What are the responsibilities and job description for the Direct support professional position at Bucks IU?
Description
Summary / Objective :
Under the direction of the Supervisor of Adult Programs and Services, provide direct support to adults with disabilities in varied settings related to employment.
Support adults with disabilities in developing, refining, and generalizing skills necessary for successful employment.
Essential Functions :
- Provides accommodations and adaptations to work site to facilitate client independence.
- Apply effective, sensitive communication skills to build rapport and channels of communication by recognizing and adapting to the range of participant communication styles.
- Maintain accurate data regarding individual progress toward goals (hours worked, performance on job).
- Utilizes and assesses client preferences, skills, aptitudes, and strengths to identify potential employment opportunities.
- Provides practice for employment preparation and job retention skills on the work site.
- Accompanies clients on the job search / interview.
- Explore with the participant his / her vocational interests and aptitudes, assist in preparing for job or school entry, and review opportunities for continued career growth.
Supervisory Responsibility :
There are no supervisory responsibilities within this role.
Work Environment :
The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
The noise level in the work environment is usually moderate.
Physical Demands :
The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit and use hands. The employee is frequently required to walk;
reach with hands and arms and talk or hear. The employee may be required to stand for long periods, and to climb or balance and stoop, kneel, crouch, or crawl.
The employee must frequently lift and / or move up to 10 pounds and occasionally lift and / or move up to 25 pounds. Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, distance vision, color vision, peripheral vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.
Position Type / Expected Hours of Work :
This is a part-time, 260-day calendar position. Days and hours of work are variable and flexible. Hours are dependent on the needs of the individual client.
Flexible evening and / or weekend work may be required as job duties demand.
Travel : Travel or transport may be expected for this position.
Qualifications
Education and Experience :
1. Experience with students or adults with disabilities preferred
2. Valid Pennsylvania Driver's License required if transporting students
3. Able to pass Motor Vehicle background check
Level of Degree :
High School Diploma required.
Associate or bachelor's degree in education, business, marketing, communications, public relations, rehabilitation, psychology, or an area related to job development for persons with disabilities is desired.
Willing to obtain the following minimum qualification within 6 months of being hired
The Association for Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) or
The Association for People Supporting Employment First (APSE) Certified Employment Support Professional Credential.
Knowledge, Skills and Abilities
- Excellent communication skills, both orally and in writing.
- Knowledge of disabilities.
- Ability to take initiative, establish and maintain working relationships with community businesses / volunteer work sites.
- Work effectively with individuals from a variety of educational, socio-economic, ethnic and disability groups.
- Impart and obtain information tactfully and accurately.
- Strong organization skills
- Maintain accurate records of all activities undertaken with the client
Work Authorization / Security Clearance (if applicable) : Citizenship or work authorization to work in the United States required.
EEO / AA / VEVRAA Employer : The Bucks IU is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring a diverse workforce and sustaining an inclusive culture.
Bucks IU does not discriminate on the basis of disability, veteran status or any other basis protected under federal, state, or local laws.
Last updated : 2024-09-10