Employment Specialist Supportive Employment

Position Overview

The Employment Specialist role focuses on assisting persons with disabilities by facilitating their journey towards competitive employment. This position blends job development, placement, and continuous support aligned with each individual's unique abilities and needs.

Key Responsibilities

• Identify and pursue suitable employment opportunities aligned with clients' skills and preferences, including conducting job searches and preparing candidates for interviews.
• Carry out pre-employment and employment assessments to evaluate individual capabilities.
• Provide on-the-job coaching and support to help individuals adapt effectively in their work settings, involving direct workplace assistance and consistent follow-ups to support job retention.
• Establish and maintain productive employer relationships to promote inclusive hiring, clarify job roles, provide safety guidelines, and facilitate communication among employees, employers, families, and support staff.
• Possess a general understanding of how earned income impacts benefits such as SSI or Medicaid and assist individuals with income reporting.
• Maintain timely and accurate documentation, case notes, and reports adhering to OPWDD and ACCES-VR compliance standards.
• Offer a variety of support services, including job discovery, training, mentoring, and professional skills development through both individualized and group sessions.
• Occasionally provide transportation to assessments or work sites as necessary.
• Maintain a professional demeanor when representing the organization in the business community.
• Have knowledge of all employment-related services provided by the organization.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Skills

• Minimum educational requirement is a bachelor's degree or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• Prior experience working with individuals with disabilities is preferred.
• Strong interpersonal, communication, and organizational abilities enabling effective collaboration with clients, families, and employers.
• Proficiency with computer software and email applications.
• Physical capacity to independently lift up to 50 pounds and assist with heavier loads.
• Must meet criteria to operate organizational vehicles and maintain a valid driver's license with reliable transportation.
• Flexibility to work varied hours tailored to meet individual caseload demands.

Equal Opportunity Statement

The employer is committed to providing equal employment opportunities and prohibits discrimination or harassment of any kind based on race, color, religion, creed, gender, marital status, sexual orientation, national origin, citizenship, age, genetic factors, gender identity or expression, disability, military or veteran status, sexual or reproductive health decisions, and any other characteristic protected by law.