Employment Specialist

Love. Enhance. Equip. Inspire.

Job Title:       Employment Specialist

Status:           Hourly/Non-Exempt

Reports to:     Employment Services Manager

Supervises:    None

Who we are:

LifeSong, Inc. is a non-for-profit 501(c)3 that supports individuals with developmental and intellectual disabilities. Our vision is to esteem and empower the people we support through Community-Based Day Habilitation and Supported Employment Services. We achieve this vision by helping to expand life choices for the people we support, increase their social awareness, achieve personal satisfaction and help them to attain greater independence so each person can reach their fullest potential.

LifeSong Inc. provides Supported Employment Services in 4 counties, Albany, Rensselaer Saratoga & Schenectady. Our Supported Employment Services assist people with differing abilities in developing work related skills, pursuing job opportunities and retaining employment.

The Supported Employment Services Department exists to make it possible for people with varying levels of abilities to become active, wage-earning contributors to their local communities. We strive to generate positive, successful employment opportunities as well as provide on-going support for effectiveness in the workplace. Given proper supports and resources, any person with differing abilities can be successful at their place of employment. For more information about how we serve please visit our website at www.lifesonginc.org.

Position Overview:

As an Employment Specialist you will be working directly with the individuals LifeSong supports. You will have a variety of activities and responsibilities which require a certain level of flexibility.  The duties of this position will develop and take shape with the growth of the Employment Department under the supervision of the Employment Services Manager. You will be assisting in Job Preparation, Job Searching, Job Placement, and the Job Coaching of individuals who are developmentally and intellectually disabled.

Specific Responsibilities:

1.    Implement the Vision & Mission of LifeSong: “To love, enhance, equip, and inspire lives of the developmentally disabled and their families.”

2.    Work with our job seekers to accomplish employment goals with the long term goal of long-term, independent gainful employment. These areas may include exploration, training, resume building, on-site visits, communication facilitation, etc. 

3.    Provide detailed documentation for each interaction within our documentation system that meets the requirements for each state agency that we work with. Complete the proper documentation for each thoroughly and in a timely manner to maximize billing. 

4.    Maintain detailed time records of services and maximize working hours by researching helpful tools for skill development.

5.    Work the hours required to provide quality services to our job seekers, potentially evenings or weekends. Hours are flexible.

6.    Use agency vehicles when available and be sure to record mileage and keep them properly maintained. Record mileage reimbursement for the use of personal vehicles. 

7.    Communicate professionally and effectively with state officials, school districts, Service Coordinators, families and job seekers. 

A.   Communicate program design and effectively present information to members of support team, management, public groups, parents, residential staff, and other advocates.

B.   Network with local businesses, chambers and counties to establish meaningful relationships to create awareness of our Employment Program and Job Placement needs. 

Respond with discretion to common inquiries and/or complaints from families, participants, regulatory agencies, and/or members of the business community in a professional and timely manner. 

C.   Communicate regularly with immediate supervisor regarding issues of priority.

8.    Attend all required trainings.

Qualifications Required:

·      A Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university, experience in the field preferred.

·      CPR and First Aid certification (LifeSong will provide this training)

·      Current Defensive Driving (LifeSong will provide this training)

·      Current required trainings (LifeSong will provide these training)

·      Valid NYS driver’s license and reliable transportation

Skills/abilities Required:

·      Leadership ability is essential.

·      Self-motivated.

·      Ability to work independently.

·      Excellent communication skills.

·      Excellent organizational skills.

·      Flexibility.

·      Good problem-solving skills.

·      Patient

·      Respectful

·      Empathetic

·      Appropriate Etiquette

Employee Benefits:

·      Paid Sick Leave (Accrue 80 hours a year)

·      Vacation Time (Up to 160 hours a year)

·      403b Program through Nationwide

·      Free Telehealth Medicine

·      Free $50,000 life insurance policy through MetLife

·      Health Insurance (Employer supported)

·      Dental Insurance (Employer supported)

·      Vision Insurance (Employer supported)

·      Paid holiday time, include an entire week from Christmas Day till New Year’s

·      Mileage reimbursement for personal vehicle use

Pay/Work Week

The current starting wage for this position is $23.27/hr. Employees are required to work a 40-hour work week and are paid Bi-weekly. Overtime opportunities are available.

LifeSong, Inc. is an equal opportunities employer and encourages applications from all suitably qualified and eligible candidates.