Employment Specialist

Title: Employment Specialist
Department: Employment Services
Reports to:  Employment Services Manager

Status: FT - Non-Exempt
Hours per week: 40

GENERAL DESCRIPTION
The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing advocacy, independent living skills training, peer counseling, information and referral, and related services designed to help people with disabilities maximize their opportunities for employment. The individual in this position will serve as a role model and mentor for people with disabilities.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS
1.Evaluate the consumer’s preferences for employment, accommodation needs, current skills levels and possible contributions, to employment through intake, assessment, observation, contacts with the individual’s identified support network, etc.
2.Utilize the information gathered through discovery to assist the individual achieve his/her vocational goal through the development of specific, measurable, achievable, realist and time-limited action steps.
3.Complete billing, monthly progress reports, satisfaction surveys, other funder requirements and other data work requested in a timely manner, according to department policy.
4.Assist in the provision of skills trainings and general advocacy
5.Utilize community settings for observation, career exploration, potential job opportunities, etc.
6.
7.Participate actively as part of the services team: attend staff meetings, in-service trainings and other trainings/meetings per accreditation requirements.
8.Follow up with participants through weekly meetings to ensure goal progression (or need for revision), and the fulfillment of weekly action steps and assignments.
9.Provide post placement support when necessary.
10.Receive Information and Referral Calls, provide advocacy, peer support, transition or refer consumers to other staff to provide these services.
11.   Regular and predictable attendance
Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in a related field and one year of experience working with individuals with disabilities.
• Valid driver’s license and good driving record.
• Ability to travel throughout Jackson, Cass, Clay, Platte (MO) and Johnson, Leavenworth, Wyandotte (KS) counties.

ALTERNATIVE QUALIFICATION PATHWAY:
High School Diploma or GED with 5–7 years of progressively responsible experience in:

• Disability services or advocacy
• Employment support or vocational rehabilitation
• Case management or social services
• Workforce development or job coaching
• Community outreach or peer support

PREFERRED SKILLS

• Master’s Degree in related field
• Knowledgeable about community services
• Personal experience with a Disability

COMPETENCIES

• Effective written and oral communications skills
• Strict adherence to confidentiality
• The ability to successfully interact with individuals, businesses and service organizations on all levels.
• The ability to work independently and meet deadlines.
• Organizational skills
• Computer literacy (Microsoft Word, Excel, Power Point, Outlook) and experience in a database environment

WORK ENVIRONMENT & PHYSICAL DEMANDS
This position spends a portion of their time in the office, but also will travel locally to visit consumers/clients, meet with service providers or attend meetings.  While performing the duties of this job the employee has the potential to encounter unpredictable clients.  The position has mostly an inside work environment and occasional outside work, traveling from one location to another, with exposure to weather conditions.

OTHER DUTIES
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job.  Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

The Whole Person is an equal opportunity employer committed to hiring staff members reflecting the great diversity of our community.  Reasonable accommodations will be made upon request.  People with disabilities are strongly encouraged to apply.

Job Type: Full Time

Salary Range: $30,000 - 49,999