Supported Employment/ Pre-Vocational Specialist/Case Manager

Griffith Centers PASA mission statement: Griffith Centers, Inc. is committed to supporting our members with intellectual and/or developmental disabilities, including those who are behaviorally challenged and/or medically fragile. We encourage our members to develop and express their unique potential. Griffith Centers, Inc.s purpose and programs is its recognition of the worth and dignity of each member it serves as a valued member of society. We look beyond the disability and focus on the capability.

Nature of Position

The Job Coach/Employment Specialist carries out the services of the Supported Employment program by assisting members to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

Job Expectations/Responsibilities:

• Refers members to benefits counseling, as needed

• Helps members report earnings, as needed.

• Assesses members' vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.

• With the members permission, provides education and support to family members.

• Discusses member's preference for disclosure of psychiatric status to employers

• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are Individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload

• Following the principles and procedures of IPS supported employment.

• Conducts a minimum of six employer contacts per week; Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.

• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist members in maintaining employment

• Writes job support plans with members and incorporates input from the developmental team.

• Adjusts plan according to members needs and preferences.

• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by members, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer

• Provides outreach services as necessary to members when they appear to disengage from the service

• Uses a variety of methods to provide outreach and provides timely interventions

• Returns phone calls and reacts to situations in a timely manner.

• Participates in face-to-face meetings with vocational rehabilitation counselors at least once a month to coordinate services for members

• Develops an individual employment (and/or education) plan with members

• Incorporates input from the developmental team and family members, with permission.

• Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours in the community, For example, meets members at community locations such as, workplace, coffee shop, meeting with potential employers, library, One-Stop, VR office, family home, etc. or takes members to apply for jobs, investigate local GED or colleges, etc.

• Provides supported education, using principles similar to supported employment, for members who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.

• Responsible for a minimum of 16 job starts per year or maintaining at least 60% employment on caseload.

• Other duties as assigned.

Skills and Experience

• The ability to work respectfully and professionally with a variety of people and challenges.

• Ability to maintain a positive outlook.

• Ability to demonstrate honesty, self-discipline, and accountability for ones actions.

• Maintain professional boundaries while establishing a trustworthy and beneficial relationship.

• Ability to take initiative on projects as assigned.

• Ability to exhibit appreciation and passion for the type of work Griffith Centers PASA provides and for the position held.

• Basic computer knowledge.

• Demonstrate skill in reading, speaking, and writing in English.

• The ability to be flexible, and able to change direction rapidly.

• The ability to communicate respectfully and effectively, both verbally and in written format, in both individual and group settings.

• The ability to always represent Griffith Centers PASA in a professional and respectful manner.

• The ability to be a reliable team player and supportive team member.

• The ability to be an active listener.

• The ability to remain calm in sometimes chaotic situations.

• Ability to demonstrate consistent and reliable attendance as scheduled and requested.

• Must have open availability to be able to accommodate to members schedules.

Education Requirements

• Required: High School graduation or equivalent, minimum age 18.

• Preferred: Associates Degree

Certifications and Licenses

• Valid Regular Drivers License, with acceptable driving record.

• Qualified Medication Administration Personnel Certification-or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• CPR and First Aid Certification or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.

• Safety Care certification within 30 days of hire.

• Certified Employment Support Professional credential (CESP) or ability to obtain within 30 days of hire.