Summary 
The Director of Employment Services is responsible to support the mission of SpArc Services by assisting people with disabilities to find and maintain independent employment. The Director will manage staff and day-to-day program operations to ensure efficient and effective training and support of newly employed people with disabilities.

 

Position Responsibilities

Program Management

• Drive the daily operation of the program meeting program goals and standards.
• Ensure regulatory compliance with all stakeholders and funders.
• Develop, implement and hold staff accountable to follow written policies and procedures.
• Ensure training and personal support activities are provided based on individual desires and needs and respect for the dignity of participants.
• Use personal and participant networks to build relationships with employers and community Services. Develop opportunities for participants for internships and employment.
• Ensure the coordination of individualized training curriculum for each program participant in conjunction with funding agency. Ensure all participants are provided choice and are supported in the implementation of his/ her employment or skill building plan. Provide individualized support and systematic instruction as needed to assist individuals to become self-sustaining and to achieve maximum independence.
• Together with participants, actively seek career opportunities within their local community and that meet their individual choices.
• Successfully match jobs (employer needs) to participants based on their individual career goals.
• Negotiate work hours, routines, job status, wages and benefits with employers. Coordinate job coaching schedules, ensuring that each participant receives the support that they need to maintain their employment. Create weekly coaching schedule and assign coaches to participants as appropriate, including developing strategies for coaches to use to encourage appropriate work place behavior, productivity and job placement longevity.
• Create and submit all billing, employment, and progress reports to funders and supervisor.
• Submit monthly report to supervisor.
• Maintain all participant information in electronic database.
• Promote and model appropriate work place behavior and work ethic, encouraging productivity on the job and job placement longevity.
• CPR certified and First Aid trained.
• Complete all incident reports. Fully cooperate with any investigations and implements findings.
• Provide fiscal oversight of the program including adhering to program budget, monthly reporting, recommendations for increased revenue and cost cutting measures. Is fiscally responsible.
• Develop and implement strategy that will maintain and expand the program and meet funder expectations. Develop program enhancements to meet needs of program participants, respond to trends and funder priorities.
• Responsible for the preparation of all materials including files in accordance with applicable regulatory standards. Is prepared for yearly and unannounced site inspections.
• Provide timely, accurate and complete reports for internal and external purposes. Adhere to all record keeping requirements.
• Participate and contribute to the intake process to ensure the needs of the individuals accepted can be met.
• Participate in the design and implements Individual Support Plans (ISP) customized to participant need, supporting the interests of the family and available funding. Maintains records on every program participant, ensure accurate data, progress notes, time sheets, billing, and team participation at ISP meetings.
• Keeps abreast of current trends in services and best practice initiatives.
• Ensure staff receive the required annual training and ensure they receive the training that qualifies them to provide employment services.
• Responsible for any other task or duties that will contribute to the success, integrity and growth of this program.

 

Partnership and Collaborative Relationships

• Develop and maintain relationships with funders, employers, support coordinators, families, business Services and other stakeholders to ensure quality services and increased opportunities. Promote open communication and program growth.
• Market the program at the appropriate venues to gain visibility, promote the vision of employability for people with disabilities, and promote an inclusive work environment including presenting to prospective employers and Services.
• Maintain positive and transparent relationships with all monitoring agencies. Provide information, respond to requests, promptly and thoroughly responds to all participants, family, funder and other stakeholder concerns. Represent participants served as valued members of the community.
• Positively and professionally represent SpArc Services at all times.

 

Staff Management

• Contribute toward creating a climate that attracts, retains and motivates high performance in staff. Supervise program staff.
• Implement the agency performance management program, complete performance evaluations and provide staff with ongoing performance feedback in a timely manner.
• Models positive customer service skills and the core competencies of the organization. Holds others accountable to do the same.
• Conduct regular meetings with staff and participate in management meetings to ensure priorities are clear, coordination is good and communication remains open.
• Recruit, select and train staff. Develop staff schedules, prepare payroll.

 

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree required and/or at least five (5) years prior experience in human services including prior program and staff management experience
• Clear criminal and child abuse history, medical and drug screen. Valid driver's license.
• Ability to adapt and work a flexible and fluctuating work schedule to meet the needs of participants. Must be available by phone.
• Must demonstrate effective communication skills with people from diverse backgrounds; able to present in small and large groups.
• Demonstrate the organization's core competencies and solid customer service skills.
• Strong computer skills.
• Ability to coordinate and direct the work of others.
• Ability to translate regulations into practice. Knows the importance of effective record keeping.
• Ability to form and maintain effective relationships with all stakeholders.
• Effectively problem solve with the ability to proactively address issues preventing escalation.
• Requires self-direction, independence, good time management, organizational skills, and attention to detail including prioritization.
• Demonstrated ability to handle multiple projects and details simultaneously. Ability to work well under pressure and flexibly respond to changing priorities, unplanned events or emergencies.
• Ability to translate regulations into practice. Knows the importance of effective record keeping.

 

Physical Environment/Working Conditions

Routine office environment. May be required to drive a van, lift and/or physically support participants independently or with other staff. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

How to apply

Qualified candidates should send a cover letter and resumé to HR@sparcphilly.org, using "Director, Employment Services" as the subject line.

Please NO PHONE CALLS.