Employment Specialist

Job Title: Employment Specialist Department: Employment Services Reports To: Director of Employment Services FLSA: Non-Exempt SUMMARY The Employment Specialist will support individuals with disabilities in identifying an appropriate job goal and assist individuals in finding and maintaining competitive, community-based employment. BASIC FUNCTIONS AND GENERAL RESPONSIBILITIES: • Attend planning meetings for all assigned individuals. This includes Vocational Rehabilitation and DMH individuals • Transports program individuals, when related to vocational activities as directed or approved by your supervisor • Assists program individuals with performance on the new job tasks and helps them understand the job culture, industry practices, and work behaviors expected by the employer. • Works with employers and individual’s co-workers to understand the training methods and accommodations that are needed • Work alongside the individual to help them learn their new work tasks • Assist the individual in identifying and developing natural supports at the work site • Assist the individual in learning and understanding their workplace culture • Create job aids, task analysis and other tools to foster ongoing success and independence • Develops community-based program assessment and job placement sites by networking in the community’s and settings individuals want to work. • Share community contacts and job lead information with coworkers • Develops effective strategies for individualized job development and placement. • Attends training and other events to establish collaborative relationships with other community entities which promote community employment • Meets established outcomes goals to provide positive employment outcomes for clients. • Works with area Employers to understand the benefits of hiring employees with disabilities • Documents within 24 hours of any services provided in Therap or within timelines established by department leadership and agency policies. • Conducts appropriate, person centered Community Based Assessments within the timeframe established following the agreed upon plan during the initial vocational planning meeting • Write reports that are accurate and appropriate within timelines established by department leadership and agency policies. • Assists individuals with accessing community resources that could affect the ability to obtain or maintain employment • As appropriate, teach job searching skills, interview skills, soft skills and application/resume writing • Meet with individuals on assigned caseload weekly to work on vocational planning and job search related activities unless specified differently in the individual’s plan. • Abides by ethical and legal consideration of case communication and recording (i.e. HIPAA compliance) • Meets performance goals for customer satisfaction, referrals and placement as defined by department management. • The ability to effectively and efficiently use computers or mobile devices to input, access, modify, or output information. This includes the ability to quickly access, store and retrieve data. • Demonstrates effective time management by maintaining a reliable schedule to support both individual and team goals. • Maintains professionalism in communication and actively contributes to a positive and respectful team culture. • Maintains professional appearance, appropriate to the day’s tasks. • All Other Duties as Assigned OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES and Requirements: • Knowledge of programs and services for people with developmental disabilities preferred • Willingness to travel on company business in personal or company vehicle. • Good written and oral communication skills. • Ability to be flexible. • Respect the rights and dignity of people with Developmental Disabilities and willingness to advocate on their behalf. Physical Expectations • This position requires extended periods of walking and standing with some periods of sitting which is dependent upon the needs and activities of the individuals supported. It may require light to heavy lifting, up to 50 pounds independently, and occasional stooping, kneeling, bending, and/or climbing stairs depending on the needs of the individual supported. Working Conditions Office/home/community environment with noises from appliances, telephones, and occasional small machinery (lawn mower, etc.). May be exposed to bloodborne pathogens and/or infectious diseases. Occasionally, prolonged hours or unusual tasks to meet the unexpected needs of the individuals. QUALIFICATIONS • Four years of comparable experience preferred • Bachelor’s degree preferred; Psychology, Sociology, Social Work, Human Resources, Business Administration, Public Administration, Nonprofit Management • Must be able to communicate effectively in English – both in writing and orally. • Must not have been convicted of any disqualifying felonies and must not have been substantiated for abuse or neglect in the state of Missouri, as recorded by the Department of Mental Health’s Employee Disqualification List. • Must have reliable personal vehicle for transporting clients. • Must demonstrate safe practices in all areas and exemplify positive professional standards. • Must obtain a Class E driver’s license during new hire orientation– must carry minimum coverage applicable by law for auto insurance • Must Receive Seasonal Flu Vaccination Equal Opportunity Employer Employment Type: Full Time Years Experience: 1 - 3 years Bonus/Commission: No