Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities 1 (NY HELPS), Box OSEA-311/49027

Duties Description The New York State Education Department’s (NYSED) Office of Adult Career and Continuing Education Services – Vocational Rehabilitation (ACCES-VR) is seeking candidates for an Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities 1 position in the Buffalo District Office. This Office assists in the development and implementation of employment marketing activities to expand and expedite job opportunities for ACCESS-VR participants. Duties of this position include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Implement local marketing initiatives that compliment regional and State marketing plans;
• Develop job opportunities for individuals with disabilities;
• Communicate job leads, marketing concepts and labor force information to District Office staff;
• Work closely with Vocational Rehabilitation Counselors and job-ready ACCES-VR consumers to identify employment opportunities;
• Ensure successful employment outcomes; and
• Perform other duties as required

Minimum Qualifications NY HELPS

This title is part of the New York Hiring for Emergency Limited Placement Statewide Program (NY HELPS).

For the duration of the NY HELPS Program, this title may be filled via a non-competitive appointment, which means no examination is required but all candidates must meet the minimum qualifications of the title for which they apply. At a future date (within one year of permanent appointment), it is expected employees hired under NY HELPS will have their non-competitive employment status converted to competitive status, without having to compete in an examination. Employees will then be afforded with all of the same rights and privileges of competitive class employees of New York State. While serving permanently in a NY HELPS title, employees may take part in any promotion examination for which they are qualified.

To be considered for appointment through NY HELPS, or 55 b/c, candidates must meet the open-competitive minimum qualifications for this position. The qualifications are:

• Bachelor's or higher degree AND
• three years of professional experience in originating employment programs resulting in new and increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This experience must have included job development and creating targeted marketing plans directed toward hiring persons with disabilities. One year of this experience must have included either preparation and delivery of presentations to business groups on employing persons with disabilities or negotiating agreements to hire persons with disabilities.

Substitution - A Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a related field may substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Reassignment: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service as an Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities 1.

Eligible List Appointment: Candidates who are reachable on the New York State Education Department’s Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) Select Titles eligible list may be considered for appointment. If you are on the Civil Service eligible list for this title, you may receive a canvass letter. You must complete and return it as instructed on the letter. For a description of the minimum qualifications that candidates must possess to be appointed from the PCO Select Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities eligible list, please visit

Section 70.1 Transfer: Candidates must have one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in any of the following titles: Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor, Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Manual Communications), or Vocational Rehabilitation Counselor (Spanish Language).

For information regarding the transfer options of your current title, please visit the Civil Service Career Mobility Office Website.

Section 70.4 Transfer to Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities 1: Candidates may be eligible for nomination for transfer under Section 70.4 of the Civil Service Law to Employment Specialist for Individuals with Disabilities if they are a current NYS employee with one year of permanent competitive or 55b/c service in a title Salary Grade 16 or higher AND have standing on the Professional Career Opportunities (PCO) eligible list AND possess a Bachelor's or higher degree AND three years of professional experience in originating employment programs resulting in new and increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This experience must have included job development and creating targeted marketing plans directed toward hiring persons with disabilities. One year of this experience must have included either preparation and delivery of presentations to business groups on employing persons with disabilities or negotiating agreements to hire persons with disabilities.

55b/c Appointment: This position is eligible for 55b/c designation and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Candidates must possess a current 55b/c eligibility letter and the following minimum qualifications:

• Bachelor's or higher degree AND
• three years of professional experience in originating employment programs resulting in new and increased employment opportunities for individuals with disabilities. This experience must have included job development and creating targeted marketing plans directed toward hiring persons with disabilities. One year of this experience must have included either preparation and delivery of presentations to business groups on employing persons with disabilities or negotiating agreements to hire persons with disabilities.

Substitution - A Juris Doctor, master's or higher degree in a related field may substitute for one year of specialized experience.

Employees of ACCES-VR who are currently in an Employment Specialists for Individuals with Disabilities 1 position and are interested in transferring to the location indicated on this flyer MUST apply for the position as outlined in the Application section of this flyer.

Additional Comments CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: This will be a contingent-permanent, competitive appointment or a contingent-permanent, non-competitive appointment. to maintain employment. For 55b/c appointment, candidates must possess the minimum qualifications, a current 55b/c eligibility letter and is subject to verification of applicant eligibility. Promotions and transfers may change appointees’ negotiating unit. Candidates should be aware that changes in negotiating units may affect their salary, insurance, and other benefits. Verification of degree will be required at the time of interview for all candidates from the eligible list. This position will require 30% in-state travel. This position allows for the opportunity to telecommute up to 30% each bi-weekly pay period at the discretion of the unit supervisor.

This position leads to a maximum salary of $99,056 based on annual performance advances. For new State employees appointed to graded positions, the annual salary is the hiring rate (beginning of the Salary Range) of the position. Promotion salaries are calculated by the NYS Office of the State Comptroller in accordance with NYS Civil Service Law, OSC Payroll rules and regulations and negotiated union contracts.

Federal law may impose additional requirements or restrictions regarding positions that receive federal funding.

Some positions may require additional credentials or a background check to verify your identity.