DSP Employment Specialist

CommonSpirit Health•Fargo, ND

About The Position

The Employment Specialist coordinates vocational services and advocates for the goals and dreams of the people supported. The role includes managerial duties, staff supervision, and scheduling; managers must be flexible with their available hours to meet the needs of those they support. The position empowers people to pursue their goals, make their own choices, and gain independence. It includes implementing support plans and learning objectives, attending team meetings, completing assessments, and maintaining accurate records. The Employment Specialist learns about each person’s vocational, community, and social interests; supports connections with natural supports and community participation; and assists with health, safety, and personal care. Duties include supporting medical needs and appointments, administering medications and treatments as directed, maintaining required First Aid and CPR certification, and helping people maintain safe, clean environments and personal hygiene. The role also manages departmental budgets, expenditures, procurement, and the accurate recording of employment income. The Employment Specialist advocates for people’s rights and respectful treatment, works with employers and other stakeholders to develop supports, and helps safeguard people from abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation. The position requires participation in training, accreditation and licensure reviews, surveys, and organizational activities.

Requirements

High school diploma or equivalent.
North Dakota driver’s license upon hire.
Auto insurance upon hire.
Maintain a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and access to a vehicle.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.

Nice To Haves

Two years of work experience.

Responsibilities

Empower people supported to pursue their goals and dreams, make choices, and become as independent as possible.
Attend program training with the QIDP and implement OSP/PCSP programs, learning objectives, and supports accurately.
Attend team meetings, complete requested assessments, and document accurately and promptly in applicable records.
Learn about people’s vocational, community, and social interests and support their connections with natural supports.
Support people’s participation in community activities, employment, volunteer work, clubs, organizations, and church activities while emphasizing choices and options.
Maintain a valid driver’s license, vehicle insurance, and access to a vehicle.
Learn about the physical and mental health needs of people supported, including their medications and medication effects.
Support people’s involvement in personal health needs; accompany them to appointments, assist during medical procedures, and follow up on recommendations as needed.
Administer medications and complete treatments according to the Medication Administration Record.
Maintain current First Aid and CPR certification.
Help maintain safe, clean living and working environments and provide assistance with hygiene, grooming, and attire.
Monitor monthly budgets, remain within approved amounts, approve expenditures under department guidelines, and oversee budgets and expenditures for people supported.
Manage the department’s procurement card and ensure employment income, including self-employment income, is accurately reported and recorded.
Advocate for people supported and promote dignified, respectful communication and interactions in the community.
Work with employers, community members, families, and other stakeholders to develop needed supports and services.
Help people learn about their rights, due process, and fair treatment, and ensure they are free from abuse, neglect, mistreatment, and exploitation.
Attend orientation, mandatory training, and departmental meetings; complete required modules and Pathways training.
Participate in accreditation and licensure reviews, organizational surveys, and culture and wellness activities as requested.
Supervise staff and manage scheduling.