Part-time career specialist (up to 20 hours a week)

Impact Support Services is looking to hire 2 part-time career specialiststo join our Career Services team and is looking for the following qualifications:

1. Flexibility: Willing to work varied shifts, up to 20 hours a week (open to working evenings and weekends)

2. Dependable transportation

3. Close proximity to Columbia, Missouri

Career specialistswork directly with individuals by supporting them in planning for, preparing for, and obtaining meaningful employment. Services are varied and individualized and may occur in various settings at various hours 7 days per week. The Career Specialist will collaborate with an individual's support teams and other agencies and stakeholders. You will ensure thorough documentation and report to a direct department supervisor.

Impact Support Services provides a competitive benefits package that includes paid time off, a comprehensive insurance benefits program, a Health Savings Account, and a matching 401k program. Additional benefits include an Employee Assistance Program and an Employee Referral Program, making our agency an ideal place to work!

You will receive an automatic hourly rate increase of $.50/hour after your first 6 months of employment. You will receive a second $.50/hour rate increase after your 12th month of employment. Impact Support Services strives to remain competitive with wage rates, and there may be rate adjustments granted, in addition to these guaranteed rate increases, as well.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS of the Job (to be completed as directed by and/or scheduled by management)

• Provides Career Planning/Discovery and Exploration services: Facilitates and completes person-centered career planning in a thorough and timely manner (i.e. ensure exploration activities are scheduled as appropriate for the individual; complete thorough plan and final report reflecting individual strengths, abilities, conditions, preferences, support needs, and recommendations to achieve employment goals; complete final staffing; completion target 8 weeks or less).
• Provides Prevocational Services/Employee Skill Development: Provides services and training directly to individuals to assist them with learning the skills needed to be a successful employee.
• Provides Job Development/Job Seeking/Job Placement services: Works directly with job seekers on developing a plan for their services, and completing job search tasks as outlined in their plan. Directly build new relationships and maintain existing relationships with businesses in the community, leading to successful job matches and negotiated accommodations.
• Provides Training and Retention Services: Assists individuals with onboarding and training at employment sites, to promote employment retention and progression. Training is individualized and focuses on the soft and hard skills of employment. Support individuals with negotiating accommodations and developing natural supports to promote independence in the workplace.
• Attend and provide input at planning conferences, quarterly staffing, individual plan meetings, and other staffing/individual team meeting.
• Transport, provide training on transportation, assist with developing plans for transportation and/or facilitate transportation for individuals as dictated by their current Individualized Plan and/or as directed.
• Implement supports based on the individual and their specific support needs, strengths, and learning style, ensuring services are provided systematically and support is provided in the manner needed by the individual . Provide feedback into implementation strategies if adjustments are needed.
• Document all activities, including completion of ISP data (each time service is provided), monthly reports, and other assigned items in a thorough, objective, and timely manner (within 1 day of service). File all documentation in the correct location of the individuals electronic record.
• Assure successful job seeker outcomes by effectively and professionally collaborating and communicating with internal and external stakeholders including but not limited to: employer, job seeker, families, case management entities, and other service providers.
• Meet bi-annual individual goals for billable time and/or billable milestones (this number will vary according to budget and current referral climate and is set by the PD and PM).
• Participate positively and fully in staff meetings, regular progress reviews, etc. to assure that action is maintained and the career specialist team is working cooperatively.
• Ensure Health and Safety standards are followed by Impact Support Services as well as community-based employment sites.
• Ensure HIPAA compliance.

ADDITIONAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

• Keep Program Manager informed, in a timely manner, of situations, concerns, or problems related to individuals personnel matters, or services. Bring any unusual situations to the immediate attention of the Program Manager.
• Maintain current certification in Abuse/Neglect Prevention, CPR, First Aid, Positive Behavior Support, HIPAA, and all others required by the agency.
• Regular attendance and punctuality.
• Other duties as assigned.

SKILLS REQUIRED TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB:

• Ability to work in a varied work schedule, which may include days, evenings, nights, weekends, and holidays to meet individualized service needs.
• Skill in oral communication, including effective negotiation, advocacy, and collaboration.
• Skill in professional writing.
• Ability to complete documentation and maintain records in an efficient manner.
• Skill in utilizing appropriate training intervention techniques when working with individuals with disabilities.
• Skill in computer programs, such as Zoom, Microsoft Word, Excel, email, and online documentation systems.
• Knowledge of person-centered career planning and ongoing career development.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with job seekers, staff, community professionals, stakeholders, and volunteers.
• Ability to direct work and teach skills.
• Skill in making decisions independently in accordance with program and organizational standards and policy.
• Knowledge of business, including recruitment and hiring practices and business operations.
• Demonstration of values and language that reflect current best practice.
• Understanding of and ability to explain how work impacts benefits in general terms, and refer to resources as needed.
• Time management skills
• Ability to travel as required based on caseload, scope of work.
• Ability to transport job seekers in personal vehicle as needed.

EDUCATIONAL REQUIREMENTS NEEDED TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB:

• Required Qualifications: High school diploma or equivalent.
• Preferred Qualifications: Bachelors in Special Education, Rehabilitation Counseling, Business, Marketing, and two years of experience working with individuals with disabilities.

PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS TO PERFORM THE DUTIES OF THE JOB: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the duties of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the duties.

• Ability to lift up to 50 lbs. occasionally depending upon job assignment.
• Ability to travel to various businesses in Impact Support Services service area regularly.
• Ability to bend, stoop, or perform other physical duties, as required by community employment positions.
• Ability to stand or sit for several hours at a time.

LICENSING OR OTHER SPECIAL CERTIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

• Valid Missouri Class E License & Proof of vehicle insurance.
• Successful completion of criminal history background check and drug screening.