Director of Employment Services

The Director of Employment Services sets the tone and direction for employment services provided by Harc. This position ensures Harc remains on the cutting edge of service delivery, develops service innovation, builds positive community relationships, resources, and ensures the overall mission of Harc is pursued. The Director leads the Employment Services team, prioritizes employment for people with intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD), and ensures people supported by Harc lead lives of quality, inclusion, and dignity. The Director of Employment oversees the employment services budget, staffing, and operations.

Key Responsibilities:

1. Program Management:
   • Oversee and supervise the Employment Services team.
   • Manage the program within budgetary guidelines, ensuring smooth day-to-day operations.
   • Supports activities that promote Harc’s financial stability, including supporting Harc fundraisers.
   • Maintain quality assurance across all aspects of employment service activities.
   • Analyze data to evaluate participants’ progress in employment-related skill areas.
   • Provide input and support during Individual Plan (IP) program reviews and related processes.

• Ensure effective implementation of participants’ Individual Plan program goals and action plans.
• Evaluate individual employment activity plans across various skill areas.
• Collaborate with therapeutic staff to employ suitable teaching strategies aligning with diverse learning styles.
• Offer counseling support to participants, imparting coping strategies for social and vocational situations.

3. Staff Management and Training:

• Hire, direct, supervise, and instruct staff in best practices for working with individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Provide specialized training to staff on various topics to enhance their skills and expertise.
• Conduct and document staff meetings, fostering a positive and collaborative team environment.
• Implement Harc's guidelines for staff supervision, performance management, and provide progressive discipline when necessary.

4. Compliance and Reporting:

• Uphold compliance with DDS, audit, and Harc quality assurance department requirements.
• Maintain up-to-date training commensurate with the position to ensure adherence to relevant regulations.
• Complete attendance and billing records in Web/Res/Day accurately and promptly.

5. Resource Management:

• Ensure availability and proper maintenance of materials, supplies, and equipment required for employment program activities.
• Understand and provide input as required on the program budget, collaborate with your supervisor to monitor the budget of the program, and manage resources efficiently.
• Provide oversight of all micro-business activities and operations.

6. Safety and Well-being:

• Prioritize the health, safety, and well-being of program participants, ensuring a secure and supportive environment.
• Provide direct participant support in the event of inadequate staffing levels or work stoppage (strike).

7. Micro-Business Management:

• Manage micro- businesses, overseeing day-to-day project management, operations, and metrics.
• Promote existing services and products and introduce new services and products to the market.
• Collaborate with the Philanthropy Department for marketing and branding of micro-businesses, implementing creative marketing plans and advertising.
• Identify pre-vocational business activities supporting micro-businesses.
• Collaborate with program administrators to develop training programs for supported individuals.
• Provide analytics on all micro-business activities, identify sales, and forecast future opportunities.
• Collect and analyze key performance indicators of the business.

8. Believe in Employment First:

• Everyone can work and there is a job for everyone. Our job is to be creative and persistent in providing support that helps people with intellectual disabilities find, get, and keep real pay.
• Not working should be the exception. All individuals, schools, families, and businesses must raise their expectations.
• People will be hired because of their ability not because they have a disability.
• Communities embrace people who contribute.
• Everyone has something to contribute and needs to contribute.
• People are healthier, safer, and happiest with meaningful work.
• True employment is not a social service.
• Employment is a win/win for everybody.

Key Competencies:

1. Leadership Skills: Demonstrate the ability to lead and inspire a team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration.
2. Effective Communication: Excellent verbal and written communication skills with the ability to convey information clearly and sensitively to diverse audiences, including individuals with intellectual disabilities and their families.
3. Budget Management: Proficient in managing budgets, monitoring expenditures, and making informed decisions to ensure effective resource allocation.
4. Program Development and Quality Assurance: Strong understanding of program development principles and experience in implementing quality assurance measures to enhance program effectiveness.
5. Training and Development: Skillful in designing and delivering specialized training to staff, promoting continuous learning and professional growth.
6. Problem-Solving: Strong analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to identify and address operational challenges and drive continuous improvement.
7. Crisis Management: Capacity to retain professionalism and composure during crisis situations, ensuring the safety and well-being of participants and staff.
8. Flexibility and Adaptability: Demonstrated ability to adapt to changing circumstances, manage multiple responsibilities, and respond to dynamic program requirements.
9. Motivational and Supportive Approach: Ability to create a positive and inclusive environment, encouraging participants and staff to reach their full potential.
10. Understanding of Intellectual Disabilities: Comprehensive knowledge of diverse learning styles and individuals with intellectual disabilities, facilitating personalized support and programming.
11. Compliance and Regulatory Knowledge: In-depth understanding of regulatory requirements in the developmental services field, including compliance with DDS, DSS, and other relevant agencies.
12. Resource Management: Proficient in efficiently managing resources, ensuring the availability of necessary materials and equipment for program activities.

Qualifications:

1. Bachelor’s degree in business, psychology, or relevant degree; Master’s in related field is preferred.
2. Minimum of 6 years of experience in a management role, ideally overseeing DDS programs in a nonprofit organization.
3. Exceptional organizational abilities to manage and oversee the day-to-day operations of the program effectively.
4. Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Google Suite, ADP, Therap, and various software and databases.
5. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Department of Developmental Services Medication Administration Certification card.
6. Attend agency-wide events and fundraisers.
7. Valid driver's license and reliable transportation.
8. Passionate about Harc, Inc.'s mission and dedicated to enhancing the lives of individuals through DDS programs.