strategies are the foundation of their responsibilities.
Universal Competencies:
Universal competencies are competency requirements that apply to all Sparc positions (Exempt & Non-Exempt, Part-time, Full-time, PRN, Supervisory and Non-Supervisory). Universal Competencies support our mission and are consistent with Sparc’s core values; they are:
Collaboration/Positive Impact: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and teams in a constructive and civil manner, utilizing existing resources, training, and learning to achieve or exceed desired outcomes while integrating Sparc’s core values to
“TEACH, COACH, and MENTOR.”
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Grasps the inevitability and challenges of change and adapts accordingly, utilizing learning opportunities to prepare for changing work, methods, and work environment.
- Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors valued within Sparc.
- Provides and accepts ideas and suggestions in a constructive and helpful manner.
- Exhibits good teamwork. Is approachable, cooperative, and contributes to an overall positive and productive work/team environment.
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion: Ability to work with a variety of individuals and groups in a constructive and respectful manner while appreciating the unique contribution of an inclusive workforce that brings together the talents of people across multiple identities.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Articulates Sparc’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion as it relates to each staff member’s role.
- Demonstrates civil and respectful behaviors in support of Sparc’s guiding principles, values, and policies that prohibit “differences in treatment of persons because of race, creed, color, religion, national origins, age, sex, pregnancy, disability, veteran or military status, sexual orientation, gender identity, or other associational preferences.”
- Demonstrates a willingness to examine one’s own biases, assumptions, and attitudes.
- Knows where to find diversity-related organizational policies, procedures, and resources.
Service Excellence/Customer Focus: Ability to meet or exceed service needs and expectations of persons served and provide excellent service in a direct or indirect manner. Ability to effectively transmit and interpret information through appropriate communication with internal and external constituents, stakeholders, and the community.
Proficiency Levels & Typical Behaviors: Basic
- Consistently provides exceptional person-centered service.
- Manages expectations of the person served and takes responsibility for enhancing service excellence.
- Communicates understandably; uses appropriate words, grammar, and mannerisms in all mediums.
- Seeks feedback on communication style and effectiveness.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Deliver daily instruction on the Person-Centered Plan “PCP” Implementation Strategies, fostering a positive environment for persons served and supporting individual independence, while maintaining a professional, well-organized work environment. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Provide direct person-centered coaching, teaching, and mentoring to support personal independence, including promoting individual rights, self-advocacy, personal care, medication oversight, hygiene, first aid, and assistance with activities of daily activities such as dressing, eating, toileting, etc. (requires frequent lifting). (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Implement social skills, work skills, and community integration activities, focusing on teaching job-related skills in a person-centered manner and ensuring each individual understands their job responsibilities. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Provide routine transportation to persons served, including but not limited to services, programs, plan-related activities, and appointments. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Complete all required documentation, including progress on measurable goals, daily notes, attendance, incident reports, data sheets, support service records, and input for assessment, ensuring timely submission. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Dedicated to providing assigned supervision, recognizing that leaving individuals unsupervised constitutes neglect and that the role of every Vocational DSP requires coordinating coverage with supervisors during emergencies, natural disasters, staff shortages and/or in instances in which leaving the work location is not immediately possible. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Collaborate with program staff to create a positive, inclusive environment that promotes health, safety, and well-being, ensuring the program area is clean, safe, and well-maintained. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Maintain confidentiality of information, including ALL information surrounding individuals supported, employees, as well as the affairs of the agency. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Assist in peer training of staff in daily program operations, as necessary. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Ensure safe daily transportation of individuals, including proper use of specialized equipment, locking devices, adherence to agency policies, and the implementation of Sparc’s Safe Driving training program. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Responsible for maintaining the work schedule as assigned, including arrival to work at the time scheduled and supervisor notification of absences at a minimum of two (2) hours in advance of the scheduled work shift. (Essential and Non-modifiable)
- Performs day-to-day duties in a manner that reflects Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the program and the people that Sparc programs support. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Must demonstrate exemplary performance, including but not limited to professionalism, dependability, demeanor, attendance, communication, and maintaining confidential information. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Performs other agency-related duties as assigned or required reasonably within the scope of the above-mentioned duties. “Related duties as assigned” are duties that may not be listed explicitly in the class specification or position description but are duties within the general, occupational series, and responsibility level typically associated with the employee’s class of work. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
Skills Needed:
- Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills, including a proven ability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
- Must demonstrate problem-solving techniques and the ability to oversee/monitor the program area and duties effectively.
- Strong interpersonal and communications skills with a demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and establish rapport with diverse staff and individuals, including the individuals supported, staff, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.
- Must demonstrate compassion, patience, and a non-judgmental attitude towards clients and their unique circumstances.
- Must demonstrate the ability to routinely work with confidential information while maintaining compliance with HIPPA and other relevant regulations, rules, standards, and expectations.
- Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
- Must possess recordkeeping skills necessary to effectively document and communicate day-to-day occurrences/activities with persons supported to the appropriate staff and/or supervisor.
Education/Experience Requirements:
- High school diploma or G.E.D. is required.
- One (1) year of work experience in a customer service role and/or healthcare setting is required.
- Demonstrated ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
- Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, elderly populations, or in a healthcare setting is preferred.
Other Requirements:
- A minimum age of 18 years old.
- Must have a current, valid Illinois Driver’s License.
- Must have current, valid proof of automobile insurance.
- Must have reliable transportation to transport persons supported.
- Must possess the physical ability to assist persons served with mobility as needed, including the ability to perform physical activities related to providing direct support for individuals served.
- Attend and satisfactorily complete all training requirements and mandatory staff meetings.
- Experience working in a physically demanding position, including the ability to lift, push, and pull up to 50 lbs. frequently, the ability to bend, stoop, twist, turn, squat, climb stairs, walk, and stand stationary. Must possess the ability to physically manage any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, including the ability to lift and transfer supported persons as needed and the ability to assist program staff in emergencies.
Benefits:
- Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-time and part-time staff.
- Pay rate increases for every 5 years of Sparc service
- Ten to twenty-five (10-25) paid vacation days annually based on years of service.
- Employees earn three (3) paid personal days pro-rated based on start date.
- Twelve to Fourteen (12 to 14) paid holidays with the ability to earn additional leave time for holidays worked.
- Employees earn eight to twelve (8-12) paid sick days annually based on years of service.
- Retirement savings plan options.
- Pre-tax Healthcare Flexible Spending Account option.
- Pre-tax Dependent Care Flexible Spending Account option.
- Employee Assistance Program.
- Professional development opportunities.
- Supportive, mission-driven work environment.
Working Conditions:
- Work is mainly performed at Sparc’s Vocational Work Center and at community employment sites. Some locations may expose the employee to mild to moderately high noise levels.
- Safety and security procedures for each work site must be followed.
- Staff in this role may be exposed to potentially dangerous machinery, work situations, various illnesses and diseases as well as hazardous and toxic chemicals, with some exposure to physically threatening clients, bodily fluids, bloodborne and airborne diseases, viruses, communicable diseases, etc.
The foregoing outlines the general duties and qualifications for the Vocational DSP. This job description may be changed or modified at any time at the discretion of management, either formally or informally, verbally or in writing. Specific responsibilities may vary depending on the needs of individual clients and organizational requirements.
