Employment Specialist - I/DD

Do Work That Matters. In a Culture That Means It.

Be part of a team that values connection, accountability, and real impact.

Why Access?

Because how we work matters just as much as what we do. At Access, our Culture Playbook isn’t a poster on the wall – it’s how we show up for each other and for the people we support.

You’ll be part of a team that is:

• Clear about expectations
• Supportive and accountable
• Focused on outcomes that matter to people.

And committed to helping people live the healthiest and fullest lives possible – while making sure out staff can do the same.

Location: Poughkeepsie, NY

Pay Rate: $20.00 per hour

Hours: Monday-Friday 9:00AM-5:00PM (40hrs) with flexibility

OVERVIEW OF PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITES :

This position provides individuals with disabilities with skills training, planning, and advocacy services for all aspects of the employment process in relation to their job.

PRIMARY FUNCTIONS :

In this role you will:

• Interview individuals to select persons who will meet employer qualifications
• Review completed application and evaluate applicants’ work history, education and training, job skills, knowledge, abilities, interests, test results and other data pertinent to the individual
• Utilize a variety of methods, e.g. job leads, cold calling, Dept. of Labor Job Bank, etc. to locate job openings
• Match applicant qualifications with job requirements and employer specifications
• Inform applicant about job duties, union policies, promotional opportunities, and other related information
• May test or arrange for skills, interests or psychological testing of applicants when needed. Engage in research and / or follow-up activities to evaluate selection and placement techniques by conferring with management and supervisory personnel
• Counsel individuals to provide vocational services
• Interview and evaluate applicants to determine degree of eligibility for service and feasibility of services
• Determine suitable job or business consistent with applicants desires, aptitude, and physical limitation
• Plan and arrange for applicant to study or train for job opening
• Promote, develop job openings and places qualified applicant in employment
• Provide initial screening and intake services to individuals interested in job development services.
• Assist in assessment of individual’s employability readiness level, eligibility for service and feasibility of vocational services
• Counsel job applicants in order to help establish realistic career and training goals. Inform individuals about wage rates, availability of employment, worker responsibilities, etc.
• Assist in the vocational plan with each job development participant so it is tailored to meet the individual’s needs
• Facilitate consumer training and job placement through the development of situational assessment training sites, on-the-job training, or unsubsidized employment
• Aid individuals in obtaining needed support services such as clinical treatment, transportation, evaluation, supported work, etc.
• Perform job development activities such as employer field visits, telephone solicitations, promotional mailings, public speaking engagements, etc.
• Refer individual to jobs after a careful analysis on individual’s needs and interests as well as employer needs and job requirements
• Assist consumers with integration into the work setting, if necessary
• Complete necessary and required documentation for all program needs and funding providers
• Job duties may be changed, reassigned or expanded based on agency need at any time

EDUCATION AND EXPERIENCE :

The ideal candidate will have:

• Bachelor’s Degree and/or
• Two years experience in job placement or vocational service
• Background working with individuals with disabilities, economically disadvantaged and / or students
• Strong background in sales recommended
• Bilingual English/Spanish speaking a plus

PHYSICAL CHARACTERISTICS:

These physical demands are representative of the physical requirements necessary for an employee to perform the job's essential functions successfully. Reasonable accommodation can be made to enable people with disabilities to perform the described essential functions of the position, which are reviewed in each case.

• Must be capable to access all rooms in a 2-story home
• Able to work in open space floor plan
• Must be capable to move throughout work day
• Occasional lifting of > _25+ pounds

An Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability and Veterans