Direct Support Technician - ID/DD Vocation/Day Support Staff

City of Alexandria • Alexandria, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

The City of Alexandria is seeking qualified candidates for the Direct Support Technician - ID/DD Vocation/Day Support Staff position. This role provides assistance, support, and skill-building in Vocational, group day support, community settings, and/or supported employment settings. The technician will train individuals in daily living skills, social skills, and community integration, or supported employment. The incumbent will provide support, training, and follow-up to program participants with Intellectual Disabilities to help them adjust to the Day Support program or their competitive work environment, ensuring they maintain employment while adhering to all HCSB setting requirements and supporting full access to the greater community.

Requirements

• High School Diploma or GED
• One year of specialized training in psychology, rehabilitation, a vocational specialty or related human service field
• One year of experience working with clients in vocational placement or training
• Possession of a valid driver's license issued by state of their residence
• Demonstrates strong knowledge and effective practice in supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including understanding their unique needs, communication styles, learning approaches and person-centered support strategies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and techniques applicable to Vocational/employment programs, Medicaid Waiver and DRS service delivery systems, and community organizations that provide assistance for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrates solid knowledge of the Supported Employment model and effectively applies its principles in daily practice.
• Shows the ability to work with individuals who require moderate or extensive support in a structured program setting, providing appropriate support, guidance, and skill-building opportunities that align with person-centered goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to learn and train others in electronic assembly and other work processes.
• Possesses strong knowledge of the Supported Employment model and effective strategies for program development and implementation.
• Shows the ability to work with adults with varying support needs in a program setting.
• Maintains effective working relationships with staff, individuals with disabilities, professional groups, regulatory and involved agencies, company/agency officials, employees, and members of the business community.

Nice To Haves

• Four-Year College Degree in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field
• Established effective working relationships with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a variety of services settings – including group homes, institutional programs, day support services and supported employment environments, as well as with co-workers and personnel from community agencies.
• At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Bilingual and Fluent in both English and Spanish.

Responsibilities

• Analyzes, develops, composes, and implements Individual Service plans, training programs, strategies and curriculum.
• Provides direct training and supervision to a group of 1-7 program participants in fundamental skills development and community life experiences.
• Provides input into the development of a comprehensive individualized Person-Centered Plan.
• Assists program participants in the establishment and achievement of individualized goals and objectives.
• Documents progress towards individualized goals, significant/unusual events, monthly program outcomes, and other required information.
• Provides assistance with personal care.
• Generates program participants’ payroll on a bi-weekly basis.
• Inspects the quality of all completed tasks by program participants to ensure progress with desired objectives and goals outcome.
• Provides support, direct training, counseling, assistance, and/or crisis intervention to participants in employment or the day support program.
• Provides emergency care, personal care, as well as medication management, as needed.
• Assists participants with job applications and interviews.
• Provides job development, job coaching, situational assessments and on-the-job training.
• Allocates a variety of assignments to individuals and inspects the quality of all completed assignments.
• Conducts and oversees task analysis and time studies.
• Observes individuals' performance and progress.
• Documents worker productivity via progress notes, monthlies and quarterlies, and maintains other pertinent clinical records.
• Provides advocacy and assistance in any area which may impact job performance or job retention.
• Facilitates discussions on vocational group job-related topics as well as human relations topics.
• Transports and accompanies individuals using City of Alexandria vehicles.
• Provides on-the-job training, job site observations, interviews and vocational assessments.
• Provides counseling to individuals on issues directly or indirectly related to employment.
• Participates in regularly scheduled meetings, treatment team meetings and staff consultations.
• Provides crisis intervention.
• Conducts discussions with Support Coordinators, supervisors and co-workers to monitor progress and problems.
• Maintains client records according to CARF standards, Departmental Standards, and State Licensure.
• Writes progress notes, treatment plans, documents incidents, events.
• Provides program and participants’ information to authorized individuals and agencies.
• Interchangeably provides back-up supervision for both the ID Day Support and ID Employment program.
• Adheres to all HCSB setting requirements, ensuring the setting is integrated and supports full access to the greater community.
• Supports individuals in participating in inclusive community settings and not isolated or separated from people without disabilities.
• Supports individuals in their desire to participate in the community by providing opportunities for new experiences and applying person-centered thinking practices.
• Ensures full community inclusion, identifies transportation options, assists in developing meaningful relationships, and ensures access to services and supports.
• Performs related work as required.

Benefits

• Collective Bargaining Agreement coverage with AFSCME
• Successful completion of pre-employment checks (FBI/Federal Records; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; DMV check; Driver's License and education/certifications)

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Entry Level
• Education Level: High school or GED