Job Description

Posting number: 2027-00527

Department: Department of Community and Human Services

Division: CENTER FOR ADULT SERVICES

Job classification: DIRECT SUPPORT TECHNICIAN/ GS 12

Posting type: Open & Promotional

Categories: Clerical & Data Entry, Community Services, Health Services, Mental Health, Redevelopment, Social Services, Transportation, Professional, Human Services, Community Development, Customer Service, Training, Records Management, Health Education, Counseling, Community and Social Services, Health Care Support, Rehabilitation Services, Medical

ID/DD Vocation/Day Support Staff

The City of Alexandria is located in northern Virginia and is bordered by the District of Columbia (Potomac River), Arlington and Fairfax counties. With a population of approximately 150,000 and a land area of 15.75 square miles, Alexandria is the seventh largest city in the Commonwealth of Virginia. Alexandria has a charming waterfront and is a unique and historic place to live and work. About one-quarter square miles in the city have been designated as a national or local historic district. We proudly embrace our rich history and seize the endless opportunities that lie ahead. If you are interested in working for the vibrant City of Alexandria, we invite qualified candidates to apply for our Direct Support Technician - ID/DD Vocation/Day Support Staff position.

An Overview

A Direct Support Technician provides assistance, support and skill building in Vocational, group day support, community setting and/or a supported employment setting. Training includes daily living skills, social skills, and community integration in a Day Support, or supported employment in Group, Enclave, Mobile Crew, or individualized Supported Employment. An incumbent provides support, training, and follow-up to program participants with Intellectual Disabilities in adjusting to either the Day Support program or their competitive work environment to maintaining employment while adhering to all HCSB setting requirements including, making sure all setting is integrated and supports full access to the greater community.

What You Should Bring

• Demonstrates strong knowledge and effective practice in supporting individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities, including understanding their unique needs, communication styles, learning approaches and person-centered support strategies.
• Comprehensive knowledge of the principles and techniques applicable to Vocational/employment programs, Medicaid Waiver and DRS service delivery systems, and community organizations that provide assistance for individuals with Intellectual and developmental disabilities.
• Demonstrates solid knowledge of the Supported Employment model and effectively applies its principles in daily practice. Shows the ability to work with individuals who require moderate or extensive support in a structured program setting, providing appropriate support, guidance, and skill-building opportunities that align with person-centered goals.
• Demonstrates the ability to learn and train others in electronic assembly and other work processes. Possesses strong knowledge of the Supported Employment model and effective strategies for program development and implementation. Shows the ability to work with adults with varying support needs in a program setting. Maintains effective working relationships with staff, individuals with disabilities, professional groups, regulatory and involved agencies, company/agency officials, employees, and members of the business community.

The Opportunity

• Analyzes, develops, composes, and implements Individual Service plans, training programs, Analyzes, develops, composes, and implements Individual Service plans, training programs, strategies and curriculum.
• Provide direct training and supervision to a group of 1 -7 program participants within the areas of fundamental skills development and community life experiences.
• Provides input into the development of a comprehensive individualized Person-Centered Plans.
• Assists program participants in the establishment and achievement of individualized goals and objectives related to fundamental skills development and community life experiences.
• Documents progress towards individualized goals, significant/unusual events, monthly program outcomes, and all other information required by the program
• Provide assistance with personal care.
• Generates program participants’ payroll on a bi-weekly basis.
• Inspects the quality of all completed tasks by program participants to ensure progress with desired objectives and goals outcome.
• Provides support, direct training, counseling, assistance and/or crisis intervention to participants in employment or the day support program, to address behavior, fundamental skill development, community life experiences and other appropriate issues.
• Provides emergency care, personal care, as well as medication management, as needed.
• Assists participants with job applications and interviews.
• Provides job development, job coaching, situational assessments and on-the-job training.
• Allocates a variety of assignments to individuals and inspects the quality of all completed assignments.
• Conducts and oversees task analysis and time studies.
• Observes individuals' performance and progress.
• Documents worker productivity via progress notes, monthlies and quarterlies, as well as maintains other pertinent clinical records.
• Provides advocacy and assistance in any area which may impact job performance or job retention; Facilitates discussions on vocational group job-related topics as well as human relations topics.
• Transports and accompanies individuals using City of Alexandria vehicles.
• Provides on-the-job training, provides job site observations, interviews and vocational assessments.
• Provides counseling to individuals on issues directly or indirectly related to employment, provides advocacy and assistance in any area, which may impact job performance or job retention, participates in regularly scheduled meetings, treatment team meetings and staff consultations.
• Provides crisis intervention.
• Conducts discussions with Support Coordinators, supervisors and co-workers in order to monitor progress and problems that arise.
• Maintains client records according to CARF standards, Departmental Standards, and State Licensure.
• Writes progress notes, treatment plans, documents incidents, events.
• Provides program and participants’ information to authorized individuals and agencies, including parents, guardians, advocates, residential services providers, case workers, Social Security, the Department of Labor and the Department of Rehabilitative Services.
• Interchangeably provides back-up supervision for both the ID Day Support and ID Employment program
• Adhere to all HCSB setting requirements including, ensuring the setting is integrated and supports full access to the greater community. This includes opportunities to seek employment and work in competitive integrated settings, engage in community life, control personal resources and receive services in the community, to the same degree of access as individuals who do not receive HCBS.
• Follow all rules and practices that support full community access, Individuals must be supported in participating in inclusive community settings and should not be isolated or separated from people without disabilities.
• Support individuals in their desire to participate in the community by providing opportunities for new experiences and applying person-centered thinking practices to: Ensure full community inclusion – making sure individuals have the opportunities and supports needed to be active, valued members of the community, identify transportation options that promote access to community activities, services, and resources, assist in developing meaningful relationships that enhance social connections and personal growth, Ensure access to services and supports that allow individuals to explore, engage in, and maintain participation in meaningful activities.
• Performs related work as required.

About the Department

The Center for Adult Services (CAS) provides programs and services in Aging; Adult Protective Services; Clinical & Emergency Services; and Community & Residential Support Services for seniors and for persons with mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance use disorders. CAS provides compassionate and effective person-centered services based on best practices. Our teams support self-determination, safety and recovery for Alexandria residents affected by abuse, neglect, mental illness, intellectual disabilities and substance abuse disorders.

Examples of duties

High School Diploma or GED; one year of specialized training in psychology, rehabilitation, a vocational specialty or related human service field; one year of experience working with clients in vocational placement or training; and possession of a valid driver's license issued by state of their residence.

Qualifications

Four-Year College Degree in counseling, psychology, social work or a related field; Established effective working relationships with individuals with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities in a variety of services settings – including group homes, institutional programs, day support services and supported employment environments, as well as with co-workers and personnel from community agencies. At least one (1) year of experience working with individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities. Bilingual and Fluent in both English and Spanish.

Supplemental information

COLLECTIVE BARGAINING AGREEMENT: This Direct Support Technician Position is covered by the Administrative and Technical Collective Bargaining Agreement with AFSCME.

This position requires the successful completion of pre-employment checks to include: FBI/Federal Records; VA State Child Abuse/Neglect Registry; Medicare/Medicaid Fraud Database; DMV check; Driver's License and education/certifications. Hours: Monday through Friday, 8:00AM – 4:30PM