VASO Employment Services Program Specialist

Vista Autism Services•Hershey, PA

About The Position

The Employment Services Program Specialist is responsible for helping adults on the autism spectrum or with comparable symptomology achieve an independent and fulfilling life by ensuring implementation of ISP outcomes, coordinating community-based activities, and serving as a leader of the Career Developers and Employment Specialists. The Employment Services Program Specialist oversees the participation in programming of up to thirty individuals in an effective and collaborative manner ensuring adherence to all regulatory requirements.

Requirements

Associate Degree or 60 credit hours and 4 years of work experience working with persons with disabilities OR Bachelor’s Degree with 2 years’ work experience working with persons with disabilities OR Master’s Degree and 1 year work experience working with persons with disabilities required
Minimum 1-3 years of experience working with individuals with Autism Spectrum Disorder using principles of Applied Behavior Analysis required
Earning of the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) certificate or becoming a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) within 9 months of hire required
Clean driving record (no more than 2 moving violations in a 3-year span), valid PA driver’s license, current vehicle inspection, up-to-date vehicle registration, and proof of adequate insurance coverage required
Passing of all pre-employment regulatory and safety-sensitive employee requirements including, but not limited to, PPD testing, physical exam, drug tests, and background checks required
Successful completion of Safe and Positive Approaches Training required
Successful completion of CPR and First Aid Training required
Successful completion of Community Participation Support Training required within 60 days of hire
Ability to independently problem solve and make quick decisions required
Demonstrated accountability, leadership, and organizational skills required

Nice To Haves

Minimum 1-3 years of supervisory experience, particularly overseeing caseloads and billing documentation preferred
Experience working with individuals with an autism spectrum disorder using the principles of Applied Behavior Analysis highly desired
Knowledge and experience of non-profit organizational management preferred

Responsibilities

Creates and promotes a culture centered on building self-directed lives with the people we support
Displays principles of good management and applies these in daily work performance
Implements performance management policies and positive management practices to result in high performing employees and teams.
Develops performance metrics, measures staff performance using appropriate tools and rubrics, and conducts assigned performance reviews as scheduled.
Identifies, addresses, and manages employee performance discrepancies, disciplinary issues, and training deficiencies for department members.
Serves as the liaison between Vista Autism Services and supports coordination agencies as well as county administrative entities
Coordinates regular and collaborative meetings with outside supports coordination agencies and team members
Attends internal treatment team and management meetings
Participates in the development of the ISP, ISP Annual Update, and any ISP revisions, including formulating individual outcomes for individuals on caseload
Tracks data on ISP outcomes, community participation and health promotions
Creates, updates, signs, dates, and disseminates quarterly progress reports, reviewing with the individual if and as requested, or as required
Produces annual assessments based on the individual’s progress and growth, as applicable
Makes independent decisions regarding program operations within his/her authority
Notifies the Manager of Adult Employment Services in an accurate and timely manner of unusual incidents, problems, and changes for individual cases
Promotes a positive working relationship with all employees
Coordinates and reviews the careful preparation of individual’s records and ensures that they are kept accurate and up to date
Provides direct support to individuals as needed
Ensures that programmatic routines are followed as established; follows established procedures when making changes
Remains aware of behavioral and /or medical status of the people that we support
Coordinates partnerships with local businesses to maximize the potential to work on outcomes as listed in the ISP of all individuals on the caseload
Assists direct support staff in utilizing individual’s most effective instructional strategies to teach skills necessary to be successful across community settings
Uses principles of Applied Behavioral Analysis to teach appropriate replacement behaviors and reduce the occurrence of undesirable behaviors; reports/documents incidences, if they occur
Screens potential individuals and assists with enrollment into the program
Ensures compliance with all state regulated mandates as well as Vista’s policies and procedures
Completes other duties as assigned