Employment Specialist

Job Summary

Identify employment opportunities for individuals receiving services who have long or short term goals of employment. Teach, develop and provide support for individuals receiving or desiring employment services. The treatment of individuals served with dignity and respect is a prime responsibility. Interviewer Skills a necessity. Requires the ability to use computer for contacts, contractors, documentation and communication. This specific position requires the ability to routinely lift 50 lbs and will work in all elements (weather conditions).

Essential Functions

• Actively participate as a team member and represent employment services as a Life Planning team member and as a department / agency team member.

Other Responsibilities

• Ability to use computer for contacts, contractors, documentation and communication
• Participate in employment services on call coverage for Working Supervisors and job contracts, as assigned
• Represent DSNWK with professionalism and persons served in an advocacy role in all activities.
• Must be able to meet requirements of jobs held by individual(s) for whom services and supports are provided.
• May provide community supports with individuals.
• Complete other duties as assigned by the Employment Services Manager.
• This position will have access to PHI and EPHI for individuals who they support as a member of the Life Plan Team and to provide on-call supports, as needed.
• This position is not subject to the two year training period as defined by KPERS (exception - Atwood positions will be subject to training period).

Job Specifications

Education - High School diploma or equivalent preferred. ETS certification preferred.

Experience - One year of human services experience required. Prior personal or job related exposure to people with developmental disabilities preferred.

Extent of physical effort required - Routine job requirements. Little if any behavior or other physical intervention. Must be physically able to evacuate individuals served in the event of an emergency and be able to apply necessary behavior management techniques as directed by the individual's life plan. Position may have other physical requirements for specific work sites, i.e. climbing stairs, extended periods of standing, etc. Must be able to meet physical requirements of jobs occupied by individuals being supported.

Other Requirements

1. Desire to work with individuals with developmental disabilities.

2. Within one year of full-time employment, enrollment and completion of the Employment training and certification requirements.

3. Complete and maintain Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) certification

4. Valid driver's license.

5. Ability to communicate written and verbally with regards to interactions with co-workers, persons served and other team members.

6. Complete and maintain First Aid/CPR certification.

7. Complete MANDT training, as assigned.

8. Complete and maintain RTAP certification, as assigned.

9. Able to exercise good judgment and discretion in handling confidential information.

10. Must be able to meet requirements of jobs held by individual(s) receiving supports.

This job description does not provide the basis for an employment contract or constitute an offer of employment. It is intended solely to outline the qualifications and responsibilities of this position. These qualifications and responsibilities may be changed at any time to support and enhance the organization's successful achievement of its mission.

Apply at: https://dsnwk.e3applicants.com/careers/ ent plans that align with clients' skills and interests.

• Develop goals, outcomes and teaching plans and implement individual programs toward completion of objectives and/or service recommendations as defined in the life plan and implement the plans.
• Maintain and update service supports and information for employment for assigned caseload.
• Be informed of the rights of individuals served and ensure these rights are maintained at all times through appropriate verbal and physical interactions.
• Locate, assess and task analyze potential jobs.
• Assist individuals with initial and ongoing support needed in the employment environment, including on the job training.
• Participate in community organizations for planning and developing networks that enhance employment relationships (Chamber of Commerce, United Way, etc.) as assigned.
• Assist in accessing and coordinating support services with other providers.
• Teach and provide opportunities for Working Supervisors to provide input and feedback on the person's goals and outcomes (teaching plans, as assigned).
• Review the Working Supervisors notes and routinely participate in the Work Crew monthly meetings, as assigned.
• Establish and maintain production quality and quantity standards for each contract and/or production area, contract, crew or enclave, as assigned
• Develop workflow schedules to meet production requirements and to meet the completion of work performed on contracts.
• Provide training for individuals served and Working Supervisors to ensure work skills and work characteristics are appropriate for the business atmosphere.
• Arrange or provide alternative services for downtime on assigned production areas.
• Teach production related skills and conduct classes in the area of job readiness.
• Maintain all equipment and/or materials for each contract and/or production area.
• Complete all required documentation related to services provided to include individual's pay, schedule,DSNWK attendance sheets, injury reports, transportation, individual data, communication logs, etc.
• Responsible for the general cleanliness, fuel, and proper documentation of assigned vehicles.
• Routinely communicate written and verbally with interactions with co-workers, persons served and other team members.
• Participate in planning and attending department and agency functions and events outside normal working hours, as designated by supervisor.
• Maintains employment file(s) for individual served and contract file (s) as assigned.
• Attend initial and ongoing training in a timely manner to meet the needs of individuals served and meetings as requested by supervisor.
• Report health and safety, licensing and ANE issues to appropriate personnel per agency policy.
• Educate clients on job search strategies, resume writing, and interview techniques.
• Collaborate with local businesses to identify job opportunities suitable for clients.
• Provide ongoing support and mentoring to clients during their job search and after placement.
• Stay informed about employment labor laws to ensure compliance and advocate for client rights.
• Facilitate training development sessions to enhance clients' employability skills.
• Maintain accurate records of client progress and outcomes.

Experience

• Proven experience in social work or related fields, particularly working with individuals with autism or developmental disabilities.
• Familiarity with workforce development principles and practices.
• Strong recruiting skills with the ability to connect clients with potential employers.
• Experience in mentoring individuals through the job search process.
• Knowledge of employment labor laws relevant to hiring practices.
• Excellent interviewing skills to prepare clients for success in job interviews.
• Ability to educate and train clients effectively in various employment-related topics.

This position is ideal for someone who is passionate about making a difference in the lives of individuals seeking meaningful employment opportunities.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $16.25 - $17.87 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Employee assistance program
• Flexible schedule
• Flexible spending account
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Loan forgiveness
• On-the-job training
• Paid time off
• Parental leave
• Professional development assistance
• Referral program
• Retirement plan
• Tuition reimbursement
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• Evenings as needed
• Monday to Friday
• Nights as needed
• Weekends as needed

Work Location: In person

Salary : $16 - $18