Position Description

Commonwealth of Pennsylvania
POSITION DESCRIPTION FOR JOB POSTING
Position Number: 50301952	Description Activated On: 2/4/2026 8:53:37 AM

Position Purpose: Describe the primary purpose of this position and how it contributes to the organization’s objectives. Example: Provides clerical and office support within the Division to ensure its operations are conducted efficiently and effectively.

The employee occupying this position is responsible for conducting vocational adjustment services activities in a safe and secure environment in compliance with DSH policies and procedures to promote recovery. The employee will provide timely assessments and recommendations to their assigned treatment teams. The employee will implement individualized vocational approaches to assist the individual in reaching established therapeutic treatment goals. The employee completes vocational assessments related to the individual’s interest and vocational needs. The employee is under the direct supervision of the Vocational Adjustment Services Supervisor (VASS).

Description of Duties: Describe in detail the duties and responsibilities assigned to this position. Descriptions should include the major end result of the task. Example: Types correspondence, reports, and other various documents from handwritten drafts for review and signature of the supervisor.

Assesses individuals referred to Vocational Adjustment Services to determine the individual’s therapeutic needs, strengths and interests. After evaluation, the employee will determine the appropriate workshop, group or individual setting in which the individual can successfully work.

Provides individualized vocational services groups in assigned shop areas such as Frame Shop, Vinyl Shops, Copy Shred Shop, Mobile Work Crew, Weekend Mobile Work Crew, Coffee House, Vending, and Farmhouse. Provides individual vocational sessions based on individual’s abilities, interests, and vocational needs.

Actively participates and takes initiate in learning new workshop duties and skills related to the projects completed in each workshop area. Asks relevant questions related to assigned job duties in order to ensure proficient understanding of assigned workshop area. Engages in learning new work shop tasks to ensure smooth cross training of job duties.

Provides oversight, guidance, and as needed demonstration of workshop tasks to individual workers. Prepares work shop area in anticipation of scheduled work sessions to ensure productive use of time and completion of vendor orders and shop tasks. Completes workshop tasks parallel to individual workers to model appropriate workplace behaviors, demonstrate tasks and maintain therapeutic working relationships in preparation for competitive employment upon their discharge.

The employee will establish and maintain their assigned workshop/ worker schedules and will document individual worker progress in the Electronic Health Record in accordance with established department, hospital, and CMS guidelines.

Inventories and orders materials used in assigned shop areas, coordinating with contract companies and VASS/Chief OT to maintain adequate supply and avoid shortages to provide quality services. Completes requisitions and purchase orders for shops to run sufficiently. Maintains professionalism and good customer service when coordinating orders with outside vendors and customers of VAS workshops.

This employee is assigned to a unit where they regularly attend and participate in multidisciplinary team meetings. Treatment team responsibilities include providing recommendations for individual treatment based on assessed needs, sharing information on individuals’ progress with unit treatment team members, and completing assigned treatment plans in the electronic health record in accordance with hospital and CMS guidelines.

Maintains appropriate and timely communication with VASS and/or Chief OT regarding any changes, questions, and concerns related to job duties.

Participates in departmental meetings and committees assigned to promote clear and concise communication of VAS services within the hospital.

Shares knowledge, skill, and experience relevant to the VASW position with coworkers to provide a smooth transition with new staff and for cross training purposes of shop responsibilities/duties.

Completes all required DSH trainings at a satisfactory level.

Performs other related duties and special projects as assigned.

Decision Making: Describe the types of decisions made by the incumbent of this position and the types of decisions referred to others. Identify the problems or issues that can be resolved at the level of this position, versus those that must be referred to the supervisor. Example: In response to a customer inquiry, this work involves researching the status of an activity and preparing a formal response for the supervisor’s signature.

1.Based on assessment and identified needs, collaborates with department staff to establish appropriate interventions and work shop schedules for individual workers.

2.Directs the activity of individuals within VAS workshops in group or individual sessions encouraging positive work habits and independence with tasks.

3. Observes individual worker behaviors and performance while in VAS and documents such in the electronic health record.

4.Determines need for materials/supplies for specific VAS workshops, submits necessary requisitions as needed to supervisor and Chief OT.

5.Makes spontaneous decisions as necessary if confronted with a crisis situation assuring, to the extent possible, the safety of all involved. Reports same immediately to supervisor.

6.Relays relevant questions related to the interpretation of policy/procedure should be forwarded to the department supervisor or Chief OT for clarification.

7.Any deviations from established schedule (i.e. coverage, cancellation, relocation) must be approved by the supervisor prior to implementation. Exception of this situation would be where a spontaneous decision must be made to ensure safety of all individuals involved.

8. Decisions resulting in outcomes that have effects outside of the individual's specific work assignment will be made in consultation with the immediate supervisor or Chief OT.

Requirements Profile: Identify any specific experience or requirements, such as a licensure, registration, or certification, which may be necessary to perform the functions of the position. Position-specific requirements should be consistent with a Special Requirement or other criteria identified in the classification specification covering this position. Example: Experience using Java; Professional Engineer License

Experience:

Licenses, registrations, or certifications:

1.   CPR for the Professional Rescuer from the American Red Cross

2.   N/A

3.   N/A

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Essential Functions: Provide a list of essential functions for this position. Example: Transports boxes weighing up to 60 pounds.

1.	Evaluates referred individuals, recommends appropriate work assignments and documents results in the Electronic Health Record.
2.	Oversees individual practice of vocational activities, assisting individuals as necessary (including emergency situations) to include standing, pulli
3.	Ability to walk the hallways of the hospital frequently throughout the day to provide vocational opportunities to individuals throughout the hospital.
4.	Attends and actively participates in multidisciplinary treatment team meetings including the development of Individualized Treatment Plans.
5.	Coordinates the use of individual workshops areas and workshop schedules and subsequent supplies/materials.
6.	Completes documentation requirements associated with workshop/ assigned caseload for individual electronic health records and ITPs to meet CMS/DSH sta
7.	Provides clear communication in written, verbal and email forms using English. Demonstrates basic computer skills.
8.	Participates in in-service/out-service trainings to maintain professional licensure and stay current on hospital operations.
9.	Completes required trainings at a satisfactory level (i.e. MANDT, CPR, human rights, fire safety).
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