Direct Support Professional (Dsp) With Art Emphasis

Direct Support Professional (DSP) with Art Emphasis

About CHOICE:

For over 50 years, CHOICE has been creating partnerships and programs that enrich the lives of people with intellectual disabilities. Through education, recreation, employment, and community engagement, our organization supports participants to live life to the fullest. When you join our team at CHOICE, you help people with disabilities to gain independence and achieve their dreams! Our motto is "No Limits", and our goal is to remove any perceived barriers to enable our participants to realize their full potential, and to experience all that their community has to offer.

About CHOICE Art Programs:

In 2016, CHOICE made the decision to invest in our Arts program by securing grants, building out new art spaces, partnering with community agencies, and adding artists to our staff to help us expand the program. CHOICE's art program is designed to support people with intellectual disabilities to explore their passions and talents within various art forms, while simultaneously improving cognition, emotional control, and sensory-motor skills. Additionally, our vision is that the art program will work to connect our participants to their community and empower self-advocacy through creative expression. Whether by designing and selling a tee shirt, showcasing artwork in a local gallery, or performing a dance on stage, our artists have thrived with the support of our Art program and Instructors. We hope to expand our offerings by adding a new member to our CHOICE Art team who has both a passion for art as well as for helping people grow and succeed.

Primary Responsibilities: The Adaptive Art Instructor will work in a dual role at CHOICE, responsible for art programming, as well as for day-to-day duties of a Direct Support Professional in our Day Program.

Art Programming:

• Oversee art facilities, including the organization, inventory, and proper use of supplies. Ensure a safe, clean, and effective environment in the art room.
• Plan and implement group classes and projects across various art forms and historical genres, while exploring a variety of mediums.
• Offer individualized art projects based on participants’ preferences and talents, and provide one-on-one instruction as needed.
• Oversee the in-house display of artwork created by CHOICE artists. Determine the placement of wall hangings and displays throughout the CHOICE facility.
• Research locations and approach outside agencies for the display of artwork in community settings such as local galleries, art shows, coffee shops, etc.
• Assist art team with the facilitation of art-themed events and projects, and develop materials to promote upcoming events to the target audience.
• Communicate with our community partners to help coordinate art-themed activities and opportunities offered by outside agencies (i.e. Upstream Arts, Minnetonka Center for the Arts, ArtAble, etc.).
• Seek leads and obtain connections in the community that may contribute to the development of new Art partnerships with outside agencies.
• Promote the art program to the greater CHOICE community through various platforms (i.e., social media, newsletters, videos, annual reports, etc.)
• Collaborate with the Art team by participating in and contributing to team meetings and working together to establish goals and milestones for expanding the Art program across the agency.

Direct Support:

• Utilize your skills, talents, hobbies and interests to offer life-enrichment activities and classes across a wide array of topics that are of interest to you, beyond art.
• Coach, train, and mentor participants to be successful at their community-based jobs.
• Provide the necessary supports for participants to safely access and participate in community-based recreational activities.
• Transport participants in company vehicles to and from their homes, CHOICE facilities, jobs, and community locations.
• Implement participant goal programs in accordance with each individual’s written Service Plan.
• Perform basic health, medical, and personal cares according to individual protocols.
• Acquire and maintain knowledge of MN licensing Statutes Chapter 245D. Deliver person-centered services in accordance with 245D law to ensure the health, dignity, and independence of the people we serve.

Qualifications:

Required:

• Actively creates art or has formal training in one or more mediums
• Valid driver’s license and a clean driving record required
• Must pass criminal background study
• Must maintain certification in First Aid, CPR, and Medication Administration
• Ability to physically bend, stoop, reach, and lift at least 40 pounds
• Ability to communicate and present oneself with a professional demeanor

Preferred:

• BA or BS degree in a subject related to Art or Art Education, Developmental Disabilities, Therapeutic Recreation, or Human Services, is preferred. Candidates with equivalent work experience in a related professional employment setting may be considered in place of a degree.
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is strongly preferred, but extensive training will be provided.

Benefits:

• $500 Sign-On Bonus after 90 days of employment
• A variety of healthcare plans from most major insurance providers available for little to no cost to the employee
• Health Partners Dental plan
• Short and Long Term Disability and AD&D
• Life Insurance
• Employee Assistance Program, including mental health resources, financial and legal resources, and child/parenting/eldercare resources
• Generous PTO program (12 days in first year)
• 8 paid holidays per year
• Two paid week-long companywide vacation shutdowns each year (in July and December)
• Annual Anniversary Bonus
• 401(k) Retirement Program with company match up to 4%
• Access to the Public Student Loan Forgiveness program
• Use of company vehicle and gas card for work purposes
• Opportunities for development and advancement

Schedule & Hours: Art Instructors work full time, typically 35-40 hours/week depending on schedule and duties, Monday through Friday, between the hours of 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM. All work is completed in-office.

CHOICE is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of their race, color, creed, religion, national origin, sex, sexual orientation, disability, age, marital status, or status with regard to public assistance.

Job Types: Full-time

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $20.00 - $22.00 per hour

Expected hours: 35 – 40 per week

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Work setting:

• In-person

Education:

• Bachelor's (Required)

Experience:

• Art Education: 1 year (Preferred)
• Direct support: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Shift availability:

• Day Shift (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Eden Prairie, MN 55344: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person