Sheltered Workshop Production Foreman (#MDDZ51)

The purpose of the class is to maintain a therapeutic production work environment for chronically mentally ill or developmentally disabled clients employed at a State sheltered workshop.

The class incumbent functions under the supervision of a technical superior and is responsible for overseeing the operation of a unit of the sheltered workshop. An incumbent in this class is involved in supervising and coordinating the activities of clients engaged in production subcontract or prime manufacturing work. The class incumbent plans and implements subcontract or prime manufacturing work. The class incumbent plans and implements production procedures including time studies, assembly methods, work flow and client assignments. In addition, the class incumbent monitors safety procedures, quality control and daily production. A significant aspect of the work involves monitoring and reporting on client work related behaviors and performance. An incumbent provides feedback to medical and social work staff relating to client problems, progress and job readiness.  An employee also interacts with customers regarding work orders.

Essential functions are fundamental, core functions common to all positions in the class series and are not intended to be an exhaustive list of all job duties for any one position in the class. Since class specifications are descriptive and not restrictive, incumbents can complete job duties of similar kind not specifically listed here.

• Monitors clients' work related behavior and performance and confers with workshop and treatment team staff to provide input on client problems and progress.
   
• Trains clients in processes.
   
• Conducts time studies on contract production operations to establish piece rates.
   
• Maintains time and production records by contract for each client; prepares inventory reports and client work performance evaluations.
   
• Computes earnings for clients based on hourly wages or units produced, posts to payroll records and draws checks to pay clients.
   
• Develops effective production techniques and adaptive devices to simplify work and ensure efficient production.
   
• Ensures adherence to safety practices in work area and quality controls standards during productions process.
   
• Maintains tools and equipment used in the work activities center.
   
• Assumes responsibility for overseeing the operation of the Sheltered Workshop in absence of superior.
   
• May supervise lower level staff.

The intent of the listed knowledge, skills and abilities is to give a general indication of the core requirements for all positions in the class series; therefore, the KSA’s listed are not exhaustive or necessarily inclusive of the requirements of every position in the class.

• Knowledge of the methods and techniques of conducting time studies and cost analysis.
• Knowledge of the methods and practices of work scheduling work flow and work simplification.
• Skill in recordkeeping.
• Skill in overseeing and training clients in work methods.
• Ability to influence and modify behavior and attitude with respect to development of work habits and appropriate work related behaviors.
• Ability to maintain working relationships with facility staff, hospital and mental health clinic treatment teams and/or
• business community.
• Ability to make mathematical computations.
• Ability to operate tools, machinery and equipment used in the applicable sheltered workshop unit.

JOB REQUIREMENTS for Sheltered Workshop Production Foreman
Applicants must have education, training and/or experience demonstrating competence in each of the following areas:

1. Six months experience in working with persons with disabilities.
2. Six months experience in estimating cost, time and materials for projects.
3. Six months experience in record keeping which includes maintaining records, logs, and filing systems.
4. Six months experience in interpreting laws, rules, regulations, standards, policies, and procedures.
5. Knowledge of production management which includes managing overall production processing operation; identifying priorities, staffing needs, schedule changes, processes and procedures to meet operational needs.
6. Knowledge of staff supervision acquired through course work, academic training, training provided through an employer, or performing as a lead worker overseeing the work of others; OR supervising staff which may include planning, assigning, reviewing, and evaluating the work of others; OR supervising through subordinate supervisors a group of professional, technical, and clerical employees.