Employment Specialist

Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC) is a non-profit corporation, funded by the State of California to provide services to persons with developmental disabilities. At CVRC, our mission is to help individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities, and children at risk, to reach their goals. With offices in Merced, Fresno, and Visalia, we support over 35,000 individuals with developmental disabilities in the Central Valley, including Mariposa, Madera, Fresno, Tulare, Merced, and Kings counties. We accomplish this by coordinating resources and collaborating with other agencies to develop the best services for Clients and families, valuing diversity, respecting individual rights and choices, and committing to excellence, honesty, and cost effectiveness in service delivery.

BENEFITS OF JOINING CVRC:
• Employer-paid medical plan options available for employees
• Employer-paid dental and vision coverage for eligible family members
• CalPERS Pension Retirement Program
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) Eligible Employer
• Employer-paid Basic Life Insurance
• Supplemental Life & AD&D coverage options at group rates
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, personal time, holidays, and longevity leave
• Flexible schedules, including 9/80 work week options with every other Friday off
• Telecommute opportunities for eligible positions after introductory period
• Meaningful work supporting individuals with developmental disabilities and their families

Exempt Full Time

Starting Pay: $70,940.73 - $84,706.94/yr.

U POSITION OVERVIEW

The Employment Specialist serves as a subject matter expert and primary resource in advancing Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), internships, and career development opportunities for individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center (CVRC). This position develops and maintains partnerships with employers, service providers, educational institutions, workforce development agencies, and community organizations throughout CVRC's six-county catchment area to expand access to meaningful, community-based employment opportunities. The Employment Specialist promotes employment as a preferred outcome, supports individuals in achieving their career goals, and assists employers in creating inclusive workplaces that foster successful employment outcomes.

Working with a high degree of independence, the Employment Specialist provides consultation, training, and technical assistance to CVRC staff, service providers, employers, individuals served, and families regarding employment services, workplace supports, accommodations, and best practices. The position monitors and reports on employment outcomes and performance measures, identifies opportunities to improve employment access and retention, and leads initiatives that support state and federal priorities related to competitive integrated employment for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

• Under minimal supervision, identifies and engages potential employers to create job opportunities suited to the abilities and interests of individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center.
• Independently develops and maintains strong partnerships with local businesses, industry groups, and community organizations.
• Serves as a subject matter expert for CVRC in educating and supporting CVRC staff in all matters related to employment for individuals served.
• Conducts presentations and meetings to educate employers about the benefits of hiring individuals served by Central Valley Regional Center and the available supports.
• Advocates for the rights, interests, and employment goals of individuals served, promoting inclusive workplace practices and supporting successful job retention and career growth.
• Assists employers with understanding accommodations and modifications required for successful employment through partnership and education.
• Provides ongoing support and follow-up with both employers and individuals to address any issues and ensure sustained employment.
• Participates in community events, job fairs, and networking opportunities to promote employment for individuals with intellectual disabilities served by Central Valley Regional Center.
• Collaborates with community partners to create inclusive work environments and raise awareness about the capabilities of the individuals with intellectual disabilities.
• Maintains accurate and timely records of individuals' progress, employer contacts, and job placements.
• Prepares reports on employment outcomes, individuals' progress, and program effectiveness for internal and external stakeholders.
• Provides training and resources to employers and coworkers on working effectively with individuals with intellectual disabilities who are served by Central Valley Reginal Center.
• Ensures compliance with relevant regulations, including the Lanterman Act and Title 17.
• Exercises agility and independent judgement to prioritize work based on strategic initiatives of the role on a regular basis.
• Supports effective and efficient business practice.
• Maintains positive business relationships, confidentiality, good attendance, punctuality, and acts in accordance with all company policies and procedures.
• This job description reflects management's assignment of essential functions; it does not prescribe or restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor's degree in Social Work, Rehabilitation Counseling, Human Services, Business Administration, Human Resources, Organizational Leadership, or a related field and a minimum of three (3) years of professional experience in employment services, workforce development, job placement, job coaching, vocational rehabilitation, recruitment, career services, employer engagement, or related employment-focused work; or a Master's degree in one of the above fields and a minimum of two (2) years of professional experience in employment services, workforce development, job placement, job coaching, vocational rehabilitation, recruitment, career services, employer engagement, or related employment-focused work.
• Qualifying experience must include a minimum of two (2) years of experience working with individuals with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities (ID/DD). The required ID/DD experience may be gained within the required employment-related experience and does not require additional years of experience beyond those stated above.
• Demonstrated experience developing partnerships and collaborating with employers, service providers, community organizations, educational institutions, and other stakeholders.
• Knowledge of intellectual and developmental disabilities and the barriers, supports, services, and accommodations that contribute to successful employment outcomes.
• Demonstrated ability to track, analyze, and report on employment-related metrics and outcomes. Ability to interpret data, identify trends, measure progress toward goals, and effectively communicate findings and recommendations to stakeholders.
• Demonstrated ability to exercise a high degree of discretion, independent judgment, and initiative in carrying out assigned responsibilities.
• Demonstrated organizational, planning, and time-management skills with the ability to independently prioritize a high-volume workload, manage multiple projects and employer relationships, and meet established deadlines while maintaining accurate and timely documentation.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with employers, individuals served, families, providers, community partners, and staff at all organizational levels.
• Proficiency in the use of computer applications and software for documentation, data management, reporting, presentations, e-mail, and other required business functions.
• Strong verbal and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct presentations, facilitate meetings, and communicate effectively with diverse audiences.
• Must demonstrate initiative, self-motivation, flexibility, sound judgment, and the ability to work independently with minimal supervision.
• Possession of a valid California Driver's License, reliable transportation, and current automobile insurance.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Knowledge of local job markets and community resources.
• Competence in job development and placement strategies.
• Understanding of disability rights and accommodations.

TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS

• Must have the ability to travel within CVRC's six-county-wide region as assigned or required.

WORKING CONDITIONS


Professional office environment. Noise level in the office is low to moderate depending on area. Individual workspace assigned and varies from open cubicle to private office.


PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functionsManual dexterity for typing on a computer keyboard. Specific vision abilities including close vision, distance vision, depth perception, and ability to adjust focus required to view computer monitor, read numbers and printed material. Mobility sufficient to reach, lift and transport files and other work material to work areas. Sitting for extended periods of time.