What are the responsibilities and job description for the Vocational Supportive Employment Manager position at Sparc?
Functions:
The Vocational Supportive Employment Manager is responsible for the overall leadership, administration, and performance of Sparc’s Supportive Employment Program. This position provides strategic oversight of vocational services, supervises Vocational Supportive Employment Supervisors, and ensures program effectiveness, regulatory compliance, and high-quality employment outcomes for individuals with disabilities. The Manager plays a key role in program development, staff leadership, community partnerships, and continuous quality improvement while advancing Sparc’s mission of inclusion, independence, and competitive integrated employment.
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: Working
- Shares appropriate information/feedback openly, professionally, and respectfully.
- Models and demonstrate open, respectful, accepting, and supportive behaviors with team members.
- Maintains productive work relationships while considering multiple perspectives and utilizing effective conflict resolution practices.
- Aligns expectations for self and team to achieve work objectives and overcome obstacles.
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: Working
- Maintains productive working relationships while considering multiple perspectives.
- Demonstrates awareness of one’s own and others’ social identities (e.g., race, gender, disability status, religion, etc.), including the value and relevance of diverse identities in the workplace.
- Resolves cross-cultural conflicts effectively.
- Ability to articulate Sparc’s commitment to diversity, equity, and inclusion and the reasons for its importance.
- Engages in personal and professional development on issues related to diversity, equity, and inclusion.
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: Working
- Enhances service by seeking ways to add value to client interactions and services.
- Demonstrates sincere concern and takes responsibility when receiving internal and external complaints, even if the source of the problem lies elsewhere.
- Listens to feedback without defensiveness and use feedback to enhance communication effectiveness.
- Communicates in alternative ways to accommodate different listeners.
Duties and Responsibilities:
- Program Leadership & Oversight:
Provide overall management of the Supportive Employment Program, ensuring alignment with Sparc’s mission, strategic goals, and regulatory requirements. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Supervision of Supervisors:
Directly supervise Vocational Supportive Employment Supervisors, providing coaching, performance management, training support, and leadership development. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Program Development & Performance:
Develop, implement, and evaluate program initiatives to improve employment outcomes, service quality, and operational efficiency. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Compliance & Quality Assurance:
Ensure compliance with Individual Implementation Strategies (IS), vocational rehabilitation standards, licensing requirements, billing accuracy, and documentation standards. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Employer & Community Partnerships:
Oversee employer engagement strategies, cultivate community partnerships, secure job opportunities and support supervisors in maintaining strong relationships with local businesses and stakeholders. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Individual Service Planning Oversight:
Provide oversight and guidance related to Individual Employment Plans (IEPs), funding applications, and progress toward competitive integrated employment outcomes. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Training & Staff Development:
Ensure supervisors and staff receive ongoing training related to supportive employment best practices, job coaching strategies, and workplace integration. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Data, Reporting & Outcomes:
Monitor employment metrics, billable service requirements, and program outcomes; prepare reports and recommendations for leadership review. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Health, Safety & Risk Management:
Ensure employment sites and program operations meet health, safety, and risk management standards. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Operational Management:
Oversee staffing plans, scheduling practices, and resource utilization to ensure program coverage, fiscal responsibility, and compliance with labor regulations. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Direct Support (As Needed):
May provide or support direct services in emergency or coverage situations, including personal care and behavioral support, as required. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Professional Conduct:
Demonstrates exemplary performance, professionalism, confidentiality, dependability, and adherence to Sparc’s policies and core values. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Program Compliance & Documentation:
Ensure the completion of weekly billing, and compliance with applicable vocational rehabilitation standards, licensing, and program requirements, while providing a minimum of 15 (Fifteen) billable hours per week of direct services to persons served(Essential and Non-Modifiable)
- Other Duties:
Performs other agency-related duties as assigned within the scope of this role. (Essential and Non-Modifiable)
Skills Needed:
- Strong leadership and program management skills.
- Ability to analyze data, manage budgets, and improve service outcomes.
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.
- Advanced problem-solving and decision-making abilities.
- Knowledge of supportive employment models and disability services.
- Proficiency with documentation systems, Microsoft Office, and compliance requirements.
Education / Experience Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in human services, Business, Social Work, or related field preferred.
- Minimum of three (3) years supervisory or management experience required.
- Experience overseeing employment, vocational, or disability-related programs preferred.
- Demonstrated ability to lead supervisors and multidisciplinary teams.
Other Requirements:
- Must be at least 18 years old.
- Valid Illinois Driver’s License, reliable transportation, and insurance required.
- Ability to work flexible hours and travel to program and employment sites.
- 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:
- Flexible work schedules.
- Comprehensive benefits package includes medical, prescription, group-paid life, dental, and vision insurance for full-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.
- 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 location includes Sparc’s Vocational Work Center, The DT 2 Center, and places of employment for individuals supported. Occasionally, work locations may include the Sparc Administration Building or residential locations. 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 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.