Employment Specialist I

Employment Specialist

Under the direct supervision of the Assistant Director, Meaningful Day Program, the Employment Specialist will procure, coordinate, and oversee meaningful day services/supported employment placements for individuals funded by DDA and DORS. Develop community-based jobs as well as contract work for Meaningful Day Services. Secure volunteer opportunities and community-based apprenticeship job readiness opportunities leading to competitive employment. Develop community business relationships to enhance competitive inclusionary work placement opportunities available for the individuals served. The Employment Specialist II will partner with businesses dedicated to our Participant's desired employment fields of choice and help create a safe and positive work environment and ongoing business partnerships. Continuous environmental scans will be performed to identify employment trends and industries leading to integrated employment. Provide employment support to participants and partnerships as needed to maintain success in achieving employment goals in the community.

Essential duties and responsibilities:

Build and maintain successful relationships in the community for successful job placement:

• Network in the community, actively search for jobs, and market meaningful day services and supported employment in the community to acquire placements and work opportunities for individuals funded by the Developmental Disability Administration (DDA) and the Division of Rehabilitation Services (DORS).
• Maintain positive working relationships with businesses in the community and potential employers. Act as a liaison between industry personnel and L.I.F.E. Inc., staff by assisting in developing relationships between and among the community and potential employers.
• Ensure quality control and customer satisfaction throughout the job development and job placement process.
• Assist with interviews and orientation.
• Maintain ongoing communication with Meaningful Day Services Supervisor, Intake/Referral Specialist, and outside partner agencies.

Marketing strategies:

• Develop marketing strategies to promote employment opportunities to both Meaningful Day Program locations.
• Spread program and census building awareness throughout community involvement to assist in marketing our programs and participants served.

Case management processes:

• Develop and implement strategic processes and procedures to support stronger case management for successful employment outcomes.
• Collaborate with the Meaningful Day team to oversee the process, or assist individuals directly, as needed, for successful assessment, preparation, and supports needed to sustain or obtain employment. This includes supports needed for the job search process as well as developing supports needed for people with disabilities.
• Submit timely reports, progress notes, data collection and additional paperwork as assigned.
• Coordinate relationships with appropriate staff and agencies to coordinate referral, evaluation, and admission of individuals into programs and services to support active job development.
• Other duties as assigned such as teach and coordinate employment and/or academic preparation classes as needed.

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with a variety of corporate, industry and human services professionals.
• Demonstrate ability to teach and communicate effectively with the individuals, families, and community partners.
• Ability to create and maintain efficient working relationships with staff and community partners.
• Proficiency using computers and MS Office software. This also includes other software that is used by L.I.F.E. Inc.
• Collaborates with employers and team to support the participant, adapting the environment, and providing job retention supports.
• Skills and knowledge in performing supported employment activities including identifying and negotiating potential jobs, getting individuals integrated into jobs, providing job coaching assistance and advocacy to employers.
• Ability to work autonomously with demonstrated creativity, initiative, and commitment.
• Ability to prioritize tasks by importance and deadline and adjust priorities as situations change.
• Attend staff meetings and trainings as needed.

Required qualifications:

• BA/BS in vocational rehabilitation, social work or related field strongly preferred.
• Requires the ability to maintain positive and professional interactions with a diverse team (job seekers with disabilities, family members, DORS counselors, Resource Coordinators, and other relevant agencies).

Other requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver's license and safe driving record with no more than two points. Must have reliable transportation and able to travel to and from sites as necessary for work.
• Successfully pass drug and criminal background check.
• Two points or less on your Maryland driving record during your employment with L.I.F.E. Inc.
• Must possess valid and adequate automobile insurance coverage and be willing to transport individuals in own vehicle, when necessary, as needed for job opportunities and coaching.
• Completion of CPR & first aid training, infection control, MANDT, ICM/LTSS training, ACRE training within 3 months of hire, and all other required trainings and maintenance of certifications as required by employment and LIFE.
• Must be flexible, punctual, and available (if needed) to work weekends and evenings.
• Knowledgeable about COMAR, DDA & DORS regulations. Follow L.I.F.E. Inc. policy and procedures.

Physical demands:

• The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job, not exhaustive.
• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to communicate clearly and accurately.
• Ability to concentrate, process information, and manage multiple tasks are core competencies.