Employment Specialist - II

Overview
Under the guidance of the Director of Employment Services (DES), the Employment Specialist II (ESII) will support people with disabilities (PWD) in job search and placement services, with a focus on building working relationships with employers, industry organizations, and public agencies, sourcing job openings and securing employment for job seekers across all service programs.

An effective ESII will develop relationships with local businesses, advocate with potential employers to encourage interview consideration, professionally market Lighthouse Louisiana services, communicate persuasively in oral and written form, give compelling presentations, and manage time effectively. ESII contributions yield employment stability, successful outcomes and financial independence for the populations served.

To Apply for this Job, go to:

https://recruiting.paylocity.com/recruiting/jobs/All/e43feccd-aadd-4eca-8afc-b1238f807d44/The-Lighthouse-for-The-Blind-in-New-Orleans

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Serve as a lead member of the Employment Services team by effectively supporting participants/beneficiaries on both the State (Louisiana Rehabilitation Services) and Federal (Ticket to Work) caseloads, while performing all duties in the best interest of Lighthouse Louisiana.
• Assist participants in assessing needs, developing employment goals, screening job postings, and providing ongoing job support. Serve participants in all pre and post - employment support capacities ensuring successful outcomes for program participants.
• Use various job boards, jobs fairs and in-person networking to develop employment opportunities for program participants.
• Initiate and maintain working relationships with a variety of businesses, industry representatives, and job placement/training agencies to promote programs leading to Competitive Integrated Employment (CIE); explain benefits of the Supported Employment program and the services offered.
• Identify and document caseload progress in Salesforce; report orally and in writing to internal and external stakeholders and possess diplomacy and tact when conveying sensitive information. Documentation must be clear, concise, and factual, while maintaining a tone that is professional and unbiased.
• Provide on-going education to beneficiaries/participants about the Social Security Administration Ticket to Work program and encourage on-going participation including paystub submission at time of job placement.
• Collaborate inter-departmentally, as needed, to ensure participants receive well-rounded support and services leading to the achievement of employment stability.
• Conduct all activities in a positive, professional manner and maintain a strong team-building environment among staff members and participants.
• Work with the Director of Employment Services to develop and promote the Ticket to Work program. Inform on all matters concerning departmental activities related to the vocational rehabilitation and workforce development industries that relate to or affect company operations.
• Maintain confidentiality of all information and material at the highest standards ensuring protection of sensitive information.
• Maintain flexible work hours to support successful employment outcomes for all participants served.
• Responsible for completing other duties assigned by supervisor.
• Adhere to all Lighthouse policies and standard operating procedures.

Requirements

JOB QUALIFICATIONS & REQUIREMENTS:

• Education: A bachelor’s degree in education, social services, vocational rehabilitation, or a related field required. Previous case management experience and a minimum of three (3) years of work experience supporting individuals with disabilities required. Credentialed Employment Support Professional (CESP) required.
• Special Knowledge/Skills: Excellent oral and written communication skills necessary. Ability to type fluidly and navigate basic Microsoft programs such as Word and Excel. Ability to preserve confidential and sensitive information is a must.
• Professional Development: Staff member will be required to complete a 40-hour CORE training through Louisiana State University – Human Development Center (LSUHDC) within the first six (6) months of employment. Within 90 days of submission of the eAPP (eApplication), employee must obtain a favorable suitability determination from the Social Security Administration, required for support and services to Ticket to Work program participants. All professional development requirements are mandatory achievements.
• Preferred Experience: At least three (3) years’ experience in employment-related services with a successful job development and closure history. This position requires strong sales abilities that produce new employment opportunities for program participants. Experience recruiting, hiring, and interviewing helpful. Experience working with individuals with disabilities required.
• Supervisory Responsibility: N/A
• Physical: Ability to perform the duties as required. Have the physical ability to perform tasks requiring bending, lifting, stooping, reaching overhead, and other physically intensive tasks. Ability to stand/sit for prolonged periods while demonstrating or modeling training with adaptation as needed.
• Personality: Self-motivated, enthusiastic, confident, dependable, well-organized, flexible, ability to motivate others, personable, well spoken, patient, punctual, adaptive, creative, confident, and a positive thinker. Able to work both independently and as a team player.
• Work Conditions: Travel frequently to meet with participants and prospective employers. Must be adaptable to a variety of work environments. Must have a good driving record, a current driver’s license, reliable transportation, and current certificate of insurance for personal vehicle.
• Work Schedule: Full-time schedule; 40-hour work week. May require occasional evening and weekend work, as well as holidays. Weekly work schedule will fluctuate to meet the needs of the participants and organizations.
• Background/DMV Check and Drug Test Required: Employment is contingent based upon satisfactory results.

This job description does not imply that these are the only duties performed. The incumbent in this position will perform such other tasks as may be required for the effective operation of the Division/Department, upon request by the employee’s supervisor.

Accomplishments in these areas of responsibility will be the basis of the employee’s evaluation, continuation of employment and change in compensation.

At Lighthouse Louisiana, we are committed to the principles of equal employment. We comply with all federal, state, and local laws providing equal employment opportunities, and all other employment laws and regulations. We are dedicated to the fulfillment of this policy regarding all aspects of employment including, but not limited to recruiting, hiring, placement, transfer, training, promotion, rates of pay (and other compensation), termination, and all other terms, conditions, and privileges of employment. In addition, we take affirmative actions to recruit, hire, promote and retain veterans.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $27.00 - $29.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• 403(b) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Health savings account
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift

Work Location: In person

Salary : $27 - $29