Supportive Employment Specialist

Benefits : 401(k)

Dental insurance

Health insurance

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 individual’s 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

Bachelor’s 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.