Employment Specialist

Accountability Objectives: Develop jobs for citizens of Scioto and Pike Counties with Developmental Disabilities who meet eligibility criteria; develop, assist, and maintain vocational training, and appropriate follow-along supports and schedule and maintain transportation services needed to ensure those placed in jobs retain their employment.

Job Description: Develop jobs for citizens of with Developmental Disabilities who meet eligibility criteria; develop, assist and maintain vocational training, and appropriate follow-along supports and schedule and maintain transportation services needed to ensure those placed in jobs retain their employment. Several duties will be required to carry out this primary function including

1. Locate new placement opportunities via phone, correspondence, media publications, and personal visits to potential employers throughout the area.
2. Collaborate with all stakeholders including Individual Service Support Administrators to coordinate vocational services.
3. Conduct skill assessments in sheltered or community settings. Provide detailed written reports of those skills assessments to assist in a vocational plan for those individuals on caseload.
4. Provide adequate follow-along services to those consumers assigned to caseload.
5. Maintain quality and integrity of the overall Advancing Abilities Community Employment Program by providing exceptional customer service to both employers and those we help obtain employment.
6. Document case notes, timesheets payroll, and all pertinent information of individuals on caseload in a timely manner.
7. Job Coaching consumers assigned to caseload either at enclave, vocational rehabilitation ,or community employment sites to provide intense one-on-one training, and fading when appropriate (determined on an individual basis) Task analysis of specific jobs then applying steps of tasks and tracking coaching to provide reference context for fading.
8. Transporting individuals to and from vocational-related activities as needed. Including job searches, interviews, and actual job sites.
9. Serves as a positive liaison between Advancing Abilities and County Board of DD and the area business community. Develops and maintains strong relationships with families, stakeholders, businesses, and the people we serve to facilitate vocational opportunities for the entire Advancing Abilities operation.
10. Performs other related duties as required; serves on committees as assigned; participates in training as required or assigned.

Minimum Requirements:

Must have a high school diploma, own reliable transportation, Ohio driver's license, and maintain proof of insurance. Applicant must have high school diploma or GED. Applicant must also comply with the course of rules and regulations adopted by Advancing Abilities as outlined in the policy manual and Drug-Free Workplace policy. Must be willing to work towards obtaining CESP certification through APSE. Maintains continuing education to stay up on the latest changes in the employment community. 1-year of experience working in the DD field preferred.

Hours Worked: Full-time, Monday-Friday 8am-4pm are the standard hours, but applicant must be flexible. The specific number and times of scheduled hours are set upon hiring, but may fluctuate, depending upon the needs of the individuals. The supervisor may approve and/or mandate a change in hours based on service and individuals' need. Persons in this position should also be prepared to substitute for extra hours when necessary to ensure the ongoing provision of services and supports to the individuals.