Supportive Employment Specialist

Job Description

Job Description

Title : Supported Employment Specialist (Kentucky)

Reports To : Executive Director

Classification : Full-Time

FLSA Status : Full-Time

Created : June 8, 2016

Revised : February 25, 2025

JOB SUMMARY

Develop competitive employment opportunities for people served.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS

• Assist individual(s) served to acquire competitive employment in a community setting as abilities allow.
• Work with individual(s) served to determine benefits (e.g. SSI, Medicaid) availability and how they will be affected by employment.
• Complete vocational profile and assess vocational capabilities on an ongoing basis. Update as necessary.
• Develop an individual employment plan with individual(s) served and their support system.
• Serve as a support for the individual, the individuals family, and Evergreen staff who provide services.
• Work with local businesses to develop competitive job opportunities for individuals served.
• Conduct at least six employer contacts each week to learn about local businesses and employer needs, to talk about specific individual(s) served who are looking for work and / or to talk about employer services offered by the SE program.
• Provide education and support to employers as agreed upon by individual(s) served, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact with the employer.
• Provide job-site training as needed to ensure best outcomes for individual.
• Monitor and evaluate work performance on employment site(s) and provide feedback to team, staff, and family.
• Attend job coach training and meetings relevant to the employment of people served by Evergreen.
• Spend at least 65% or more of total scheduled work hours in the community engaging individual(s) served, contacting employers for job development, and providing follow-along supports.
• Provide supported education, using principles similar to SE, for individual(s) served who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Ensuring that all policies, procedures, regulations, and guidelines are followed.
• Schedule person specific training and maintain documentation of such training.
• Ensure all daily, weekly, and monthly reporting is complete and accurate.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS

• Constantly moves about to coordinate work
• Occasionally moves and positions objects weighing up to 50 pounds
• Occasionally exposed to viruses and infectious conditions

SPECIAL REQUIREMENTS

• Ability to meet the public in a manner that reflects creditably upon the organization and must have the ability to deal with consumers and staff in a manner that is conducive to harmony and their best efforts.
• Must be adaptable and have the ability to make decisions.
• May be required to attend seminar or job-related training courses.
• Must have understanding, patience and tact in dealing with individuals, their families or advocates and other agencies involved in providing supports for individuals.
• Must have the ability to maintain good working relationships with Evergreen staff and with contacts from other agencies or entities.
• Must be able to prioritize work tasks under the general direction.
• Must be able to work without close personal supervision.

EDUCATION

• Bachelors Degree in Human Services, Business, or a related field.
• At least one year of experience working with disabled individuals and general knowledge of supported employment.
• Must have certification for Supported Employment and complete curriculum for Direct Support Professional from the College of Direct Support Professionals.

SKILLS AND ABILITIES

• Working knowledge of Windows 7, and Microsoft applications.
• Aptitude to learn other software programs as required for this position.
• Working knowledge of Google Workspace

EMPLOYMENT VARIABLES

• Must have a good driving record which meets the minimum requirements for Evergreen and reliable transportation.
• Must pass a drug screen and criminal background check. Must be able to work some evenings and weekends when required.