The Program Director, Ability One and Supported Employment ensures that Melwood successfully employs and retains productive direct workers. The incumbent has overall responsibility for the effective performance of Vocational Support Case Managers, Specialists and Workforce Specialists. The incumbent ensures that Vocational Support Services team provides appropriate support to employed individuals with disabilities performing job tasks. This position has budgetary responsibility.

*1. Ensures that Melwood is in compliance with regulations governing bodies: Ability One, Waiver funded programs, the Alexandria and Arlington County Community Services Boards, the Maryland Division of Rehabilitation Services, the Virginia Department for Aging and Rehabilitative Services and others. . The incumbent collaborates with any and all departments to review and adjust policies and procedures to ensure that Melwood receives successful ratings on Source America audit. Additionally, the incumbent is the chief point of contact for any and all requests for information regarding Melwood's participation in the Ability One program.

*2. Provides leadership to Vocational Support Services staff. The incumbent leads the staff by developing training approaches that are appropriate to the individual supported. Additionally, the incumbent when there are adjustments to job tasks and quality modifications or when the needs of the person served changes.

*3. Leads the Vocational Support Services team in providing the following services:

*4. Works closely with Facilities Management Services management to determine productivity measurements. Directs and allocates Vocational Support resources to ensure that person served needs are met; this includes ensuring Vocational Support Services staff are trained in the task analyses and work processes used to deliver the service(s) or manufacture the product(s) as required by our contracts.

*5. Consults with and educates supervisors and management regarding the needs of employees. Communicates strengths and weaknesses of employees and identifies possible methods of increasing strengths and minimizing weaknesses. Ensures that confidentiality and HIPPA compliance (i.e. differing ability diagnosis) is maintained through Vocational Support Services staff.

1. Emphasizes quality, timeliness, and profitability objectives of contract site(s) to Vocational Support staff. Trains staff to observe ongoing workplace behavior to identify and correct any deviations in behavior or performance as immediately as possible.

1. Consults with staff to enable them to provide immediate, effective on-site intervention, problem analysis and follow-up recommendations. Maintains and sharpens training approaches for a varied workforce through researching and applying current behavior modification theories and application, as well as task analysis and operational training. Ensures staff is well-trained and motivated.

1. Prepares written summaries, in approved format, on all individual support activities as it pertains to meetings, phone contacts, site visits, 1:1 sessions, etc.

1. Analyzes observational and employment-related data for specified projects, and task/behavioral assessments as needed. Ensures such data is collected when needed for purposes outside the department.

1. Ensures staff maintains comprehensive employee and grant-related files, to ensure the strictest level of confidentiality, security and procedural/regulatory requirements.

1. Interfaces appropriately with the public and private sector (to include parents, guardians, agencies, etc.) as needed to ensure the employee has the opportunity to be successful in the work setting.

1. Ensures staff is capable and timely when preparing required and/or requested statistical and other reports on activities and accomplishments for all assigned employee activity including:

1. Works with Facilities Management Services operations management and the Human Resources Division to create and revise position descriptions.

1. Manages budgetary resources for the department, ensuring financial objectives and costs are properly met.

1. Manages the Ticket to Work Program and other similar employment programs.

1. Performs other duties as assigned.

*Essential Functions

SUPERVISION EXERCISED

The Program Director will directly supervise the Vocational Support Specialists and Vocational Support Case Managers.

SUPERVISION RECEIVED

The Vocational Support Services Director reports directly to the Director of Employment Services.

PHYSICAL QUALIFICATIONS

The incumbent must be able to stand/walk 80%, drive 10% and sit 10% of the work time. He/she must be able to lift/carry up to 50 lbs. Must be able to stoop, kneel, crouch, crawl, and reach and must possess hand and finger dexterity. Must be able to effectively communicate with employees, supervisors and management. Must possess good hearing and vision as driving is a requirement.

QUALIFICATIONS

Master's in Social Work, Counseling, Rehabilitation Counseling, Education & Human Development, or related field and a minimum of three years of directly related experience. Additional preference may be given to candidates, who hold an Advanced Certificate in Professional Counseling, a License for Professional Counselors (LPC), or Certified Rehabilitation Counselor (CRC).

Experience with supervising other professional individuals preferred. Direct experience in a manufacturing or services environment preferred. Experience with developmentally disabled population, mental health and/or substance abuse is preferred.

Must be able to work well and communicate with all levels of management, staff and individuals served. Excellent verbal, written and presentation skills required.

Experience conducting evaluations utilizing approved assessments; developing behavioral plans and tracking techniques designed to correct employee performance barriers; promote individual abilities; and excellent analytical, judgment and decision-making abilities. Proficiency in MS Office software applications and the ability to work in a fast-paced, ever changing and dynamic environment.

Must possess a valid driver's license and a good driving record.

Director of Employment Services