Summary: Employment Services DSP/Job Coaches work with individuals of all abilities by mentoring and implementing employment-based learning opportunities and supports through a variety of settings. DSP/Job Coaches assist individuals to become more independent by maximizing the person’s strengths, interests, and abilities while allowing them to gain skills relating to employment, community citizenship, and the building of relationships through natural supports. DSP/Job Coaches support may include identifying training needs and accommodations, teaching/developing skills, advocating with the individual, assisting in communication and self- expression, and ultimately supporting the individual in meeting his or her own vocational goals.

Duties and Responsibilities:

1.         Support people to achieve personal outcomes that characterize a high quality of life through employment and active citizenship.

·         Has the ability to implement plans that emphasizes the development of independence, employment and person-centered practices through the participant’s Individual Support Plan, Individual Plan of Employment, and/or Behavioral Support Plan

·         Support individuals to choose, understand and learn new things in a variety of settings while helping to recognize and develop natural supports that will aid in the success of integrated employment

·         Understand, follow and document on goals of the individual being supported

·         Has the ability to develop community relationships that will aid in the integration of the participant(s) being supported

·         Can effectively organize and oversee groups in the community.

·         Monitors, documents and implements PCP and Employment goals of each participant being served

2.       Engage in respectful communication, treats individuals with dignity and honors individual rights

·         Has the ability to effectively use person centered language 

·         Maintain confidentiality and supports Easterseals Arc privacy practices at all times.

·         Can effectively communicate orally and in written form with supervisor, clients, parents, caregivers and any other individual part of the ID team.

·         Can effectively communicate orally and in written form with community partnership contacts on behalf of Easterseals Arc

·         Ensures the individual(s) being supported are aware of their rights and help facilitate self-advocacy through different mediums like but not limited to hands-on experiences and modeling

·         In every situation, respects the rights, dignity and honor of the individual being served and any individual they come into contact with.

·         Is tolerant with people and processes; listens and checks before acting; has the ability to show empathy in any situation.

·         Ensure that people are free from abuse, neglect and exploitation.

·         Look at ways to reduce barriers that will allow for more community employment opportunities for individual(s) served.

3.       Support people to be safe and have optimal health and well being 

·         Understand and follow supports for optimal health.

·         Monitor medical conditions thoroughly and consistently. Notify appropriate supervisor of any health concerns or needs for the individual(s) supported

·         Complete needed reporting and documentation.

·         Support individuals with positive behavioral techniques to avoid challenging situations and promote respect and dignity.

·         Be a safe and conscientious driver.

·         Know the proper techniques and be able to respond to emergencies such as accidents, fires, tornados, or other situations

·         Able to properly perform moderate to heavy lifting and has the ability to stand and walk long periods when needed.

·         Has the ability to effectively and efficiently pass medication according to Easterseals Arc Medication Administration Policy

·         Educate participant(s) on the benefits of healthy living and how it plays a role on independence, employment and integration

·         Always keeps the participant(s) health and wellbeing at the forefront of support. 

·         Helps participant(s) engage and understand monthly safety drills

4.       Positively represent Easterseals Arc.

·         Uphold agency values and follow agency policies and procedures.

·         Maintain confidentiality of records/information according to HIPAA, State, Federal Laws and guidelines

·         Understand and follow through with agency systems and protocols.

·         Mentor and train new staff to ensure that the workplace is a positive and productive environment.

·         Display conduct in the community that enhances the image of individual(s) supported and the agency.

·         Communicate positively and clearly with your supervisor and coworkers.

·         Meet established timelines and deadlines.

·         Maintain satisfactory attendance to work shifts, staff meetings and other assigned agency functions.

·         Complete needed trainings by established deadlines.

·         Maximize and responsibly utilize agency and community resources.

·         Complete duties assigned by supervisor or designee.

Qualifications:

·         At least 18 years of age

·         High School diploma or GED preferred

·         Experience working with individuals who have intellectual or developmental disabilities; prefer 1 year.

·         Ability to pass criminal/registry background checks

·         A valid driver’s license & insured vehicle

·         Basic language, written and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation

·         Ability and willingness to support individuals with challenging behavior and/or medical concerns

·         Ability to pass and maintain required trainings such as CPR/First Aid, Medication Administration and Positive Behavioral Support Training and other trainings as deemed necessary by the agency

Working Conditions: Transitions DSP/Job Coach work in a changing environment that adjusts to the needs of the individuals in program services. The environment may be fast-paced with interruptions, distractions and deadlines. Transitions DSP/Job Coach need to be flexible and be able to adjust to changing needs, activities, and locations. Transitions DSP/Job Coach must have an insured, safe vehicle in good working order to utilize for incidental transportation required for staff and program participants to and from community partnership sites. 

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENT- Work can be physically demanding including supporting people with mobility needs, lifting or moving items up to 75 lbs, walking or standing for extended periods of time or providing support through CPR/First Aid, behavioral support, and other interventions. Transitions DSP/Job Coach may work with violent/physically aggressive participants and respond to emergency situations involving potential physical harm to self and others.