Vocational Support Professional

The Arc Southern Chesapeake•Prince Frederick, MD

About The Position

The Arc Southern Chesapeake is hiring a full-time Vocational Support Professional in Calvert County. The role provides onsite instruction, support, and encouragement to people with developmental or intellectual disabilities. Working as part of a team, the professional supports person-centered planning and individualized goals, responds to crisis situations, and helps ensure that the requirements of the supported person’s employment site are met. The position supports people in employment, volunteer, recreational, and apprenticeship settings by teaching skills, providing job training, fostering relationships, and developing natural support systems. It also involves community networking, advocacy, communication with employers and families, assistance with personal care and medication when needed and appropriately certified, crisis intervention, documentation, and implementation of individualized plans. The professional attends required training and team meetings and follows agency, state, and federal guidelines and ethical practices.

Requirements

Graduation from an accredited high school or GED.
Two years of competitive employment.
Ability to communicate clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.
Knowledge of formal and informal community supports available to help people receiving services identify and access support.
Proficiency with computer software such as Excel, Word, and Access.
Ability and willingness to participate in a team environment.
Ability and willingness to learn and apply crisis-management techniques.
Ability to analyze information and reach appropriate resolutions.
Ability to collaborate with employees, employers, and community members.
Valid driver’s license with a good driving record and access to a safe vehicle that passes an agency-sponsored inspection; the vehicle is used to transport people receiving services.
Ability to work a varied schedule in the tri-county area, as assigned.
Ability to pass the Maryland-mandated criminal background check.
Understanding of the importance of natural supports and how to use them to achieve desired outcomes.
Ability to meet the physical demands of the job, including occasionally lifting or moving up to 50 pounds and navigating the work environments of people receiving services; reasonable accommodations may be made.

Responsibilities

Teach skills and provide supports to help individuals meet employment goals, building on their strengths and capabilities.
Support the development of friendships and other relationships in employment, volunteer, and recreational settings.
Provide onsite skill instruction and job training while encouraging natural support systems.
Maintain positive, frequent contact with employers, family members, and other important people in the lives of individuals served.
Communicate information on behalf of individuals to community organizations, businesses, and service providers in a professional manner.
Ensure compliance with applicable regulations and agency, federal, and Maryland guidelines.
Develop task analyses when needed and help sites develop adaptive methods.
Provide or assist with personal care as necessary.
Assist with or dispense medication when certified, and support other prescribed medical treatments as necessary.
Develop relationships with prospective employers and help identify community support needs and connections.
Help individuals plan, make informed choices, fulfill responsibilities, and speak on their own behalf.
Use sensitive, effective communication and adapt to individuals’ communication styles.
Maintain collaborative, ethical relationships with individuals and support team members, and facilitate individualized plans based on individual preferences, needs, and interests.
Assist or represent individuals when barriers affect their support needs, and educate employers and community members when relevant.
Identify and respond to crisis situations, contact necessary supports, monitor incidents, adjust supports and environments, follow reporting requirements, and implement behavior plans when indicated.
Maintain accurate records, submit them promptly, and protect confidentiality.
Follow agency guidelines and incorporate sensitivity to cultural, religious, racial, disability, and gender issues into daily work.
Attend, complete, and pass required initial and ongoing training.
Complete assigned tasks, model appropriate behavior, attend staff and team meetings, contribute to program evaluations, and uphold agency core values.