Employment Specialist

JOB DESCRIPTION

Employment Specialist

Position Summary: To develop employment opportunities and aid participants in obtaining and maintaining competitive integrated employment using customized, person-centered approaches to career exploration, assessment, job development, job coaching, and performance evaluation.

Qualifications: Associate or bachelor’s degree and two years of experience working with people with disabilities and/or the business community preferred.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES :

A. AGENCY

1. Performs essential job duties with or without reasonable accommodations.

2. Knows and complies with all required policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines of Target and has a clear understanding of the specific regulations used in their department. Follows the regulations and guidelines when carrying out duties and responsibilities.

3. Successfully completes all required in-service trainings and completes re-certifications as required; demonstrates a clear understanding of the issues presented in trainings; is eager to expand knowledge; keeps current with relevant changes and take appropriate steps to obtain needed information.

4. Performs duties in accordance with the philosophy, mission and goals of the agency.

5. Works as a professional collaborative with all internal and external stakeholders in modeling a safe, supportive, and respectful demeanor, ensuring the highest quality services to all Target participants.

6. Takes appropriate action based on circumstances; provides pertinent and comprehensive information to supervisory personnel.

7. Demonstrates the ability to manage personal time by being punctual and gives sufficient notice to immediate supervisor in case of tardiness or absenteeism per Target’s Attendance Policy.

8. Acts as an appropriate role model and representative of Target as an agency as well as those employed by Target and those served. Chooses appropriate personal attire based on the circumstances. Maintains appropriate overall appearance and demonstrates proper personal hygiene per Target’s Attire and Grooming Policy.

9. Demonstrates a willingness to perform all essential duties and job functions with the safety of the participants and self as a top priority; adheres to and complies with all safety guidelines taught in trainings.

B. ADMINISTRATIVE

1. Meet with new and existing participants seeking employment to ensure the job development plan is put into place and is correctly implemented. Monitor progress and meet with the participants regularly.

2. Perform community job development to ensure paid job placement and opportunities within the region to meet the requirements for Employment Services as outlined by the Developmental Disabilities Administration (DDA).

3. Facilitate communication between participants, employers, and co-workers ensuring that all methods in use are in accordance with current policies.

4. Ensure that all State of Maryland mandated documentation related to the provision of services to participants is completed accurately in current systems (CIMS) and submitted in a timely manner.

5. Support participants in achieving their Service Implementation Plan goals, as outlined in their Person-Centered Plans (PCP’s); collect goal data accordingly in current systems (CIMS).

6. Carroll County only:

a. Performs job development duties to ensure job placement for DORS participants and in any program (Voc. Rehab, Pre-ETS, Summer Youth students). Completes necessary progress notes for DORS billing purposes.

b. Manages DORS cases as assigned, completes necessary paperwork to have on file in a timely manner.

c. Coordinates and develops pre-ETS, work readiness curriculum, and demonstrates the ability to teach the class.

d. Remains in communication with DORS participant, their family, and DORS counselor while cases are open.

e. Follows program requirements per DORS regulations for each service.

7. Conducts job analysis/career assessments with the participant, while providing interviewing and application completion skills as needed.

8. Maintains and develops relationships with volunteers (CC – only) and paid community sites. Monitors quality assurance at employment sites through the completion of work performance evaluations and Follow Along check-ins.

9. Attends and participates in scheduled Meaningful Day services meetings, quarterlies, annual PCP meetings, or other meetings as needed.

10. Remain compliant with all Meaningful Day Services training including, but not limited to, CESP, ACRE, and job-coaching related training.

11. Provide on-site training to Employment Consultants and/or DSP’s after a participant starts new employment.

C. DIRECT CARE:

1. Transport participants to and from scheduled interviews and training courses as needed.

2. Ensure that all job tasks assigned to the participants are completed to the employers’ standards.

3. Use company vehicles for work related tasks, mileage reimbursements and will provide any travel training necessary prior to turning the participant over for job coaching services. Any transportation completed in a personal vehicle will require proof of proper insurance, kept with HR, and must be current.

4. Implements behavior management and work skills programs as designed and/or if applicable.

5. Facilities and encourages appropriate social interactions with participants at their job/volunteer site and/or at their day program.

6. Work directly with the participant in the office, in the community, and/or at their place of employment in the event of staffing shortages.

7. Ensures participants comply with all safety regulations and procedures at their job/volunteer sites.

8. Ensure the highest quality of services are rendered.

9. Maintains physical ability to restrain participants as needed according to their behavioral program plans. The position also requires the ability to stand, bend, reach, lift 50 pounds, maneuver wheelchairs, and perform safe transfers of participants.

OTHER RESPONSIBILITIES : Other duties as assigned by the Director of Meaningful Day Services.

SUPERVISION : Supervised by the Director of Meaningful Day Services.

EVALUATION : After initial three month period, then annually during term of employment.

TERMS : Class 2, salary, non-exempt position. Scheduled hours may fluctuate to meet the needs of the participant. Evenings and weekends may be required. Will follow a daily schedule and document work time accurately in the current payroll system.

Benefits : All full-time employees working at least sixty hours per pay period are eligible for health, vision, and dental benefits in addition to paid time off. Both full and part-time employees are eligible for retirement and Sick amp; Safe Leave.