Community PreVoc - Vocational Specialist I - FT - GLOW

Start a fulfilling career that makes a difference in the lives of people with disabilities and their families. We have a variety of full and part-time jobs available and are looking for candidates who are eager to learn. Our employees receive a range of benefits including health insurance, company-paid life insurance, 401K, generous paid time-off and continuing education support!

Summary:
The Vocational Specialist develops program plans for prevocational services as assigned and delivers services to build work readiness skills and employment skills with the overall goal of transitioning individuals into community-based employment.

Essential Functions:Program Specific Functions:

• Organize and attend community outings, as appropriate, to support the work readiness curriculum.
• Develop and utilize community-based curriculum to teach habilitation, employment and life skills.
• Assist program staff in developing and implementing daily activities for programs assigned.
• Complete required prevoc assessments and utilize information accordingly for continued program planning to support attainment of desired vocational goals.
• Maintains a caseload of individual’s supported and provides case management services as required.
• Complete Innovations training as necessary.
• Develop and implement Work Readiness and Self Advocacy training.

Service Planning:

• Develop, write, update and implement person centered Staff Action Plans (SAP) and individual Safeguards Plan or Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP) for people supported.
• Ensure necessary level of supervision (LOS) is documented and implemented by staff. Ensure the individual’s Safeguard Plan, Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) dietary guidelines and any other applicable plans are available and followed.
• Reviewing Safeguards, Life plans and all attached documents.
• Implement Life Plan (LP) as developed by each person supported/family/advocate and Care Coordinator.
• Work with supervisor, program support staff and individual to develop goals and to assist individual to achieve their goals.
• Participate in program planning meetings at least semi-annually to coordinate services for people supported.
• Complete a pre-meeting and complete necessary assessments with individual team prior to all Life Plan meetings or semi-annual reviews.
• Write Monthly Summary of Individuals’ progress based on review of daily notes, progress notes, discussion with staff and direct observation/contact.
• Review and monitor the implementation of Staff Action Plans, IPOPs, and other services (as well as documentation of same) for accuracy, progress, and quality assurance purposes. Complete timely audit of daily notes for billing.

Service Delivery:

• Provide necessary case management activities to assist individuals on caseload to be successful in employment services.
• Assist to coordinate transportation services and on occasion provide transportation services when necessary.
• Update Electronic Health Record (EHR) with current plans and other pertinent information for each individual supported.
• Accurately document services contemporaneously in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or with paper note (as applicable) in accordance with the Agency, OPWDD, ACCES-VR, OMH, Medicaid and other funder requirements.
• Document the person’s current skill level and desired outcome for services including completing required assessments.
• Communicate with residential programs, families, outside agencies, employers and community resources as needed to coordinate services.
• Provide supports and training to persons supported according to their written Staff Action Plan (SAP) and individual Safeguards Plan or Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP). Implement goals as written by the Individual and their team.
• Ascertain progress and utilize daily/monthly documentation to modify service delivery and support attainment of desired vocational goals.
• Ensure necessary level of supervision (LOS) is met by following the individual’s Safeguard Plan, Individual Plan of Protection (IPOP), Behavior Support Plan (BSP), Plan of Nursing Services (PONS) dietary guidelines and any other applicable plans.
• Accurately document services contemporaneously in Electronic Health Record (EHR) or with paper note (as applicable) in accordance with the Agency, OPWDD, Medicaid and other funder requirements.
• Treat all protected health information consistent with HIPAA.
• Properly utilize and store all agency electronics such as chrome book, laptop, cell phone and/or hot spot.
• Maintain accurate records by collecting, compiling, evaluating data and submitting in a timely manner in the appropriate format including: daily goal notes, checklists, progress notes, injury/fall reports, seizure reports, attendance records, incident reports, behavior documentation etc.
• Maintain regular contact with people supported to ensure a good working knowledge of person’s needs, preferences and satisfaction with services.
• Serve as a role model for people served and represent the Agency positively in the community.
• Adhere to Agency policies and procedures.
• Conduct oneself in a manner consistent with the Agency Code of Conduct and Arc Brand
• Attend all required trainings
• Participate in corporate compliance and quality assurance activities as required.
• Assist with Agency safety programs and promotes workplace safety.
• Other related duties as assigned.

Non-Essential Functions:

• Serve on Committees as requested.
• Load and unload buses
• Administer Medications

Reporting Responsibilities:

• North: Habilitation Manager
• South: Director of Prevoc Services or Director of Employment Services

Supervisory Responsibilities:

• None

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Excellent proficiency with computers
• Able to handle multiple priorities.
• Strong organizational skills.
• Strong interpersonal skills.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills
• Able to communicate effectively with people served and families.
• Maintain composure under pressure.
• Ensure quality service at all times.

Physical Requirements:

• Ability to lift 50 pounds, and to stand, sit, kneel, and stoop
• Ability to assist an adult with personal care needs
• Be physically able to assist individuals in transferring from wheelchair to other seat when needed
• Ability to assist individuals with ambulation and to move chairs, tables and access storage areas.
• Ability to use standard office equipment including personal computer, phone, fax, copier etc.
• Ability to drive a vehicle.
• Ability to speak, listen and sit.

Working Conditions:

• General program/ office setting and various community settings. Frequent travel to other sites.
• May require use of personal vehicle.

Minimum Qualifications:Vocational Specialist I:

• Associates Degree or LPN with two years’ experience working with people with disabilities
• High School Diploma with four years’ experience working with people with disabilities