Vocational Services Director

Job Title: Vocational Services Director Reports to: Sparc’s Chief Executive Officer

Classification: Full-time/Exempt Salary Range: $72,000 to $78,000 (Annual Salary)

(Commensurate with Related Experience, Education & Training)

The Vocational Services Director provides strategic leadership, direction, and oversight for the planning, delivery, and continuous improvement of vocational services, including Developmental Training and community-based work programs. This role is central to advancing Sparc’s Person-Centered approach, ensuring that individuals supported receive high-quality, individualized coaching, teaching, and mentoring that fosters independence, skill development, and integration into the workforce and community.

The Director must be a dedicated, dynamic, and solutions-oriented leader who adapts easily to changing priorities, demonstrates strong interpersonal and critical thinking skills, and collaborates effectively across departments. Responsibilities include managing program development, supervising a multidisciplinary team, maintaining regulatory compliance, and overseeing budget and resource allocation. This position requires a bachelor’s degree in social work, human services, psychology, counseling, or a related combination of education and experience from an accredited university or college and at least three (3) years of progressive supervisory experience.

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

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.

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.

• On-Call & Emergency Response: Ensure all vocational services comply with local, state, and federal regulations, accreditation standards, and licensure requirements. Develops internal systems to monitor and maintain ongoing compliance. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Budgeting & Resource Management: Develops and manages departmental budgets. Ensure fiscal accountability through efficient resource allocation, monitoring expenditures, and maximizing reimbursement and billing opportunities to strengthen program sustainability. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Records Management & Documentation: Provide oversight for accurate and timely maintenance of client records, incident documentation, and reporting for individuals served. Ensures documentation meets funding and regulatory standards. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Policy Development & Quality Assurance: Recommend and contribute to the development and revision of departmental policies and procedures. Collaborate with the Quality Assurance team to evaluate service outcomes and implement necessary improvements. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Collaboration & Community Engagement: Build and maintain productive relationships with internal departments, including Residential Services and Human Resources. Liaison with external stakeholders such as partner agencies, funding sources, businesses, families, and guardians. Serves on assigned board, staff, and community committees to represent vocational services and advocate for individuals supported. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Revenue Optimization: Identify and implement strategies to maximize billing opportunities and program revenue, aligning financial performance with Sparc’s mission and service goals. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Site-Based Supervision: Provide direct oversight and in-person support to Developmental Training sites and janitorial contract locations. Ensures program standards, client safety, and staff performance are maintained consistently across locations. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Mission Driven: Perform day-to-day duties that reflect Sparc’s mission and core values by being actively involved in the programs and the people that Sparc programs support. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)

• Additional Duties: Perform 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)

• Ensures time, resources, energy, learning opportunities, and actions are focused on priorities important to the changing workplace.
• Identifies and resolves disagreements/conflicts in early stages.
• Promotes a safe, fair, respectful environment in which concerns can be addressed effectively.
• Recommends changes to work practices and policies to achieve desired outcomes

• Promotes a respectful, diverse, equitable, and inclusive work environment in which concerns are addressed effectively.
• Can identify policies and practices that have a disparate impact on specific populations.
• Recommends policies and practices to advance an equitable, inclusive work environment and counter racism, sexism, and other forms of systemic bias.
• Forms respectful relationships with individuals and organizations representing diverse constituencies and seeks regular input to better understand diversity, equity, and inclusion issues and enhance recruitment efforts.

• Engages in ongoing self-reflection and continues to advance one’s own personal knowledge and skills related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.

• Participates in developing a variety of effective ways to deal with service challenges.
• Models service delivery and will coach others to deliver excellent service in a variety of settings.
• Communicates well with direct reports, peers, leadership, and external constituents.

• Utilizes various methods for information sharing and information gathering. Modifies process(es) to enhance service and outcomes.

• Bachelor’s degree in social work, Human Services, Psychology, Counseling, or a related combination of education and experience from an accredited university or college.
• A minimum of three (3) years of progressive supervisory experience is required, and five (5) years of supervisory experience is preferred.
• Three (3) years of experience working in a multidisciplinary team and five (5) years of experience is preferred.
• A minimum of three (3) years of experience working with confidential information while maintaining compliance with HIPPA and other relevant regulations, rules, standards, and expectations.

• A minimum of three (3) years of work experience in a leadership role.

• Demonstrated effective interpersonal communication skills with the ability to establish rapport with diverse staff, the individuals supported, families, guardians, and members of the Sparc community.

• Must be detail-oriented with excellent time management and organizational skills, including the proven ability to meet competing deadlines in a dynamic work environment.
• Must demonstrate problem-solving skills to oversee/monitor all program areas effectively.
  • Previous experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities, mental health challenges, elderly populations, or in a healthcare setting is preferred.

• Must have basic knowledge and experience utilizing computers, electronic timekeeping systems, and various software programs, including Microsoft Word and Outlook.
• Must have a valid Illinois Driver’s License and proof of automobile insurance.
• Must possess reliable transportation for routine travel between work sites and to transport persons supported.
• The ability to work a flexible schedule as needed/required.
• The ability to physically handle any special needs of individuals supported by Sparc, to assist program staff in emergencies, including the ability to lift and transfer individuals as needed.

• Annual Salary Range: $72,000 to $78,000. A competitive salary will be based on several factors, including relevant experience, skills, specialized training, and education.

• 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.
• Fourteen (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.

• Work primarily performed at Sparc’s Vocational Work Center and Baxter Center.
• Safety and security procedures for each work site must be followed.
• Staff in this role may be exposed to moderate noise levels and potential contact with 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.