Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

An Employment Specialist supports participants with disabilities develop skills needed to secure and maintain competitive integrated employment. This position will specifically service participants through Vocational Rehabilitation. This position provides training, support and guidance to job candidates before and after they have secured employment following the Vocational Rehabilitation steps of Discovery through Milestones. All activities are geared towards participants' vocational goals. The Employment Specialist also supports in developing and maintaining professional relationships with local businesses, potential employers in the context of meeting the needs of participants and businesses alike.

Duties/Responsibilities:

1. Follow stages of Vocational Rehabilitation process with participant to meet their current needs.
2. Explore participants likes, dislikes, talents, struggles and discovery job goal during the discovery process through various techniques and experience
3. Provide 1:1 training on skills needed in the workplace such as interpersonal skills including role modeling, demonstration shadowing and emotional/ social support.
4. Maintain business/ employer relationships focused on meeting the identified needs of the employer.
5. Support participant with identifying natural supports on the job site including relationships with co-workers.
6. Assure needs of the employer are met during the training phase, focusing on tangible outputs in terms of productivity and efficiency, as well as reasonable accommodations if needed to achieve the employers need.
7. Monitor and evaluate the ongoing progress of the placement regarding goals, skill building and job objectives according to a given schedule.
8. Visit identified worksites to observe and perform jobs to learn responsibilities for a given position prior to placement of candidate.
9. Maintain ongoing community relationships with the placement, employer and team to assure ongoing success, working with the employer to address client performance issues.
10. Keep open communication with VR Office and schedule regular meetings to support participants needs. Organize team meetings with VRC, tangram staff and clients.
11. Maintain an organized caseload of participants allowing for effective and appropriate time with each participant throughout the week.
12. Complete daily electronic documentation in a professional, accurate and timely manner that meets all agency standards while maintaining confidentiality.
13. Accurately record and document mileage associated with driving to and from participant's job sites.
14. Communicate effectively with peers and supervisors.
15. Demonstrate professionalism both in the center and out in the community while supporting clients.
16. Make modifications and adaptations in real time to support goals and needs within scope of practice.
17. Follow guidance from senior level staff to enhance professional development.
18. Demonstrates interpersonal skills to manage crisis situations.
19. Demonstrate understanding of teenage and adult life span development.
20. Other Duties as assigned.

Benefits:

• Health, Dental, and Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan
• Group Life Insurance
• Health Savings Account
• Paid Time Off and Sick Time
• Flexible scheduling based on client and employee needs

Requirements:

Education and Experience:

• Must be at least 21 years of age
• At least 2 years' experience working with adolescents and adults with developmental, intellectual, and physical disabilities.
• Preferred: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited four- year college or university with major course work in Human Services, Education, Vocational Counseling, Recreational Therapy or another field closely related.
• In lieu of a Bachelors' Degree, an associate degree or some college with significant experience may be considered.
• Must have a valid driver's license, acceptable driving record, meet agency drivers' insurance requirements, reliable vehicle, and up to date automobile insurance.

Physical Responsibilities:

• Varied workstations and environments based on client situations.
• Ability to lift up to 35 pounds.
• Prolonged periods of standing or sitting.