Employment Specialist- Autism Services

Looking to feed your desire to give to your community and support those who need a helping hand? Look no further! Not only is Preferred Family Healthcare growing the amount of its resources, services, and facilities to assist as many communities as possible, it also provides plenty of opportunity for growth in your current field and the freedom to explore others. Our culture and our environment are unlike any other. We offer highly-competitive pay and a full range of top-notch full-time employee benefits such as:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• Life Insurance
• Paid Time Off
• Short Term Disability
• Long Term Disability
• Retirement Plan
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Student Loan Reimbursement
• Employee Assistance Program

Job Description:
Essential Job Functions:

• Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders and team members with dignity and respect.
• Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF and contractual standards during provision of services.
• Maintain flexibility in work availability including evenings, overnights and weekends as necessary.
• Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological and educational information, and utilize this information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development and retention services.
• Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings that discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
• Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities and disclosure.
• Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities and preferences in relation to their personal and employment goals.
• Assist clients with individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
• Teach and reinforce job seeking and job retention skills with clients.
• Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources and other stakeholders (family, schools, other social service agencies, etc).
• Educate employers regarding benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations (e.g., assistive technology Adaptations, job carving, etc.).
• Promote the System, services and clients in a professional manner with employers and through participation in community events and awareness activities, this may include making presentations or public speaking.
• Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals.
• Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisor on a regular basis (e.g., referrals, placements, retention, areas of concern, etc.).
• Respond to crisis that may occur with clients at their worksite.
• Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
• May be required to provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients.
• Other duties as assigned by Leadership.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• The individual should have a good understanding of how to support individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
• Knowledgeable about case management and rehabilitation methods, principles and techniques as they relate to mental health and/or substance use disorders.
• Knowledge of the challenges faced by individuals with mental illness and substance abuse disorders, and know how to access community resources.
• Knowledge of the methods and modalities as well as the legal requirements and court procedures related to treating mental illnesses and substance use disorders.
• Some knowledge of supervisory and training techniques and practices used in a substance use disorders/mental health setting.
• Ability to evaluate services within assigned program and give input.
• Good communication skills, both verbal and written, are important for producing clear and concise reports
• Strong customer service skills are also necessary.
• Proficiency in computer knowledge, including Word, Excel, internet platforms, and other electronic media.

Experience and Education Qualifications:

• A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required;
• An associates or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
• At least one year of experience providing employment services.

Supervisory Requirements:
None
Employment Requirements:

• Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record, abuse/neglect and fingerprint check.
• Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
• All training requirements including Relias at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
• Current driver's license, acceptable driving record and current auto insurance.
• Must provide evidence that incumbent is free of infectious and contagious disease, such as TB, prior to beginning employment and annually thereafter. - expected for all direct care staff, but mandatory for RCF staff.

Physical Requirements:

• ADA Consideration - Sedentary work:
• Exerting up to 10 pounds of force occasionally (exists up the 1/3 of the time) and/or a negligible amount of force frequently (exists 1/3 to 2/3 of the time) to lift, carry, push, or pull, or otherwise move objects, including the human body.
• Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time, but may involve walking or standing for brief periods of time.
• Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally and all other sedentary criteria are met.

We are an Equal Opportunity and Affirmative Action Employer, and encourage applications from all qualified individuals without regard to race, color, religion, sex, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, marital status, disability or veteran status, or to other non-work related factors.
Preferred Family Healthcare is a Smoke and Tobacco Free Workplace.