Vocational Support Associate

The Arc Of Southern Maryland•Waldorf, MD

12d•$19•Onsite

About The Position

The Arc Southern Maryland is currently hiring part-time Vocational Support Associates. A VSA provides onsite instruction, support and encouragement to people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Generally, the VSA works as a member of a team with the following objectives: Person-centered planning and individualized implementation of goals for individuals receiving supports from the team Deals with crisis situations Assures that all duties required by the employment site of the person(s) receiving this support are met through either the person or the employee, as necessary.

Requirements

18 years of age with a high school diploma or GED equivalent
A valid driving license (We cannot accept driver permit or provisional license)
Can pass a criminal background check mandated by the State of Maryland
A good driving record with no more than 2 points on the license
A reliable vehicle to be used in transporting individuals we serve
Enjoy assisting people and hands on support
Graduation from accredited high school or GED.
2 years of competitive employment.

Responsibilities

Assists individual(s) to meet his or her employment goals, by teaching skills, providing supports, and building on individual strengths and capabilities.
Supports individual(s) in the development of friendships and other relationships in employment, volunteer and recreational settings.
Provides on-site skill instructions and overall job training while encouraging development of natural support systems.
Maintains frequent and positive contacts with employers, family members, or other important people in the lives of people served.
Provides information, on behalf of the person receiving supports, to various community, business, civic organizations and community service providers (e.g., doctors, social services, etc.) in a professional manner.
Assures compliance with applicable regulations, (i.e., MOSHA, DDA, health fire).
Develops Task Analyses, as necessary.
Assists employment, recreational, volunteer and apprenticeship sites in the development of adaptive methods, as necessary.
The VSA assures that activities in all locations comply with guidelines established by the agency, Federal government and the State of Maryland.
Provides or assists with personal care, as necessary.
Assists with and/or dispenses medication (as certified), or other prescribed medical treatments, as necessary.
Assists with the development of perspective employer relationships.
Assists in the identification of needs for the individual(s) for community supports, working with the individual(s) informal support system and /or initiating community connections.
Assists individual(s) to plan, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and speak on his/her/their on behalf.
Uses effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of individual(s) communication styles.
Learns and uses terminology appropriately, explaining as necessary to ensure individual(s) understanding.
Maintains collaborative professional relationships with individual(s) and all support team members (including family/friends), follows ethical standards of practice (e.g., confidentiality, informed consent, etc.), and recognizes his or her own personal limitations.
Assists and/or facilitates the implementation of an individualized plan to achieve specific outcomes derived from individual(s) preferences, needs and interests.
Facilitates, assists, and/or represents individual(s) when there are barriers to his or her support needs.
Interacts with and educates employers, and community members when relevant to individual's needs or supports.
Identifies crisis situations, evaluates or defuses the situation, and contacts necessary supports.
Continues to monitor crisis situations, discusses the incident with authorized staff and individual(s), adjusts supports and the environment, and complies with regulations for reporting.
Implements behavior plan(s) as necessary and as indicated in the plan.
Maintains accurate records and submits records to appropriate sources in a timely fashion.
Maintains standards of confidentiality and ethical practice.
Complies with all agency guidelines, procedures and practices.
Incorporates sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability and gender issues into daily practices and interactions.
Attends, completes and passes all required training, initially and ongoing.
Accomplishes all tasks as appropriately assigned or requested.
Demonstrates appropriate role model behavior at all times.
Attends and participates in staff and team meetings.
Contributes to program evaluations by responding to surveys and interviews or participating in discussion groups.
Accepts and employs the agency’s core values.