Employment Specialist

Employment Specialist

Achieving True Self- Allegheny County, PA. 

ATS is growing and we are looking for Employment Specialists to join our team!

An Employment Specialist is responsible for providing job-readiness and vocational coaching services. You will prepare your client for sustainable career opportunities, and assist them in obtaining competitive integrated employment. This will include implementing established processes and use of program-specific resources designed to support adults and transition age students with Autism/neurodivergent needs and other various disabilities in a variety of workplace settings. This includes identifying individual abilities & interests, coaching on critical workplace skills, modeling appropriate social interactions, redirecting perseverative behaviors, preparing for following written procedures and work instructions, interpreting environmental cues, identifying sensory needs, and discussing accommodations. You will also have opportunities to support the workplace by coaching coworkers, consulting and coaching clients managers and consulting with other paid supports related to employment. 

ATS is looking for candidates around the New Kensington, PA area who are available part time with the ability to grow into full-time over time. Your availability needs to be flexible to match to the employment schedule of the clients you support. Availability should include a minimum of 2-3 evenings a week and flexibility on the weekends.

The range for this position is $17-$21/hour based on commensurate experience. 

What are the benefits of working with Achieving True Self? 

• We offer bi-weekly, competitive pay, along with paid time off, and floating holiday hours for those who qualify. 

• We offer medical, dental, vision, and retirement options, as well as supplemental insurance and short term disability plans for those who qualify.

• We offer an entirely free and confidential employee assistance program that gives you access to mental health, financial health, legal services, and wellness benefits that can be used for you and your family. This includes a discount program too, like pet insurance. 

• Performance reviews conducted with supervisors to foster professional development.

• We “Hire to Retire” providing you with the tools necessary to grow with Achieving True Self. Tuition discounts, college and university partnerships, and continued education and supervision opportunities for those who want to go back for continued education.

• We offer paid training for ACRE within the first 6 months of employment. 

• We celebrate differences and thrive on diversity. We are committed to an inclusive-company culture, where team members can thrive and feel valued.

• We provide the technology (iPad or Chromebook) to record your data during sessions. 

• Travel time reimbursement; included in your total weekly hours.

• Considerate client matching based on your location and your availability.

The best perk we can offer is to provide you with a chance to make a difference in the lives of our clients while working with talented and dedicated people who love what they do.

What are the minimum qualifications needed to become an Employment Specialist? 

• Education: High School Diploma or GED required. Associate's or Bachelor's Degree in Psychology, Social Work, Occupational Therapy, Special Education, or a related field strongly preferred.

• Experience: Must be at least 18 years of age. A minimum of 2-3 years of experience working with neurodiverse individuals strongly preferred.

• Driver’s License: A valid Pennsylvania driver's license with proof of car insurance, Pennsylvania vehicle registration, and a good driving record.

• Certification: ACRE certification required within 6 months of employment.

• Clearances: FBI Criminal History, PA Child Abuse History (Act 33) and PA Criminal History (Act 34) clearances are required by the Office of Developmental Programs.

• CPR: Valid CPR certification upon hire. If CPR is not valid upon hire, CPR training will be provided.

• Comfort using technology: Ability to use iPad and/or other tablet devices for documentation. General knowledge of computer systems, including Windows and Google products.

What are the core responsibilities of an Employment Specialist? 

• We spend a lot of time with our clients. Success happens when we can build a strong therapeutic rapport with our clients. 

• Works directly with individuals or teams of adults and/or students on the Autism Spectrum or with other various disabilities to prepare for and assist with obtaining employment that aligns with the individual’s interests, skills and abilities.

• Provides timely communication to clients and schedules services and meetings in accordance with established program timelines.

• Completes all program documentation as assigned, including but not limited to Supported Employment Support Plans, Community Based Work Assessments, Developmental Reports, Monthly Progress Reports for worksite activities, Individual Work Plans, etc.

• Provides direct training, support, and coaching for program clients in a variety of settings.

• Conducts task analyses and breaks down tasks into manageable steps for program clients.

• Supports and models effective workplace communications, task completion, and problem solving with clients. 

• Consult with management and coworkers to adapt and best support the client in the workplace. The goal is to educate on the unique needs and strengths of your clients.

• Leads Paid Work Experience (PWE) sessions for clients or experiential job try-outs based on their individual needs and available workplace experiences.

• Facilitates and participates in job shadow opportunities for individuals as authorized.

• Manages time and appointments to ensure consistent and effective service delivery in accordance with program timelines.

• Communicates with program leadership regarding employer outreach needs and opportunities. 

• Directly communicates with employers to explore opportunities for program clients and share worksite based needs.

• Complete all necessary documentation associated with hours billed. You will be required to collect clinical data, compile and collect results, and complete reports based off of data collected. 

• Maintain eligibility for direct services through participation in essential training programs and supervision as needed.

• Transport clients to/from interviews, project sites, or scheduled service locations on an as needed basis.

• Be a steward of ATS’s mission, vision, values, and beliefs.

• Performs additional duties as assigned.

Who is ATS, and what is our Mission?

Achieving True Self is passionately cultivating and inspiring growth through the delivery of evidenced based treatment to assist individuals, families, organizations and their surrounding communities to achieve their self-defined goals. Through a supportive organizational culture focused on developing and retaining team members, we are determined to change the world by instilling hope and helping each person whose life we touch achieve their truest self.

People matter. A concept so simply stated, yet powerfully embraced.

Achieving True Self is an equal opportunity and affirmative action employer that celebrates differences and thrives on diversity. Applicants and employees will not be discriminated against because of their race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, gender identity, and sexual orientation), parental status, national origin, age, disability, genetic information (including family medical history), political affiliation, military service, or factors and characteristics prohibited by local, state or federal laws.

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Achieving True Self is an Equal Opportunity Employer (EOE). Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, disability, military status, national origin or any other characteristic protected under federal, state, or applicable local law.

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