Summary
The DSP Team Lead provides direct support for program participants while also serving as a support and point person for new or transferred direct support staff as well as current staff. Responsible for entering and checking participant attendance data into the appropriate system.

Position requirements

Direct support duties

1. Ensure proper staffing and ratios for outings, being aware of participant needs and working collaboratively with management to confirm staff coverage both in the community and in the facility.
2. Create age-appropriate arts, employment, and goal-oriented curriculum and activities collaboratively with program directors, for the program participants on a daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. The activities will foster engagement, choice and personal development and promote development and education in all arts-related and pre-vocational experiences.
3. Supports implementation of Individual Support Plans (ISPs) and a Behavioral Support Plan or Social, Emotional, and Environmental Plan for each individual served. Provide feedback on participant progress including recommendations. Participates in program planning and development working closely with Program Specialists and other team members to ensure a well-integrated approach to participant care. Plan and provide opportunities for new recreational and educational experiences.
4. Know and follow regulations and agency policy in all areas including confidentiality, attendance, unusual incidents, documentation, abuse, restrictive procedures, and all matters pertaining to medication administration and documentation and medical issues. Promptly ask the supervisor to clarify any areas of concern.
5. Provide training to all new DSP’s upon hire during the introductory period or as needed.
6. Serve as a mentor and coach to individuals. Provide guidance and direction while being a positive role model to the individual.
7. Ensure the safety and well-being of program participants at all times. Safely transport individuals adhering to all safety policies and laws; provide assistance as necessary.
8. Ensure all interactions reflect an understanding of people with disabilities, maximize participant choice and treat all participants with personal dignity.
9. Anticipate possible problems or challenges and work to prevent unnecessary conflict. Problem-solve issues regarding participant situations, with or without assistance.
10. Provide crisis intervention as necessary to support participants. Uses the least restrictive emergency procedure when necessary to protect the individual from injuring self or others. Follows intervention policies and regulations. Ensure that unusual incident standards are understood and followed.
11. Immediately bring to the attention of the supervisor and program specialist any concerns about participants.
12. Ensure all documents and participant records are accurate and submitted in a timely manner as per agency policy and procedures and regulations. Accurately completes time cards according to regulatory and program standards.
13. Positively and professionally represent SpArc at all times.
14. Develop trusting professional relationships with families and support staff while maintaining professional boundaries between families, other support staff and individuals served.
15. Participate in skill development and professional growth opportunities.

DSP Team Lead Duties

1. Assist the Director of CPS Day Programs  in training new or transferred staff by sharing information about the support needs for program participants in that area, including:
   1. individual likes and dislikes
   2. daily living support needs like toileting, eating, communication, and socializing
   3. proven behavior support interventions for specific individuals
2. General orientation to the program area and its resources, i.e. where supplies are kept, how to find paperwork, how to contact program specialists.
3. Be a point person for questions, concerns, and ideas from new and existing staff. Respond appropriately by addressing their needs directly, or connecting them with appropriate personnel (program director, program specialists, HR, etc.).
4. Guiding new staff in coming up with individual and group projects and activities geared towards meeting both the mission of the program and the outcomes of individual programs participants.
5. Ensure that all attendance data and progress notes for the program’s participants has been entered into the SETWORKS system accurately on a daily basis. Make corrections and updates as needed. Advise program director and or accounting about any issues preventing the accurate logging of time for each program participant (i.e. a participant not being in the system, missing documentation, etc.)
6. All other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

1. High school diploma required. Some college or undergraduate degree preferred, or equivalent level of experience. Minimum one year experience or training certification in working with people with disabilities in a health care or social services setting or in the arts. Valid driver’s license preferred.
2. Clear criminal record and child abuse history, complete medical and drug screen (paid for by SpArc Services).
3. Demonstrated competence in varied art mediums and knowledge of how to use the arts as an engagement strategy for people with disabilities.
4. Effective verbal and written communication skills including communicating with people from diverse backgrounds and varied abilities.
5. Understands the needs of participants and adjusts behavior accordingly. Able to demonstrate compassion, empathy, and positive attitude while supporting independence.
6. Able to provide crisis intervention, including de-escalation of behavior.
7. Demonstrates the organization’s core competencies and solid customer service skills.
8. Effective word processing skills using Microsoft Office products.
9. Ability to translate regulations into practice. Must understand the importance of effective record keeping.
10. Ability to form effective partnerships with all stakeholders, including family, caregivers and funders.
11. Must be willing to obtain ODP medication administration certification.
12. Must be willing to obtain ACRE certification.

Physical Environment / Working Conditions
Open classroom type space. May be required to lift and/or physically support program participants, to lift heavy boxes, or to install two and three dimensional artwork into gallery type or other exhibition spaces.

To apply for this position, please submit your cover letter and resume to HR@sparcphilly.org. Please include "DSP, Team Lead" in the subject line of your email.