Employment Specialist

Job Summary:Under general supervision, provides employment support services to individuals receiving behavioral health and intellectual/developmental disability services. Conducts vocational assessments, provides job readiness and employment skills training, develops employment opportunities, supports job placement activities, and assists individuals in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment within the community. Works collaboratively with employers, service providers, families, and treatment teams to maximize successful employment outcomes.Essential Functions:Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Provides vocational assessments and evaluates job skills, strengths, interests, abilities, and employment readiness.Assists individuals with career exploration and employment goal development.Provides job readiness, employability, and job-seeking skills training to individuals and groups.Assists consumers with application completion, resume development, interviewing techniques, and job search activities.Develops employment opportunities through outreach to community businesses and employers.Negotiates with employers to identify and develop suitable job opportunities for consumers.Provides job placement services and coordinates employment supports.Conducts job analyses to identify essential job functions and workplace accommodations.Provides onsite job coaching, training, orientation, and employment support services.Monitors employment stability and provides follow-up services to assist individuals in maintaining employment.Provides counseling, encouragement, and support to help individuals achieve employment goals.Participates in treatment team meetings, staffing reviews, and interdisciplinary planning activities.Collaborates with community agencies, employers, families, and service providers to coordinate services.Maintains accurate documentation and timely completion of service records.Ensures required information is documented and transmitted in accordance with agency standards.Maintains current knowledge of supported employment practices, labor market trends, and vocational rehabilitation resources.Attends required seminars, training sessions, and professional development activities.Maintains a high-quality, customer-focused approach when providing services and support.Performs other related duties as assigned.Required Knowledge & Skills:Knowledge of supported employment principles and vocational rehabilitation practices.Knowledge of state, federal, and local employment-related regulations and program requirements.Knowledge of community resources and employment opportunities available to individuals with disabilities and behavioral health needs.Knowledge of PC-based software applications and office technologies.Knowledge of assessment and evaluation techniques used to determine vocational functioning.Ability to communicate effectively with diverse populations.Ability to establish positive relationships with consumers, employers, families, and community partners.Ability to conduct employment assessments and evaluate consumer skills and interests.Ability to provide individual and group training services.Ability to negotiate employment opportunities and advocate for consumers.Ability to operate a motor vehicle safely and efficiently.Ability to participate in supervision, staff meetings, planning sessions, and training activities.Ability to prioritize workload and manage multiple assignments effectively.Ability to maintain accurate records and documentation.Ability to work independently and exercise sound judgment.Ability to prepare reports and complete required documentation timely.Primary Responsibilities, but not limited to:Vocational assessment and employment planning.Job readiness and employment skills training.Community job development and employer outreach.Job placement and vocational support services.Onsite job coaching and follow-up support.Consumer advocacy and employment retention services.Treatment team participation and service coordination.Documentation and compliance monitoring.Community networking and resource development.Employment outcome tracking and reporting.Competencies:CommunicationAccountability/ResponsibilityCooperation/TeamworkCreative ThinkingCustomer ServiceDependabilityFlexibilityInitiativeInvestigative/Analytical Data GatheringJudgmentProfessionalismStress ManagementForward ThinkingNegotiatingPlanning/OrganizationRequired Education & Experience:One (1) year of experience as a training instructor; ORTwo (2) years of experience as a direct care service provider in a human services delivery setting such as case management, instruction, vocational services, or related fields; ORTwo (2) years of experience as a production supervisor in a business, factory, or work setting; ORBachelor’s Degree in Management, Business Administration, Behavioral Science, Human Services, Rehabilitation Counseling, or a related field from an accredited college or university.Valid Georgia Driver’s License may be required based on program assignment.Upon appointment to the position, the employee assumes responsibility for meeting and maintaining all minimum qualification requirements, including applicable certifications, licenses, continuing education, competency validations, and mandatory annual or recurrent training. Failure to maintain such requirements may affect eligibility to perform assigned duties.Supervisory Responsibilities:None.Work Environment:This position operates in a variety of office, community, business, and supported employment settings. The role routinely utilizes computers, telephones, electronic documentation systems, printers, and other office equipment. Duties require frequent interaction with employers, consumers, and community partners and may involve indoor and outdoor activities. Moderate travel between Gateway locations and community employment sites is required.Physical Demands:The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this position.Frequently walks, sits, stands, and kneels.Occasionally climbs, balances, bends, and stoops.Frequently lifts and/or moves up to 15 pounds.Must have the ability to sit for extended periods while working at a computer.Frequently utilizes fine hand-eye coordination, hearing, and visual acuity.Must be able to travel between Gateway sites and community employment locations.Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.Gateway CSB promotes a drug-free and alcohol-free work environment through mandatory pre-employment drug testing.Terms & Conditions:Reports to work when scheduled and begins and ends work as expected.Reports anticipated tardiness or absence to the supervisor.Observes policies regarding meal and break periods.Uses work time appropriately and efficiently.Requests and utilizes leave appropriately.Maintains a professional appearance in accordance with site dress code requirements.Observes health, safety, and sanitation policies.Performs work according to all applicable rules, regulations, policies, and guidelines.Ensures licensure and certification are current and active without suspension or revocation throughout employment.Ensures compliance with required training, including new employee orientation.Does not engage in activities other than official business during work hours.Does not report to work under the influence of alcohol or drugs.Adheres to Gateway’s Standards of Conduct 3.13 and Employee Ethics 3.23.May be required to remain at or return to work during agency incidents or emergencies and may work non-traditional schedules as necessary to support agency operations.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 in this job. Duties, responsibilities and activities may change at any time with or without notice.Employee signature below constitutes employee’s understanding of the requirements, essential functions and duties of the position. #J-18808-Ljbffr