Employment Specialist

The Employment Specialist works directly with individuals with disabilities who seek employment or are currently employed to discover their unique employment paths through a variety of discovery methods. They will Support the individual through a variety of steps to learn the skills necessary to become employed in a Community Integrated Employment setting, and once employed, support the individual as necessary.

The Employment Specialist works to empower individuals with disabilities to achieve their employment goals and to support their successful transition into the workforce. With individuals who are already employed, the Employment Specialist works with employees and employers to promote job retention, professional development, and advancement. Key competencies include excellent oral and written communication, organizational skills, attention to detail, follow-through, coaching, and the ability to network with a diverse employer population.

The Employment Specialist will:

Support employment exploration and discovery regarding Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE), to include assisting the individual with gaining an understanding of how earnings impact benefits.

Provide work-related assessments of personal aptitude, abilities, skills and knowledge, to identify gaps needed for successful CIE.

Develop and deliver skills-building training for individuals with disabilities to improve their job skills and readiness for CIE.

Assist and prepare Job Development Plans with an individual’s team that will articulate the steps necessary to be successful in CIE.

Provide Job Coaching, using job analysis to identify and provide services and supports that assist the individual in maintaining CIE.

Implement best practice techniques to implement Job Fading to reduce the amount of external support necessary.

Work with employers to build co-worker support, to further minimize external support.

Qualifications:

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• Minimum 18 years of age
• DSP Certification or ability to become certified
• ACRE Certification or ability to become certified
• Consistent and reliable work history
• Proficient in computer usage including Email, spreadsheets and data entry
• Valid Maine driver’s license and acceptable driving record

This is a full-time position with a competitive wage and benefits. The Employment Specialist reports to the Community Integrated Services Manager . If you are a strong relationship builder, strategic thinker, results-oriented, and passionate about making a difference in the world, we encourage you to apply.

SKILLS, Inc., is an equal opportunity employer and prohibits discrimination against otherwise qualified applicants on the basis of the individual's status in a protected class. Protected classes include race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, genetic information, legally recognized disability, military services or veteran status, creed, gender identity, sexual orientation, pregnancy, marital or civil union status, citizenship, ancestry, ethnic heritage, or any other status protected under local, state, or federal laws.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $19.30 - $22.50 per hour

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Evening shift
• Weekends as needed

Education:

• High school or equivalent (Required)

Experience:

• Direct care with ID/DD: 1 year (Preferred)
• supervisory: 1 year (Preferred)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person