Employment Specialist

Description

ABOUT THE ROLE:  The Employment Specialist is responsible for working directly with community employers and building employer relationshps to promote the hiring of people with developmental disabilities.

SCHEDULE AND COMPENSATION:

• On-site position, Monday-Friday.
• 40 hours per week, full-time.
• Salary range $20.70-$22.20 per hour (non-exempt/hourly). 
• Salary based on skills and experience.
• Up to 6% annual bonus potential.
• 403b retirement plan with up to a 4% company match.

ABOUT US:  Helping Hand's mission is to transform the lives of all connected to Helping Hand through genuine care and education.  So that, people with intellectual and developmental disabilities are equally valued in all communities!  Established in 1955, Helping Hand is proud to serve over 70 surrounding communities by providing accredited and licensed Adult Programs as well as an ISBE-approved non-public Therapeutic Day School. 

Helping Hand has been awarded "Best and Brightest Places to Work" for both Chicago and the Nation for 6 years in a row!  This award is a reflection of the incredible talent and commitment shown by our HH team members every day.

If you're ready to join our incredible team, apply today!

HELPING HAND PERKS:

• Traditional medical (BCBS of IL), dental, and vision insurance.
• Supplemental and voluntary benefits available with employer-paid Group Life/AD&D, STD, and LTD.
• Team member appreciation events and recognition throughout the year
• Tuition reimbursement 
• Paid holidays
• Paid vacation
• Paid personal days after 1 year of service
• Accrued paid sick time
• Employee Assistance Programs

A TYPICAL DAY FOR YOU AT HH:

• Connect with the community to establish new business relationships, maintain existing relationships with businesses and document contacts, interest, and opportunities to grow employment partnerships.   
• Obtain and document job descriptions, hiring processes, company policies and procedures, and contact information for each business of interest.  
• Keep an updated database with all relevant business information in relation to program metrics that identify client opportunities, growth for service, and placement. 
• Provide interview support, job coaching, travel training, identify appropriate accommodations, instruct in areas such as grooming, hygiene, communication, interviewing, and behavior, build natural supports and implement compensatory strategies (lists, visual aids, timers, etc.) as needed for client success at the employment site.    
• Assist in the development of the Job Plan or other individual plans (i.e. DRS IPP, Personal Plan, Implementation Strategy, IEP, etc.).  
• Implement specific vocational components of the individual’s Job Plan including job training strategies and the development of specific goals/objectives/activities for a successful job placement.  
• Maintain current and accurate documentation of client abilities, aptitudes and interests as they relate to matching employment position/employers’ needs prior to referring client for interview.  
• Educate employers regarding client’s needs and accommodations. Assess the match between client functional level and employers’ job requirements.  
• Effectively communicate with team all relevant information regarding each client.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

LAND THIS OPPORTUNITY BY HAVING:

Education/Training:

• High School Diploma or GED required.
• Bachelor's degree in business, Social Service, or related field preferred.

Experience:

• 1 year of experience working with intellectual and developmental disability population, employment experience preferred.
• 1 year of experience establishing relationships with community employers and high school transition programs preferred.

Skill Sets:

• Ability to fulfill all necessary training requirements of the agency, including but not limited to, crisis management (crisis mangagement training includes de-escalataion strategies and physical management techniques).
• Ability to work collaboratively with strong initiative and willingness to assist the Employment Services team to ensure delivery of the highest quality services.  
• Proficient and comfortable with technology such as Microsoft Office, Teams, Zoom, etc.
• Exceptional problem-solving and time management skills.
• Excellent organizational skills and ability to multitask and prioritize multiple priorities as required.
• Exceptional interpersonal communication skills, both verbal and written with the ability to present the agency's mission and vision in front of audiences of varied background and experience.
• Ability to participate in community engagement, speaking engagements, presentations, and/or tours.
• Valid driver's license with an acceptable driving record and ongoing personal motor vehicle insurance.
• Must be able to self-transport to work and site visits and safely drive individuals for various programming purposes.
• Ability to pass PACE certification requirements (preferred).
• Regular, predictable attendance is a requirement for this position with flexibility to meet the position and department's needs.
• Ability to promote and adhere to company values.
• A commitment to a diverse, inclusive, and equitable work environment.

WORK ENVIRONMENT:

• The person in this position needs to occasionally move about to assist clients/students, access file cabinets, office machinery, etc. 
• The ability to observe details at a close range (within a few feet of the observer). 
• Consistently position self to maintain files in file cabinets or assist clients/students. 
• The ability to communicate information and ideas so others will understand.  Must be able to exchange accurate information in these situations. 
• The person in this position may encounter clients exhibiting physical aggression; must be comfortable working in periods of crisis and feel comfortable de-escalating individually or as a team.

Helping Hand welcomes diversity and provides equal employment opportunities to all employees and applicants and prohibits discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, genetics, protected veteran status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws.

Salary : $21 - $22