Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Creative Options, Inc. is a non-profit organization that provides support to people with developmental disabilities. Our mission is to empower people with disabilities to creatively design and build a meaningful quality of life. Our vision is that all people with disabilities will direct their own lives, supported by highly qualified people who, through their work, demonstrate a belief that everyone at their core has potential.  We aspire to be an employer of choice, all our houses are homes; equity and diversity are championed, services are person-directed, community and family are valued, and our fiscal management activities are responsibly managed and transparent.

Creative Options is always looking to hire bright, enthusiastic, and motivated individuals who possess professional work ethics and have a strong desire and commitment to work with people who have disabilities.  We are currently seeking a qualified full-time Employment Specialist to develop job opportunities for people by meeting with local employers and providing information and marketing materials about Creative Options, Inc., and our Employment Services Program

Benefits

• Health Insurance available 
• Life Insurance (premium paid 100% by company)
• PTO and Sick time 
• 401K eligibility after 1 year

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Develop employment opportunities by building relationships with local employers, businesses, and community partners to support job placement and career growth for individuals with developmental disabilities.
• Assist individuals with job searches, resume development, interview preparation, and workplace readiness to help them achieve competitive employment.
• Provide job coaching, skills training, and ongoing support to promote successful job performance, retention, independence, and community integration.
• Maintain accurate documentation, service records, progress notes, and employment-related reports in compliance with agency and regulatory requirements.
• Support Person-Centered Plan goals while ensuring the health, safety, dignity, and rights of individuals served, and maintain positive relationships with families, employers, and community stakeholders.

Requirements

• ARCE certified and/or active CESP certification (preferred, not required).
• Creates marketing materials to advance the Employment Services Program.
• Procures educational/training opportunities and volunteer work for people receiving services.
• Assists people in the job search and interview prep process.
• Provides people with appropriate skills training for successful independent living in the community.
• Maintains positive and professional relationships with employers, caregivers, and family members.
• Provides job coaching to people placed in competitive employment with a focus on job retention.
• Responsible for end-of-month data, including but not limited to attendance records, progress notes, Job Development Plans, Job Logs, monthly summaries, and behavioral documentation for assigned caseload.
• Assists people in developing acceptable social behaviors, including the development of appropriate relationships with peers.
• Escorts people utilizing company transportation and/or personal vehicle.
• Assists with implementation of Person-Centered Plan (PCP) goals in relation to ongoing Employment Services Program.
• Attends supervision meetings, program meetings, PCP meetings, etc. as required by supervisor.
• Participates in ongoing in-service staff training and maintains all required DDA and agency training requirements, including certifications and re-certifications on time.
• Ensures people’s rights are protected and that regulations related to safety and health are maintained in accordance with agency and licensing standards.

Education and/or Experience 

• High School Diploma or 4-year Degree preferred and 5 years' experience working directly in a related position or equivalent combination of education and experience.