Employment Specialist I

Since 1983 L.I.F.E. has been serving individuals with Intellectual Disabilities (ID) along with other disabilities in residential, vocation and medical day settings throughout greater Baltimore, Howard County, and since 2015 in Southern Maryland to include Charles and St. Mary Counties. We are committed to promoting self-centered practices throughout our agency and hold on to the belief that all individuals receiving services should be the driver of those services.

We are seeking an organized, detailed oriented, Employment Specialist I to join our team. The Employment Specialist I will assist with ongoing onsite job support to our employed individuals. The mission of the Employment Specialist is to assist in preparing the individuals for employment within the community by not only giving them the proper tools needed to obtain employment but to provide the advocacy support to the individuals we serve as well. The Employment Specialist is responsible for job coaching and training while creating a constant support system to our DORS and DDA individuals.

Employment Specialist I Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

• Assist individuals with contacting employers within the first month and connecting with employment services.
• Provide individualized follow-along supports to individuals including crisis intervention, job coaching, advocacy, and job counseling to ensure that community employment is achieved and maintained.
• Maintains contact with employers during the individual’s employment and reports results weekly to the job Developer.
• Prepares Progress reports monthly.
• Collects weekly and bi-weekly paystubs from employed individuals and submit to the Assistant Director, Vocational Services.
• Assist with training, interviews, job prep and orientation.
• Onsite work visits for DDA and DORS employed and volunteer individuals in the community.
• Maintain constant communication with Employment team and outside partner agencies.
• Prepares Progress reports monthly.
• Collects weekly and bi-weekly paystubs from employed individuals and submit to the Assistant Director, Vocational Services.
• Assist with training, interviews, job prep and orientation.
• Onsite work visits for DDA and DORS employed and volunteer individuals in the community.
• Maintain constant communication with Employment team and outside partner agencies.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

• Demonstrate ability to communicate with a variety of industry and human service professionals.
• Excellent verbal and writing communication skills.
• Demonstrate ability to teach and communicate effectively with the individuals, families, and
  community partners.
• Ability to create and maintain efficient working relationships with staff and community partners.
• Proficiency using computers and MS Office software. This also includes other software that is used by L.I.F.E.
• Collaborates with employers and team to support the participant, adapting to the environment, and providing job retention supports.

Required Qualifications:

• BA/BS in vocational rehabilitation, social work or related field strongly preferred.
• GED or High School diploma necessary and/or 1-2-year experience in the field of Human Services or workforce development and job development required.
• Requires the ability to maintain positive and professional interactions with a diverse team (job seekers with disabilities, family members, DORS counselors, Resource Coordinators, and other relevant personnel).

Other Requirements:

• Must possess a valid driver’s license and safe driving record with no more than two points. Must have reliable transportation and able to travel to and from sites as necessary for work.
• Successfully pass drug and criminal background check.
• Two points or less on your Maryland driving record during your employment with L.I.F.E. Inc.
• Must possess valid and adequate automobile insurance coverage and be willing to transport individuals in own vehicle when necessary.
• Completion of CPR & first aid training, infection control, MANDT, ICM/LTSS training, ACRE training within 3 months of hire and all other required trainings and maintenance of certifications as required by employment and LIFE.

L.I.F.E offers benefits* which include:

• Health, Dental and Vision Benefits
• Health Care Spending Account
• Vacation [Full Time Employees]
• Sick and Safe Leave
• Short Term Disability and Life Insurance
• 401K plan
• Employee Assistance Program
• *Staff members who are scheduled 30+ hours a week

We are an EEO/AA Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state or local law. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please contact us by phone at 410-735-5433 and let us know the nature of your request and your contact information. Requests for accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. Please note that only inquiries concerning a request for reasonable accommodation will be responded to from this e-mail address.

If you are interested in joining our team, please visit our website at: http://www.lifeinc.org/join-our-team/ to submit your resume and cover letter for consideration.