Community Engagement & Employment Coach

Description Location: Staff will be assigned to one community cohort for regular programming
May be asked to fill in as needed through out Cuyahoga County

Employment Status: Full time, Monday - Friday, 8:00am - 4:30pm

FLSA Status: Nonexempt


VGS is excited about the continued expansion of our new program, Customized Community Engagement & Employment. This program is designed for individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities that creates opportunities to participate in programming that is 100% in the community. The program and its Coaches provide assistance with employment skills, socialization and activity based programming or a combination of both based on the needs and interests of the individuals. We are hiring Community Engagement & Employment Coaches that will provide services to a group of 4 individuals. This person will plan curriculum, research community activities, volunteer opportunities and potentially career exploration opportunities in coordination with their supervisor to develop the monthly calendar specific to their group. This is an opportunity to make a profound difference in the lives of the individuals we serve. In the first six months of this program we have witnessed immense growth in the level of independence and confidence of each individual involved. If you are someone who is open to new ideas and is excited by the ability to help individuals grow and succeed in the community we encourage you to learn more about this new opportunity.

SUMMARY

Assist individuals referred from any of VGS's referral sources to meet the basic goals assigned in their plans. Services are provided in the individual's community and may be focused on employment, community engagement or both.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following:

Research learning, volunteer and employment opportunities, as well as community, recreational, and enrichment activities. Develop monthly schedules for participants.

Develop and implement engaging programming designed to increase daily living skills, personal and social behaviors, and job seeking skills such as attendance, punctuality, planning, grooming, hygiene, etc.

Implement Person Centered Plans (PCP) which supports people in achieving their outcomes and goal in directing their own lives.

Coordinate the schedules of multiple people on the caseload and ensure schedules are followed daily.

Use an electronic record keeping system to write and develop detailed, accurate, and SMART goals and case notes on activities for each individual assigned to your supervision. Electronic records must meet Medicaid and CARF requirements.

Regular communication with the Associate Director, Support Administrators, OOD Counselors, guardians and family members through phone calls, email and meetings.

Provide on-the-job guidance and support to help move the participant toward attainment of targeted behaviors.

Attend and participate in Department, Program, and agency meetings.

Recommend and implement program improvements.

Provide assistance with individual safety needs while in the community.

Provide assistance and monitor individuals transportation needs (through use of public transportation, independent providers, or employee personal vehicle) including travel training, booking trips and researching routes.

Supervise lunch and break activities, aid in using the restroom, feeding, and other activities for all those individuals supervised or requested by supervisor.

Must be willing to travel to other participant locations to assist in providing services to individuals as needed.

Work in various employment, learning, and recreational environments including offices, retail stores, industrial locations, community arts and recreation facilities.

Additional job duties are provided in the full job description.

Qualifications

QUALIFICATIONS

• Must pass background checks and be Medicaid compliant.
• A flexible mindset and ability to adjust to regularly changing schedules is required.
• Ability to solve problems independently.
• Creative thinking is needed to develop community programming and daily schedules for each participant on their caseload.
• Reliable transportation, active driver's license and current insurance are required. Must be willing to travel to multiple locations as a float, as needed.
• Dedicated to the success of the program and success of the individual's participation and ability to handle successes and setbacks during development of a new program.
• Must be comfortable making social and employment connections in the community.
• GED or high school diploma is required; associate's degree and 2 years of experience or an equivalent combination of the two.
• Must be willing to learn and use technology such as cell phones, smart phone apps, photos, videos, laptops, adaptive technology, case management database and multiple software programs.
• Skilled in using Microsoft Office applications including Outlook, Word, Excel and Teams is required.

Vocational Guidance Services is an Equal Opportunity Employer - Disability & Veterans.