Employment Specialist

JOB SUMMARY:

• The Employment Specialist (ES) reports directly to the Employment Services Manager and is responsible for providing direct support to individuals in Opportunities, Inc.’s services that are seeking competitive integrated employment. The ES works closely with Individuals in services, and their teams, to build a personalized employment plan based around the person’s interests, skills, and preferences for support. The ES will spend time in a in a variety of environments including the homes and communities of people seeking employment, to develop a trusting relationship with the individual, their family, and/or guardians. The ES will also negotiate visits to businesses for the individual to engage in job tryouts, and job shadowing. The ES will develop a vocational profile summarizing the information obtained through these Discovery activities. With the individual, the ES will assist in the creation of the person-centered plan to provide direction for job development. The ES is responsible for seeking our businesses that correspond to the individual’s informed choices about work tasks and work environments. Additionally, the ES will negotiate with employers for customized jobs and will assist with developing self-employment opportunities.

FLSA Classification: Non-Exempt

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

• Maintain a varied caseload of individuals interested in competitive paid employment.
• Assess skills through the Discovery Process to identify abilities and interests.
• Arrange work experience activities (e.g., business visits, interviews, assessments).
• Assist with job applications and resume preparation.
• Develop Vocational profiles.
• Facilitate person-centered planning.
• Build relationships with employers for job placement opportunities.
• Visits to job locations, orientation, employment service classes.
• Others duties as assigned

EXPECTATIONS/DESIRED SKILLS:

• Creative, flexible, and detailed-oriented
• Ability to work autonomously in the field, while ensuring teams are kept up to date on progress.
• Proven initiative and self-starter attributes
• Ability to effectively manage multiple priorities at the same time
• Strong organizational and time management skills
• Ability and willingness to work in a high energy environment
• Relates well to diverse populations; builds appropriate rapport
• Strong technical knowledge, including experience with Microsoft Office suite

QUALIFICATIONS:

• High School Diploma or GED required, associate degree preferred
• Minimum of 2 years experience providing employment services to people with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities.
• Completion of Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE) supported or customized employment certificate program, and/or the Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) exam.
• Abreast with Montgomery County and/or Prince George’s County activities and resources

A valid driver's license, clean driving record, reliable transportation and be willing to drive company vehicles.

Job Type: Full-time

Benefits:

• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Salary:

• 21.50/hr

Schedule:

• Monday-Friday from 8am-4pm and potential after hours

License/Certification

• Driver's License (Required)
• Work Location: In Person

Opportunities, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $21.50 per hour

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Monday to Friday

Application Question(s):

• Do you have at least 1 year of experience working with individuals with developmental disabilities?
• Do you have at least 2 years of experiencing providing employment services or coaching in a workplace setting?

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person