Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional

VIA of the Lehigh Valley•Bethlehem, PA

About The Position

Via of the Lehigh Valley is hiring a Creative Expressions Instructor to help participants maintain independence and self-advocacy skills and achieve personal goals through engaging, hands-on programs at the facility and in the community. The role involves implementing activities connected to participant outcomes, supporting goal development and completion, and helping participants remain engaged in consistent daily routines. The instructor also contributes to community volunteer and recreational activities, attends participant plan meetings, and provides input for Individual Service Plans. The instructor communicates participant issues to the appropriate Program Supervisor and works collaboratively with colleagues in facility-based and community settings. The position requires adapting to shifting priorities and schedules, supporting participants across different environments, and providing transportation to community resources using an assigned agency or personal vehicle. The schedule is described as consistently Monday through Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., with weekends off; flexibility, including evening availability, is also required to meet participant and department needs.

Requirements

High School Diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
Daily standing, sitting, lifting, and walking.
Ability to lift up to 50 pounds.
Valid driver’s license, personal vehicle, and appropriate vehicle insurance.
Ability to travel in the community.
Flexibility in work hours, including availability for evenings, to meet department demands.
Daily use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email.
Ability to adapt to changing schedules while maintaining productivity and efficiency.
Flexibility and ability to adapt to a variety of environments.

Responsibilities

Implement activities related to participants’ outcomes in the facility and community.
Participate in developing participant goals and assist with completing outcomes.
Develop or follow consistent daily routines and ensure participants are engaged in activities.
Assist with developing volunteer and recreational activities in the community.
Attend regular participant plan meetings and provide input for Individual Service Plans.
Communicate and advocate participant issues to the appropriate Program Supervisor.
Work as part of a team and remain flexible to meet participant and coworker needs in community and facility settings.
Adapt to shifting priorities while maintaining a constructive, solutions-focused outlook.
Work a flexible schedule to support participants in community and facility settings according to supervision needs.
Provide transportation to community resources using an agency or personal vehicle.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental benefits at a minimal cost to the employee.
15 days (three weeks) of paid vacation during the first year, increasing to 18 days after one year of employment.
Nine paid holidays, including a birthday holiday, plus a floating cultural holiday.
403(b) retirement savings plan with discretionary annual contribution.
Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
Education assistance up to $5,000 per year for full-time employees.
Education incentive for earning a degree or certification.
Paid training and mileage reimbursement.
NADSP Career Ladder Program with an additional $1.75 per hour after completing all three levels.
Casual work attire.
Employee referral-bonus program.
Employee events, including raffles, work anniversary celebrations, recognition awards, and monthly celebration events.
Supportive work environment and professional development opportunities.