Columbia Ability Alliance Employment Specialist - Walla Walla, WA

The Employment Specialist will serve Columbia Ability Alliance clients at the Walla Walla, Washington WorkSource Office at 1530 Stevens St, Walla Walla, WA.

This role may require occasional travel within Walla Walla, WA, and occasionally to Columbia Ability Alliance's campus in Kennewick. Standard working hours are Monday through Friday, 8:00 AM to 4:30 PM; however, some evening and weekend client consultations will be necessary.

SUMMARY

Under the direction of the Divisional Program Manager for Employment Services, provides training, assessment, and assistance to participants in various Agency programs, with a special emphasis on reaching out to employers, and building relationships & partnerships to increase the potential of our client’s employment.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES include the following. Other duties may be assigned.

Helps determine applicant eligibility and program appropriateness.

Develop Trial Work Experience sites in the community.

Develops work sites for persons with disabilities from diverse populations.

Maintains contact with trainee/worker; employer/work site supervisor; work site co-workers; family/significant others; funding entity; program staff, etc.

Will gain thorough knowledge of all duties and responsibilities of trainee’s/worker’s position through unitizations of job analysis procedures.

Helps to provide needed training, assistance, and supervision to persons served (i.e.:  work/social behaviors; resume writing; work skills; transit training; job applications; interviewing; communication skills; employer contacts, etc.).

Complies with trainee's/worker's rehabilitation/employment plan.  Provides input regarding needed modifications to the plan and helps negotiate fees.

Knowledge of all duties and responsibilities of trainee's/worker's position through utilization of job analysis procedures.

Job coach when appropriate. This will entail working hours outside of the 8 to 4:30 scope and may include weekends/holidays.

Provide monthly reports to funding source(s).

Refer participants to alternative agencies when appropriate.

Assists the client/worker in accessing needed services (i.e.:  social security, public assistance, mental health, residential, etc.).

Maintains current and ongoing program notes and data on participants as requested.

Assists in monitoring each client’s work habits about punctuality, attendance, productivity, quality, reaction to supervision, responsibilities, and providing behavior intervention as needed.

Documents and maintains current and ongoing records regarding trainee's/worker's performance, as well as other pertinent information.

Assists in developing, pursuing, or redirecting potential job leads as requested by the supervisor.

Provides follow-up services to ensure job retention.

Assists in ongoing program development and marketing of Agency products and services.

Assists in public relations and recruitment efforts for clients.

Attends in-service and outside training when appropriate.

Attending regularly scheduled department staff meetings and all applicable Agency meetings.

Communicates effectively with other Columbia Ability Alliance' staff and clientele.

Observe and comply with participant confidentiality policies.

Observe and comply with Agency Safety Programs and procedures.

Supports and complies with Agency policies, procedures and philosophies.

Other duties as deemed appropriate to the position.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES - none.

QUALIFICATIONS:

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position requires some degree of responsibility and organizational skills.  The individual must have initiative, be dependable, and require some supervision.  Must be professional, friendly, and supportive of Agency personnel and their efforts.  Needs to communicate effectively, utilize interpersonal skills, and the ability to work as a team member with staff.  Written and verbal communication skills are needed.  Good relations and a positive image must be portrayed to the business community. 

Must be aware of the client’s needs and capabilities and strive for a continued cooperative atmosphere while working with participants.  Be alert to the participant's aspirations and be willing to help plan accordingly in strengthening these capabilities; be aware of the need for confidentiality and limitation of the Agency's use of information concerning participants.

Must be able to approach potential employers to speak of client’s abilities and communicate the value of the clients that we serve to help educate employers on the benefits of hiring individuals with special abilities.

OTHER QUALIFICATIONS –

Must be able to pass a criminal background check.   DDA policies. CPR/First Aid.

EDUCATION and/or EXPERIENCE

High school diploma/GED preferred

BS preferred. Two (2) years of work experience in a human services or related field.  Substitute for experience:  AA/AS Degree in a related field one (1) year of work experience in a related field. Two (2) years of work experience building relationships in the community.

LANGUAGE SKILLS

Speak, read, and write English.

Ability to respond to inquiries and complaints.

MATHEMATICAL SKILLS

Ability to apply concepts to fractions, percents, ratios, and proportions to practical solutions.

REASONING ABILITY

Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw conclusions.

OTHER SKILLS AND ABILITIES

Mental factors - short-term and long-term memory; abstract thinking and occasional excessive stress.

CERTIFICATES, LICENSES, REGISTRATIONS

Valid Washington State Drivers' License and proof of automobile insurance.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

1/3-2/3 time sitting, standing and walking.  Talk or hear over 2/3 of the time.

Under 1/3 of time kneeling.

Close vision (clear vision at 20 inches or less).  Distance vision (clear vision at 20 feet or more).  Ability to adjust focus (ability to adjust the eye to bring an object into sharp focus).

Occasional lifting/carrying less than 25 lbs.

Fine finger movement: both hands required and some computer usage.

WORK ENVIRONMENT 

The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

Outdoor weather conditions under 1/3 of the time.

In an office environment, 1/3-2/3 of the time, and occasionally works alone.

Will need to adapt to several work environments on a client-by-client basis. May need to be in small spaces, kitchens, warehouses, etc.

Moderate noise 1/3-2/3 of the

Salary : $20 - $25