Bilingual Spanish-Speaking Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

About the Organization: 

The Arc Prince George’s County serves more than 600 individuals with disabilities through a variety of programs, services and supports. Our primary areas of support are community living, family and personal supports, employment services, and day programs - all with an emphasis on person-centered community involvement and inclusion. To learn more about us, please visit 

Position Summary:

The Employment Specialist reports directly to the Program Administrator of Employment Services/Individual Placement.  The role of the Employment Specialist is to provide support to individuals in independent, community-based job settings.  This support consists of job training in accordance with the person's needs, employer's requirements, and all applicable regulations. Also, this role is responsible for maintaining existing relationships with various employers. These services are not limited to developing and coordinating employment opportunities in local businesses in various industries, including but not limited to hospitals, colleges, public and private schools, retail, restaurants, hotels, government agencies, and small businesses.  These opportunities will meet the employment outcomes and the support needs of the people supported while assessing job matching and placement. Due to the nature of the Employment Specialist position, the Employment Specialist may be required to provide support some evenings, weekends, and holidays depending on the support needs of the person on their employment site. This position has no direct reports. However, the Employment Specialist is expected to be aware of issues related to supervising the people supported in the program.

Essential Functions:

Programmatic:

• Teach job-seeking, application, resume, interview, retention, communication, and workplace skills.
• Provide at least two direct support contacts monthly.
• Conduct individualized skill assessments and community-based task trials.
• Maintain accurate employment contact records in the Electronic Health Record (EHR).
• Help individuals improve job performance and explore employment options.
• Train employers and staff to provide effective supervision and natural supports.
• Lead career planning for individuals seeking employment or advancement.
• Provide job-search, interview, application, and follow-up support.
• Arrange time-limited work experiences when appropriate.
• Assist with negotiating pay, benefits, and employment terms.
• Develop employment opportunities based on individual interests, skills, and support needs.
• Participate in screening and job-placement recommendations.
• Stay informed about tax incentives and benefits for employers hiring people with disabilities.
• Ensure employers and staff uphold the rights of individuals supported.

Communication & Documentation:

• Maintain positive relationships that support employment success.
• Attend required staff meetings, trainings, and Town Hall Meetings.
• Cooperate with Arc of Prince George's County, DDA, and OHCQ inspections/investigations.
• Support the agency's mission, philosophy, and teamwork.
• Promote collaboration, communication, and problem-solving.
• Recognize and celebrate individual and team successes.
• Understand and implement each individual's PCP.
• Complete required EHR documentation according to GIRP guidelines.

Person-Centered Plans:

• Attend all PCP meetings for assigned individuals.
• Complete all required pre-PCP paperwork.
• Ensure PCPs are completed and approved on time.
• Upload approved PCPs to the EHR promptly.
• Ensure PCPs are properly implemented.
• Maintain documentation to track PCP progress.
• Help develop person-centered goals and competitive, inclusive employment opportunities.

Outreach:

• Market and represent employment services to employers.
• Develop new business relationships and job-placement opportunities.
• Conduct job analyses to match individuals with suitable positions.
• Submit monthly reports on employment development, barriers, and successes.
• Network with businesses to create employment opportunities.
• Maintain accurate employer and employment-lead records in the EHR.
• Participate in job fairs and recruitment activities.

General:

• Maintain compliance with all required training.
• Maintain a positive, professional, and respectful attitude.
• Meet all deadlines and submit accurate mileage promptly.
• Drive safely and lawfully while performing job duties.
• Ensure individuals receive adequate supervision during job training and coaching.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Qualifications:

• A Bachelor's Degree from an accredited College or University is preferred, with a minimum of two years experience in community-based job placement in either private or public agencies and providing support to people with intellectual and developmental disabilities or any combination of education, training, and experience which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties as described and at least three years relevant experience. Additional experience in the human services, marketing, or public relations field is a plus.
• Experience in community-based settings is required.
• Must have ability to problem-solve and assist in decision-making, including during emergencies.
• Must maintain current status regarding assigned core competencies and other required certification acquisition within established schedules and timelines.
• Must be able to demonstrate flexibility.
• Knowledgeable in methods and techniques of job development, individual placement, current practices, available community resources and services, basic Internet research techniques, and standard office software applications. 
• Must drive personal vehicle in job responsibilities; mileage reimbursement will be available. 
• Must have a valid state-issued driver's license with a clean driving record (no more than two points).
• Must have time management skills and techniques to organize and prioritize work; work independently and meet timelines; work collaboratively; coordinate various projects simultaneously.
• Possess strong interpersonal skills to work cooperatively and effectively with individuals, employers, families, community members, and other groups. 
• Strong oral and written communication skills.
• Proficient application or Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Displays a substantial degree of professionalism.
• Must obtain the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification within the first six months in this position, if not already certified, and maintain the certification.

Total Rewards:

The Arc offers a competitive salary and comprehensive benefits, to include medical, dental and vision plans. A 403(b) retirement plan w/ employer match, tuition reimbursement, benevolence program, paid holidays, generous paid time-off, paid training, company paid life insurance, and much more!