Employment Assistant

Employment Specialist

Every day as an Employment Specialist is a chance to celebrate progress, build confidence, and support individuals with disabilities as they grow into valued, independent members of society.

At Imagine!, we believe that everyone who wants to work can work. As an Employment Assistant you won't just assist in maintaining competitive integrated employment with your client — you will empower individuals with intellectual and developmental disabilities to discover their strengths, gain confidence, and thrive in the workplace.

This isn't your typical 9-to-5. It's an opportunity to walk alongside people as they reach meaningful milestones, celebrate victories big and small, and transform not only their lives — but yours too.

You'll join a passionate, supportive team that values creativity, problem-solving, and advocacy, while building strong partnerships with families, employers, and the community. If you believe in inclusion, love mentorship, and thrive in a role where every day brings new challenges and rewards, this could be the opportunity for you.

Key Responsibilities

• Travels to participant's job sites regularly to provide workplace assistance and job coaching which involves providing instruction, training, and ongoing support with a focus on supervision.
• Conducts assessment of employment sites for safety-related needs, including accommodations and availability of natural supports.
• Attends IP, IDT, DVR, and other meetings.
• Encourages and teaches self-advocacy skills and maintains positive employer-employee relations by assuring understanding.
• Assists with navigating changes in routine, responding to workplace challenges, and maintaining focus and emotional regulation, or other behavioral supports, as needed.
• Encourages participation in workplace culture and events to promote natural supports and integration.
• Makes sound decisions through observing and providing problem solving skills to participants in all employment situations.
• Implements and follows Job Coaching Plans as set by the Employment Specialist.
• Works collaboratively with Employment Specialists to create and implement supports and create consistency across all employment members.
• Assumes full responsibility for a caseload of participants, including documenting all services in Imagine!'s electronic health record (EHR).
• Completes required paperwork in a timely and organized manner.
• Models safe work practices through the utilization of site-specific and company safety procedures
• Communicate effectively with co-workers/case leads, client teams, and Employment Supervisor regarding pertinent issues, progress and updates. Consults with managers to create efficiencies and improve work procedures.
• Supports Employment Services Group Sessions to ensure safety and adequate support.
• Participates in the execution of our Employment Services mission to educate, advocate and support adults with I/DD to become self-sufficient, successful members of the community.
• Represents Imagine! Employment Services in an appropriate and effective manner in the community.

Qualifications

• General knowledge of the developmental disabilities system in Colorado.
• Basic knowledge of standards and regulations regarding Supported Employment and/or Day Habilitation.
• Demonstrated skill in working with adults with developmental disabilities in a community and site setting.
• Ability to work independently and prioritize tasks/goals for self and others.
• Strong planning and organizational skills.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills with individuals and groups at all professional levels.
• Ability to provide effective training to individuals and groups.
• Ability to work effectively with various technology including word processing software, internet-based databases, assistive technology, etc.
• Possession of a valid driver's license and ability to meet Imagine! driving requirements.
• This position requires regular use of a personal mobile device such as a smartphone or tablet.

Training/Education

• High school diploma required.
• One year experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities (preferred)

Physical Requirements

• Ability to lift 50 pounds.
• This job requires standing and walking for up to 6 hours per day.
• Ability to drive a large van with wheelchair lift.
• Activities take place at client job sites in the community.
• Requires ability to: Walk and push wheelchairs; support with restroom needs; bend to strap chairs into vehicles; fold and lift wheelchairs; carry supplies.
• Effective with shifting roles, responsibilities, and expectations in a fast paced and changing environment.
• Ability to respond to emergency situations.

Fine Print

• This above is not intended to be an exhaustive list of all duties, responsibilities, or qualifications associated with the job.
• Employment at Imagine! is at-will, meaning that either the employee or Imagine! may terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice.
• Imagine! is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, gender identity, protected veteran status, or any other legally protected status. We are committed to fostering an inclusive and diverse workplace.