Creative Expressions Instructor - Direct Support Professional

Via of the Lehigh Valley•Bethlehem, PA

1d•$17 - $18

About The Position

Via of the Lehigh Valley is hiring a Creative Expressions Instructor to assist participants in maintaining independence and self-advocacy skills. The instructor supports participants in achieving personal goals through hands-on programs at the facility and in the community. The position starts at $17 per hour for a high school diploma or equivalent, $17.50 per hour for an associate degree, and $18 per hour for a bachelor’s degree. Employees may earn up to an additional $1.75 per hour by completing all three levels of the National Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (NADSP) Career Ladder Program. The role involves implementing activities connected to participant outcomes, helping develop and complete participant goals, supporting daily routines and engagement, and assisting with volunteer and recreational activities in the community. The instructor attends participant plan meetings, contributes to Individual Service Plans, communicates participant issues to the appropriate Program Supervisor, and works as part of a team across facility and community settings. The position requires transportation to community resources using an assigned agency or personal vehicle, and flexibility to adjust to participant needs and changing schedules. The posting describes a consistent Monday–Friday schedule of 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. with weekends off, while also stating that schedule flexibility and evening availability are required to meet department demands. Daily use of technology platforms such as Setworks, Paylocity, Microsoft Office, and email is required.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
Ability to work in a variety of settings and function in an ever-changing environment.
Daily ability to stand, sit, lift, and walk.
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 within the facility and community.
Participate in developing participant goals and assist with completing outcomes.
Develop or follow consistent daily routines with participants and ensure their engagement in activities.
Assist in 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 the needs of participants and coworkers in community and facility-based settings.
Adapt to shifting priorities with a constructive, solutions-focused outlook.
Work a flexible schedule to support participants in the community and facility, including flexibility to meet supervision needs and department demands.
Provide transportation to community resources using assigned agency or personal vehicles.

Benefits

Medical, vision, and dental benefits at 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 obtaining 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.
Professional development opportunities.