Community Employment - Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing individual support services to people with I/DD who are pursuing community employment. Services may include but are not limited to; person centered planning, discovery, skill assessment, volunteer opportunities, job training, customized employment, job retention and networking with employers in the community. This position has a monthly monetary expectation of $5500.00 and is subject to change with 30 day prior notification to the Employment Specialist as part of the job performance expectation.

The Employment Specialist is responsible for providing job development and discovery services for clients in community employment tracks. They need to be able to analyze problems and make decisions on the information. Flexibility is critical, and your schedule is based on the client's schedule. Employment Specialists are required to be effective role models including appropriate dress, communication and work behaviors for the job the client has. Employment Specialists have a high degree of independence and require personal accountability and motivation to be successful. Must be skilled in refined goal setting and planning considering options and contingencies and foreseeing any potential barriers. Will also be asked to orient and/or train new employees and provide job coaching services as needed.

Daily implementation of Shangri-La's mission, vision and values. Take pride in creating quality interactions, hard work, dedication, and optimism. Ability to work with multifaceted and diverse teams.

This position may require work in conditions where temperature and/or weather conditions may fluctuate. Employment Specialists may be exposed to various chemicals or work materials such as dust, machinery, cleaning solvents or other materials related to the nature of the work conducted at the client's place of business. This position has flexible days and hours of work per week as agreed upon between the employee and the Employment Services Manager. Business needs may require the employee to work in a Shangri-La Administrative Office or in-community worksite to perform essential functions of the work on a periodic basis. This position is not a remote or telecommute position.

The duties and responsibilities described herein are not all inclusive nor are all duties and responsibilities listed necessarily relevant to each Employment Specialist. This document provides only a general description of daily activities common to most people served. All duties and responsibilities listed are subject to change and are further defined by management personnel for each work location and may vary according to the personal preferences and agreements with the person served.

Maintains ongoing knowledge of support needs including protocols, medications, and positive behavior support plans for assigned participants including annual training to support documents and any annual nurse training requirements.

Maintains a caseload for service delivery to participants. Responsibilities include: Feedback of participant support needs, including preferred learning and communication style; Documentation of participants goal achievements and input; Recommending, discussing goals with participants and leadership; Tracking hours spent in program.

These support needs may include, but are not be limited to: Communication, medical, dietary, toileting assistance, allergies, phobias, health, personal hygiene, mobility etc.

Completes documentation and notification expectations according to Shangri-La Policy and Procedure and Oregon administrative rule.

Provides one on one support in exploring vocations while conducting a comprehensive discovery profile utilizing the identified process that includes an individualized employment profile.

Refines possible vocational themes to create a plan for obtaining integrated community employment.

Engage local businesses in identifying opportunities for work-site assessments, informational interviews, job tours and job shadows and customized employment opportunities.

Support people in achieving and maintaining integrated and competitive employment by providing assistance with; resumes, interviews, communication, personal goals and skill development.

Provides orientation and training for the individual at their place of employment and trains the transitioning job coach for long term supports.

Documents all employment efforts in appropriate Vocational Rehabilitation or Support document.

Assists employee in all areas defined by their community employment agreement that will include learning new tasks and assignments given by the employer.

Train employee in other vocational support skills related to the job such as mobility, work schedule, close use, appropriate attire, orienting skills and social interactions. Works with Employment Leadership to continue to develop trainings that are applicable to the caseload they are assigned.

Maintain all necessary on the job records. Record contact and pertinent information with employee, employer, and management personnel

Works with leadership on a fading plan when the individual is ready to rely on natural supports in the work place.

Provides opportunities for the participant to be a self-advocate by increasing awareness of self-advocacy methods and techniques, encouraging and assisting the participant to speak on his or her own behalf when there are barriers to his or her service needs or personal fulfillment.

Encourages participant's decision making and promotes autonomy.

Ensures that participants are equipped with everything they need to be able to engage in their community and will advocate with and/or for participant to obtain equipment needed.

Provides support to people using a person-centered approach and encourages co-workers to use person centered practices.

Assists and supports the participant to develop strategies, make informed choices, follow through on responsibilities and take risks.

Informs and educates persons served regarding rules, regulations and laws that apply and the consequences of failing to abide by them.

Provides and receives organizational support, contributes to organizational development, and participates in professional development activities as a member of the Community and Life Enrichment Services Team.

Must maintain safe working environment at all times in accordance with program expectations and Oregon OSHA.

Must attend and successfully complete all required orientation, training and health testing.

Maintains all required certifications and licenses throughout employment.

Attends and participates in required in-service training and meetings.

May be required to participate in searches for lost persons per policy.

Performs other duties as assigned.