Job Placement Specialist

Job Placement SpecialistPositions in this job family are assigned responsibilities involving the coordination, training and job placement of individuals with disabilities in competitive employment and other integrated settings including on the job training (OJT) and supported employment.The functions performed in this job family will vary by level, unit and organization, but may include the following:Develops and maintains relationships with businesses, Workforce Oklahoma, state and local entities and other employers to facilitate employment of individuals with disabilities.Researches data regarding labor market, economic indicators and employment trends, and provides current employment leads to counselor and individuals seeking employment.Evaluates work skill level in various areas and designs programs to meet employment goals.Maintains case notes for individual progress; prepares reports of vocational training and progress made toward vocational adjustment and employment outcome as well as other necessary documentation records.Place individuals into jobs to meet employment goals.Coordinates, prepares and presents career counseling, job clubs, job search workshops, skills training, resume writing, interview techniques, job search and job readiness training, evaluation, and other employability services to applicants, employers, and other community based organizations.Works with businesses, agencies and organizations to identify job vacancies and to remove barriers to employment and resolve issues related to integration and independence for individuals with disabilities; Performs job evaluations and task analysis.Markets agency services to businesses and community organizations; Disseminates information; provides education, outreach and training to the general public, businesses, employers, community organizations and potential employees about services and disability issues.Evaluates and monitors progress of individuals' who secure employment.Level I - This is the basic level of this job family where employees perform beginning level professional work in job placement activities, which may include developing and maintaining employer and business contacts, researching labor market data, maintaining case notes of individual progress and preparing reports, and assisting in training and job placement. This involves routine professional work under close supervision in a training status to build skills in providing required services.Level II - This is the career level where employees are assigned responsibility for completion of a full range of professional work in completing job placement activities, including contacting public and private employers to obtain employment opportunities and the actual placement of individuals with disabilities into jobs and monitoring their progress. This involves a substantial degree of independence in completing work assignments and making decisions.Education and Experience requirements consist of a bachelor's degree and one year of experience in providing job placement in the private or public sector; or an equivalent combination of education and experience, substituting one additional year of qualifying experience for each year of the required bachelor's degree.Ability is required to exercise good judgment; to evaluate situations and adopt effective courses of action; to present ideas clearly, concisely and persuasively, both orally and in writing; to plan and deliver briefings and presentations; and to secure and maintain the confidence and cooperation of both employers and individuals being placed.This job requires extensive travel and may include overnight stays and working beyond an 8 hour day and participation in continuing education courses regarding the field of Job Placement.Some positions in the Department of Rehabilitation Services may require proficiency in manual sign language as demonstrated by the successful completion of a competency test administered by the Department of Rehabilitation Services.Position may be filled at Level I or II.Position is located in the Division of Services for the Blind and Visually Impaired in Enid (SBVI59).Essential Functions: This position will place DRS clients into jobs; will develop relationships with businesses, state agencies, and other organizations by marketing DRS services; assists clients in obtaining skills training, developing resume and interview techniques; presents job search workshops and job readiness training; will stay current on what jobs are available across the state and in local communities. The Job Placement Specialist will work with vocational rehabilitation counselors, teachers, and other professionals in evaluating the job readiness of individual clients and in monitoring the progress of clients who secure employment. The successful candidate must be willing to participate in blindness skills training in order to be proficient at recognizing the ability and potential of employment possibilities for people who are blind or visually impaired. Extensive travel including some overnight stays may be required. Must be willing to perform all job-related travel.Trial period (if applicable) is required.Background Check: The Department of Rehabilitation Services will conduct a criminal background check on new hires as part of an offer of employment that is made contingent upon a successful criminal background check.Benefits Include:Generous state paid benefit allowance to help cover insurance premiumsA wide choice of health insurance plans with no pre-existing condition exclusions or limitationsFlexible spending accounts for health care expenses or dependent careEmployee assistance programs and health and fitness programs11 paid holidays15 days of vacation and 15 days of sick leave for the first yearRetirement Savings Plan with a generous matchLongevity Bonus for years of serviceApplicants must be authorized to work in the U.S. now and in the future without employer sponsorship.Equal Opportunity Employment