Developmental Disabilities Employment Specialist

Job Type
Full-time
Description
Envision Unlimited is a full spectrum of care organization serving people with disabilities from infants to 80+ years old regardless of race, gender, religion, or ability to pay. Founded in Chicago in 1948, Envision Unlimited has a legacy of evolving care delivered with empathy, every time and everywhere. Innovative services offered across Chicagoland and Central Illinois include community living options, novel day programs, behavioral health services, employment programs, respite for families, and foster care for children with disabilities.
Summary:
To perform functions to develop competitive employment placements for adult and high school students with developmental/other disabilities. Responsible for establishing business relationships with employers to facilitate and secure employment for members.
Essential Responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Develop competitive, community employment opportunities based on member career goals and choices.
• Establish employer contacts through telephone calls, mailings, meetings, networking, and other job development activities.
• Maintain knowledge of resources and services available to potential employers and members.
• Develop job orders and establish interview schedules as a part of the job match process. Follow up on all employer contacts.
• Participate in pre-employment meetings and advise staff and members of the job market as it relates to their employment goal.
• Maintain employer files for the department.
• Meet or exceed department goals and outcomes based on contractual obligations with funding sources including but not limited to DRS.
• Analyze job and occupational trends to facilitate consumer-based marketing.
• Maintain reporting system for customer and member feedback as it relates to the job search process.
• Maintain a monthly placement log.
• Maintain knowledge of Department of Labor, OSHA, State of Illinois, CARF/CQL accreditation mandates.
• Participate in training in the Individual Placements and Supports (IPS) employment model.
• Implement the IPS employment model.
• Become proficient in the use of Quantum/other required computer program.
• Complete QIDP responsibilities for a Job Placement caseload.
• DRS Case management.
• Successfully complete all required training for certification as Direct Support Professional (DSP)
• Valid driver's license

Additionally:

• Represent the agency at community and business functions.
• Communicate employer complaints/issues to the proper supervisory staff.
• Attend staff, job development, marketing, and other assigned committee meetings.
• Conduct mock interviews for members.
• Transport members to interviews when necessary.
• Assist with employment on-boarding, including ensuring appropriate dress, grooming, etc.
• Perform other related duties as assigned.

Requirements
QUALIFICATIONS
To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below represent the knowledge, skill and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
EDUCATION, SKILLS, and/or EXPERIENCE

• High School diploma; Bachelor's degree preferred.
• Minimum of one-year work experience in rehabilitation, job placement, or related field. Proven job placement experience preferred.
• Must have the ability to travel per the needs of the department.
• QIDP qualification preferred but not required.

Envision Unlimited offers competitive salaries and a generous benefits package:
Blue Cross/Blue Shield Medical Coverage: HMO, PPO
Dental and Vision Insurance Options
Company-paid Life Insurance
12 Paid Holidays
Paid vacation, sick time, and personal days
403B plan
In-house training and CEUs
Employee Assistance Network
Support for pursuing clinical licensure (financial and time off)
Opportunity for career growth & development
Envision Unlimited provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.