What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Bronx Independent Living Services?
Position : Employment Specialist
Bronx Independent Living Services (BILS) is a non-profit, community-based organization dedicated to empowering all people with disabilities to understand and exercise their civil and human rights to live fully integrated lives in mainstream society. BILS assists individuals by providing them the necessary tools to make informed decisions about their own lives through access to education, skills development, and access to the appropriate resources. On a systemic level, BILS is committed to facilitating social, economic, and civic change by advocating for the removal of architectural, communication, and attitudinal barriers that have limited the disabled community for far too long. BILS is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Job Summary:
As an Employment Specialist providing services through ACCES-VR, you will assist individuals with disabilities in obtaining and maintaining competitive employment. You will work closely with ACCES-VR counselors, employers, and clients to deliver job readiness training, job placement, retention support, and career counseling. The role involves providing individualized support, developing employer relationships, and ensuring successful employment outcomes for clients.
Key Responsibilities:
- Conduct assessments of clients’ skills, abilities, and vocational goals.
- Assist clients with resume writing, cover letters, and job applications.
- Provide interview coaching and soft-skills training.
- Offer career counseling and job exploration services based on client interests and abilities.
- Identify and develop job opportunities that align with client skills and goals.
- Collaborate with employers to create inclusive hiring opportunities.
- Arrange job interviews and advocate for necessary accommodations.
- Assist in job development by networking with businesses and community organizations.
- Provide job coaching to ensure a smooth transition into employment.
- Assist with workplace accommodations and conflict resolution if needed.
- Offer ongoing support for job retention and career advancement.
- Maintain accurate and timely records of client progress, job placements, and services provided.
- Submit required documentation and reports in compliance with ACCES-VR guidelines.
- Services must be documented into agency database within 7 days of service provision.
- Reports must be completed within 7 days of service completion.
- Adhere to confidentiality and ethical standards when handling client information.
- Organize and facilitate work-based learning opportunities, such as job shadowing, internships and worksite visits.
- Deliver structured services to youth with disabilities by following a designated curriculum, focusing on work readiness, job exploration counseling, post-secondary education, and self-advocacy skills.
- Empower participants with the knowledge and tools needed to navigate their career paths and future opportunities successfully.
- Other duties as needed.
Qualifications & Skills:
- Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Services, Vocational Rehabilitation, Social Work, Psychology, or related field (preferred but not always required).
- Experience: Prior experience in job development, vocational rehabilitation, or workforce development is preferred.
- Skills:
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills.
- Ability to coach and support individuals with disabilities.
- Organizational skills and ability to manage multiple clients.
- Basic computer proficiency for documentation and reporting.
o Knowledge of disability rights, accommodations, and local labor markets.
- Certifications: Certification as an Employment Specialist (CESP) as well as Certified Work Incentive Practitioner (CWIP) credential is a plus.
Additional Requirements:
- Ability to work independently and meet service delivery goals.
- Ability to travel