EMPLOYMENT SPECIALIST

SUMMARY/OBJECTIVE:
Employment specialist works to help people maintain employment; or find employment when needed. Must have own transportation to be used to transport the people we support and make site visits (when agency provided transportation is not available). Mileage will be reimbursed at agency rate.

Essential Functions (Job Duties)
1. Managing caseload and completing required activities to assist people with maintaining employment, or finding employment.
2. Visit people regularly at their job site or other location to ensure employment is secure, and help them overcome obstacles to secure employment.
3. Talk to person's employer on a regular basis to ensure no issues at work.
4. Build relationships with employers and businesses in the area.
5. Assist people with job search when needed. Assist with filling out applications, completing online assessments, building resume, preparing for interviews and assisting at interview as needed.
6. Assist people with job research, exploring job options, volunteering, job shadowing and vocational assessments to determine people's skills and interests.
7. Locate barriers to employment such as inaccessible work sites, inflexible schedules, and transportation issues; and work with the person and job site to develop strategies for overcoming these barriers. Provide interventions that may include coaching, advocacy, skill training, assessment and referrals.
8. Make referrals to MSC and Waiver programs (OPWDD), HUD, Public Transportation, ACCES-VR, Social Services and One Work Source.
9. Maintain communication with person's Medicaid Service Coordinator, Social Security Office, Acces-VR Counselors; and any other team members.
10. Refer people for benefits training as needed. Send paystubs to the Social Security office for people when needed. Assist people with filing for unemployment insurance when needed.
11. Attend regular ISP reviews; and any other meetings to best support clients' employment.
12. Complete timely and accurate documentation as required.
13. Responsible for writing Supported Employment Plans that are person centered and compliant with the person's ISP (when available). Plans will be reviewed with the person semi-annually and changed as needed.
14. Maintain accurate and up to date service records/files/books.
15. Complete all required ACCES-VR and OPWDD paperwork; including Employment Training packet, Discovery, documentation of services delivered, case notes, monthly summaries, notable occurrences, and submitting timesheets for individuals.
16. Complete all forms required for billing purposes; and any other forms required by the agency or supervisor.
17. Review Job Coach notes to ensure correct supports are completed and in compliance with written plan.
18. Work with Job Developer to transfer closed cases to extended.
19. Job Coach as needed.
20. Complete the requirements of the Pathway to Employment service as needed.
21. Assist Job Coach with paperwork related to person's plan.
22. Assist with scheduling Job Coaches.
23. Demonstrate flexibility with scheduling.
24. Protect consumer confidentiality.
25. Participate in required trainings.
26. Professionally represent Citizen Advocates (Career Visions) with families, employers, other organizations and the community as a whole.
27. Adhere to all policies and regulations set forth by Citizen Advocates, Inc.
28. Ensure job coaches paperwork/timesheets are turned in to billing and management as needed.
29. Instruct social skills/job readiness classes as needed.

Competencies
1. Communication skills
2. Listening skills
3. Problem solving skills
4. Patience & flexibility
5. Confidentiality


Position Type/Expected Hours of Work
This is a full-time position.
Workweek schedule: Monday through Friday.
Hours of work: ____ a.m. to ____ p.m.

Hours and schedules may vary depending on Company need and workload. Employees will be given as much advance notice as possible when such changes occur.
You may edit the above to match the position requirements.


Travel
Describe how much travel and where (if applicable)


Required Education and Experience

1. Associates degree with experience; Bachelor's Degree preferred, can accept more experience in place of education, depending on field experience.
2. Three years' experience working with people with developmental disabilities.
3. Must have valid driver's license and reliable transportation.

Other Duties
Please note 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.