DSP-U Coordinator

About OADSP & DSP-U

The Ohio Alliance of Direct Support Professionals (OADSP) is a statewide nonprofit organization. Our mission is to educate, elevate, and empower Direct Support Professionals, Frontline Supervisors, and other leaders through professional development opportunities, recognition, and advocacy. OADSP fosters a vibrant learning community and actively elevates the value of frontline professionals within the Intellectual and developmental disabilities (I/DD) field. DSP-U is an educational program that combines classroom education along with internship and experience opportunities in the field of I/DD. This program primarily focuses on high school seniors.

OADSP Seeks…

An enthusiastic, self-motivated, and dedicated professional. This individual focuses on the execution, evaluation, and growth of DSP-U. They are responsible for promoting the program and supporting the implementation of strategies for program growth and scaling, including maintaining and cultivating relationships with school systems, county boards, providers, and other stakeholders.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

• Assist in the implementation and expansion of the DSP-U program
• Lead the daily management of DSP-U operations
• Manage logistics of scheduling and communication with school and stakeholder partners
• Develop and lead professional development and training sessions to build the knowledge about, and capacity of, DSP-U
• Support relationships with program partners
• Coordinate and collaborate in the development and implementation of virtual and in-person DSP-U programs
• Coordinate DSP-U student orientation and program kickoff
• Capture pictures and stories for publication (social media, newsletters, bulletins, etc.)
• Internship site engagement, including coordination of skill mentor training
• Coordinate, track and maintain DSP-U data, including student and stakeholder surveys
• Maintain, update, create, DSP-U program related forms
• Review existing content, curriculum, strategies, and research/evaluation to make recommendations and implement approved modifications
• Continually monitor programs, instructors, and contractors, for quality assurance and relevance to state and national standards and best practices in Direct Support Professional development
• Communicate and attend meetings with external partners regarding program logistics
• Collaborate with internal and external evaluators to track and report program participation and demographics, make continual improvements to programs, and measure program outcomes and impact
• Assist in tracking data, outcomes, and any other key performance indicators (KPIs) as indicated by the strategic plan and program goals, to ensure sustainability according to the annual budget.
• Assist with the improvement of efficiencies and communication flow with external partners and internal team
• Maintain departmental responsibilities (meetings, email, phone, etc.)
• Other duties as assigned

Position Qualifications & Requirements

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to execute each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative but not exclusive of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to fulfill the essential functions.

• Education and/or Experience: Bachelor’s degree or equivalent, or three years (or more) of related professional experience, including project management and staff and/or volunteer supervision and evaluation; or an equivalent combination of education and experience. Familiarity with issues relevant to the I/DD community, including the needs of persons served and service providers (recruitment, training, development and retention) is a plus. The qualified candidate preferably has experience in the field of education and/or disability field; along with a solid understanding of education and employment readiness principles, ability to conduct outreach to current and prospective school partners, and the ability to provide technical assistance and training to program implementors.
• Organizational Skills: Ability to synthesize and organize information from a variety of sources in a clear and concise manner. Ability to balance multiple priorities, to work independently as well as part of a team, and to coordinate and lead meetings (virtual and in-person). Ability to meet deadlines and ensure completion of projects on a schedule. Extremely organized, reliable, punctual, accurate, and detail-oriented. Superior managerial and diplomacy skills are a plus.
• Communication & Language Skills: Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from team members (including the Board of Directors), contractors, clients, customers, and the general public with consistent respect and discretion at all levels.
• Technical Skills: High level of computer literacy, including the MS Office suite of apps (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Access or other databases, and Publisher), website-building and maintenance platforms, and social media outlets.
• Reasoning Skills: Ability to solve practical problems and deal with a variety of concrete variables in situations where only limited standardization exists. Ability to interpret a variety of instructions furnished in written, oral, diagram, or schedule form.
• Physical Demands: While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly engaged in prolonged periods working on a computer at a workstation. The employee is frequently required to stand; walk; sit; use hands and reach with hands and arms; and must be able to frequently lift and/or move up to 25 pounds. The employee is required to talk and hear, and specific vision abilities include adjusting focus.
• Work Environment & Culture: As OADSP is mainly a “virtual organization,” it is up to the employee to establish a home work environment that is conducive to performing the essential functions of this job. Internet access is required to enable the employee to participate in video conferences and conduct everyday business. OADSP’s culture is personable and professional, flexible and focused.
• Travel: Travel is required. This includes but is not limited to the following: DSP-U presentations, program kickoffs, face-to-face meetings every 4-6 weeks with supervisor, occasional full team meetings, annual events, and other meetings as scheduled and mutually agreed upon by employee and employer. Mileage is reimbursed according to IRS guidelines and at the standard IRS rate, which is subject to change annually. To reduce travel and associated costs, employees are highly encouraged to take advantage of online meeting platforms to conduct business whenever possible.

This is an exempt, full-time position, and it includes limited benefits, including paid time off, remote work opportunities, a flexible schedule, and travel reimbursement. This position typically works Monday through Friday. The work schedule may require expanded hours and flexibility, as the employee may be required to attend major OADSP events that fall outside of the typical work day.

How to Apply

Please submit a cover letter, resume, and 3 professional references to Becky Watson, OADSP Director of Engagement, at [email protected].