Community Employment Specialist

JOB TITLE: Community Employment Specialist

EMPLOYEE STATUS: Non-Exempt, Hourly

PURPOSE: To provide job training, supervision, and support services in the community to persons with severe disabilities and disadvantages.

AREA OF PROGRAM RESPONSIBILITY: The primary area of program responsibility is within the scope of the Supported Employment Program, Work Adjustment Program, and Work First Program of HVO, Inc.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES:

1) Make employer contacts and develop job sites for job placements.

2) Responsible for providing job shadowing, sampling, and job site tours to enhance vocational assessment and training.

3) Coordinate and complete all job orientation and training for each client at each job site.

4) Provide all necessary supervision of clients on the job until the employee has been successfully trained.

5) Provide soft and hard skills training, as needed.

6) Work cooperatively and actively with HVO staff for the attainment of HVO purposes, goals and objectives.

7) Maintain required record keeping according to CARF, Mental Health, VR, DSS and HVO standards.

8) Promote and maintain communication with supervisor regarding client progress.

9) May complete a job analysis and safety analysis for each job prior to placement.

10) Provide social skills training as needed.

11) Participate and in some cases lead conferences and/ or staffing with referring agency, as required by contract.

12) Assist with the development and implementation of individual plans and reports.

13) Instruct in specific areas on an individual or group basis according to the needs of the population served.

14) Assist with basic case management needs by linking individuals with appropriate community resources to meet needs of those served including, but not limited to: housing, food, child care, transportation, medical needs., clothing, etc. as needed.

15) Assist in teaching the Job Seeking Skills class.

16) Serve as an advocate for clients and promote greatest level of independence.

17) Provide long-term follow up services to client for duration of client's employment.

18) Assist with submitting billing to local LME for long-term follow-up services.

19) Work flexible hours, including nights, weekends and holidays.

20) Drive both personal and HVO vehicles for work purposes.

21) Must be aware of applicable HVO safety rules and regulations.

22) Cross train and substitute in other areas of program services.

23) Conduct training on the work floor as needed.

24) Make referrals to in-house and community services as needed.

25) Conduct HVO tours for prospective clients.

26) Provides optimal customer service to all clients, employees, students, parents, community members and other stakeholders.

27) Abide by the HVO Wireless Device Policy

28) Other duties as assigned.

MINIMAL REQUIREMENTS/PERFORMANCE STANDARDS:

• Ability to work well and interact with the business community
• Must be willing to work flexible hours as needed (including evenings or weekends)
• Ability to communicate both orally and in writing
• Must possess a valid Driver's License, carry necessary auto insurance coverage, and be approved by HVO's insurance carrier
• Two years' experience working with persons with disabilities and disadvantages

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS: Will be required to use hand and fingers to handle or feel; reach with hands and arms; speak and hear clearly. The job requires the ability to walk, climb stairs, kneel, stoop, and may require lifting or moving items weighing up to 50 pounds. The job may require extended periods of sitting or standing.

EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS:

1) Two year degree in a human service related field or the equivalent in training and experience working with persons with disabilities and disadvantages.

CONFIDENTIALITY: Employee must sign and abide by confidentiality statement and request for privileges.

This description outlines major duties and responsibilities assigned to this job. The employee may be called upon to perform other duties not covered by this description.