The Employment Specialist will screen and assess incoming referrals, develop and maintain positive, professional partnerships with local businesses in order to promote employment opportunities for program participants. This position will provide classroom education and community-based work experiences and evaluations and job coaching supports to individuals in a work environment. The Employment Specialist must be familiar with supports to include advocacy; training in soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving skills, work ethic, grooming/hygiene, response to supervision, etc., retention services to provide ongoing work supports, goal planning, treatment team interaction, establishment and cultivation of natural supports at the work site and interactions with funding sources and employers. This position requires excellent communication skills, both verbal and written and collaboration with ACCES-VR and OPWDD is essential.

ESSENTIAL RESPONSIBILITIES:

Activities include but are not limited to the following:

• Screening and assessment Completion of intake/screening; complete discovery phase; vocational goal planning. Each plan must be developed based upon the unique needs and circumstances of each individual and reviewed/updated every 6 months. For OPWDD participants, the plans must be written in the format of the ISP and require attendance and participation at ISP meetings. Provide soft and hard skill training and assessment via Employment Center, classroom and/or community based experiences.
• Job development/placement: Develop and maintain positive, professional relationships with local businesses to build a strong base of potential employers. Develop and maintain an effective communication with program participants, families, referents and treatment team providers. Provide job placement services such as career counseling, assistance with applications, interview skill building and presentation of work incentives.
• Job coaching: Skill training, training is soft skills such as effective communication, problem-solving skills, work ethic, grooming/hygiene, response to supervision, etc. Coaching services are usually at the worksite, occasionally provided off-site.
• Retention/follow-along services: Provide ongoing advocacy and support to ensure long-term job retention and to facilitate career growth.
• Documentation: Provide accurate, detailed, and timely documentation of supports. Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards. Responsible to complete periodic peer reviews of program participant records.
• Participate in Center activities that may include meetings, trainings and committees.
• Ensure compliance with all pertinent government and agency regulations and operating standards.
• Establish a work environment that creates positive communication and support between supervisors and employees and applicants. Assimilate new employees to the Center?s culture, values and mission.