POSITION SUMMARY

The primary role of the Direct Support Professional (DSP) – Performance Arts is to work alongside the people we support in order to help them achieve their personal outcomes. The DSP – Performance Arts supports the people we work with in following their dreams and passions in the field of creative performance, theater, dancing, music, and more. The DSP – Performance Arts will also be responsible for networking within the community to identify opportunities for individuals receiving services to showcase their talents, as well as to create and organize performances that enhance their performance and/or creative abilities.

DUTIES, RESPONSIBILITIES, AND ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Provides the people we support with opportunities to develop performance and creative skills in the areas of interest.
• Helps the people we support to learn and improve teamwork, professional, and informed decision-making skills.
• Networks with entities such as but not limited to various performance venues and various organizations and agencies that will provide opportunities to the people supported .
• Promotes performances and fundraising events through a variety of media in conjunction with other departments.
• Organizes performances at a variety of national and international venues including but not limited to travel and lodging arrangements.
• Assists in choosing productions, scheduling casting and scheduling/overseeing rehearsals of performances.
• Ensures that active programming or structured activity is provided at all times and that individuals are encouraged to participate in meaningful activities.
• Works with the people we support to help them identify and realize their personal life goals.
• Advocates with the people we support in a variety of situations.
• Works with the people we support to teach them new life skills and improve daily living skills.
• Assists the people we support to overcome barriers and challenges to establish and maintain a network of relationships and valued social roles.
• Works with the people we support and other members of the interdisciplinary team to develop service plans that aid the person in achieving their personal life goals.
• Provides positive behavior support to the people we support as necessary.
• Works in partnership with the people we support to promote their health and safety.
• Prevents, recognizes and reports abuse towards the people we support.
• Promotes and supports community involvement for the people we support.
• Completes required Annual/Semi-Annual information for assigned individuals.
• Supports the team in providing update on progress at Life Plan/Annual/Semi-Annual meetings
• Ensures that all required documentation (paper and electronic) is completed /processed appropriately, in a timely manner, and meets quality and compliance thresholds.

• Performs other duties as assigned.

Responsibilities of All FREE Employees

• Always communicates in a respectful manner with all people including the people we support, supervisors, other valued team members, and members of the community.

• Complies fully with FREE’s confidentiality policies by holding in strictest confidence all information pertaining to members, residents, the people we support and their families, clients, providers, contractors, and employees.
• Meets all safety training requirements; adheres to all safety policies and reports any and all unsafe conditions; takes measures to prevent accidents and/or eliminate conditions that pose a safety or health risk.
• Coordinates, supports, attends and participates in all required events/ meetings/ reviews/ committees, including ones outside of standard working hours.
• Meets all job requirements and stays in compliance.
• Adheres to FREE’s standard of ethical behavior as outlined in the Employee Handbook and Code of Conduct as well as applicable laws and regulations.

Please note the above duties, responsibilities, and essential functions are a non-exhaustive list, and may be changed by FREE at any time, with or without notice to the employee.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Education:
  • High school diploma or equivalent required
• Experience:
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience in theater or performance arts programs including coordinating productions, organizing rehearsals and performances, and/or networking with performance venues required.
  • Minimum of one (1) year of experience providing direct support to individuals with disabilities required.
• Specialized Training, Licenses, Certifications:
  • Not required, training will be provided upon hire as needed
• Knowledge, Skills, Competencies, and Abilities:
  • Computer literacy required
  • Functional proficiency in spoken and written English
  • Knowledge of theater and various performance styles (dance, talent shows, holiday productions, etc.)
  • Ability to plan, organize, and manage performances from concept through execution
  • Experience coordinating all production elements, including scheduling, rehearsals, and logistics
  • Familiarity with obtaining necessary licensing, as well as sourcing props and costumes
  • Demonstrated ability to work in a team environment with flexibility, keeping others informed and anticipating needs is essential
  • Must be efficient, well organized, and have excellent verbal and written communication skills
• Other Requirements:
  • 18 years of age or older
  • Valid Driver’s License and satisfy criteria to be an agency driver required

WORK ENVIRONMENT

This role is performed in-person with travel and off-site work required. Travel to other FREE locations, community theaters, and other community locations required.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Employee is required to sit, walk and stand for prolonged period of time (at least 8 hours)
• Employee is required to effectively communicate both verbally and in writing

• Employee is required to operate standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, fax and filing cabinets
• Employee is required to reach with hands and arms
• Employee is required to bend, stoop, kneel, crouch or stand on a stool as needed
• Employee is required to be able to lift 50 pounds at a time

Notwithstanding the above listed physical requirements of this position, FREE will provide reasonable accommodations to allow employees to perform the essential functions of the position, provided such reasonable accommodations do not cause undue hardship on FREE.