Supported Employment Specialist- Part-time

POSITION: Employment Specialist

TYPE OF POSITION: Part-time hourly

HOURS PER WEEK: 20-29 hours/week. Monday thru Friday.

ANNUAL SALARY SCALE: Commensurate with experience and education

SUMMARY DESCRIPTION: An Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities to secure competitive employment.

• Coordinates and facilitates Supported Employment Services
• Ensures Supported Employment Services provide a means to reach competitive employment
• Provide necessary follow-up support

Services include individual needs assessment, vocational exploration, job development, job placement, job site training, and follow-up assessment and support.

QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE:

Education Requirements: BA or BS in the human service or related field.

Experience: Experience in working with individuals with special needs. Experience in employment, human services, education and/or rehabilitation related fields.

Clearances: All staff are required to successfully obtain the following clearances: Pennsylvania Criminal Background, PA Child Abuses Clearance, FBI Fingerprinting Clearance and Full Driver’s History.

Skills: Good oral and written communication skills; Proficient computer skills including Microsoft Office and GSuite Applications.

Required Training: Upon hire, Employment Specialist will be required to complete all requirements to obtain ACRE Certification.

DUTIES:

• Develop and implement an individualized employment plan for each client referred in accordance of the guidelines provided by the referring agency.
• Utilize the Individualized Plan for Employment to assist clients referred for Community-Based Work Assessments and/or Supported Employment services.
• Coordinates communication of employment services with Office of Vocational Rehabilitation (OVR), Washington County Behavioral Health and Developmental Services, Blended Case Managers (BCM’s), and/or Supports Coordinators (SC) to provide job finding and job support services for clients with mental health, drug and alcohol, co-occurring disorders, and/or intellectual disabilities.
• Works closely with the OVR Counselors, SC and/or BCM to identify job opportunities, ensures that clients are receiving appropriate services to secure and maintain competitive employment.
• Assists clients with job-seeking skills to include developing resumes, job interviewing skills and job-seeking skills. Provides individualized job development services to include contacting employers and coordinating customer interviews. Involves direct intervention with the employer to orient the client to the job and work schedule.
• Assist clients with making connections with outside agencies for other services needed, such as applying for reduced public transportation, making referrals to obtain interviewing attire or social security benefits counseling.
• Conducts job analysis. Includes identifying client-specific job functions, coordinating job accommodations, and recommending assistive technology if necessary to perform all aspects of the job.
• Develops and reviews job-training plan with the Job Coach to facilitate the training of clients on specific job tasks to the satisfaction of the employer.
• Assists the Job Coach in developing behavioral management plans to enhance/promote the clients' appropriate work behaviors.
• Troubleshoots client’s work issues with employers and Job Coaches for successful employment.
• Assists Job Coach with developing an appropriate fading plan and coordination of extended services.
• Provides continual follow-up with employers and clients for the duration of the client’s case.
• Maintains client case records in a fair and accurate manner for progress reporting. Develops employment service plans, specifying objectives, goals, and methods of achieving goals. Completes progress notes, monthly reports and communicates with client stakeholders regularly.
• Maintains and updates data sheet with current information regarding clients and their employment for statistical, financial, and administrative purposes.
• Attends meetings and training as necessary and required.
• Maintains and abides by all agency confidentiality policy and procedures.
• Performs other work-related duties as necessary and/or assigned by the Executive Director.

Job Type: Part-time

Pay: $19.50 - $20.50 per hour

Expected hours: 20 – 29 per week

Benefits:

• Flexible schedule

Schedule:

• Day shift
• Monday to Friday

Ability to commute/relocate:

• Washington, PA 15301: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)

Application Question(s):

• Are you willing to successfully obtain your PA Criminal Background Check, FBI Fingerprinting and PA Child Abuse Clearances?

Experience:

• working with individuals with special needs: 1 year (Required)

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Work Location: In person