Employment Specialist

Job Overview
As an Employment Specialist, you will play a vital role in assisting individuals with intellectual/developmental disabilities in finding and maintaining employment. Your primary focus will be on supporting individuals with various backgrounds and needs to secure meaningful employment opportunities.

POSITION SUMMARY

The Employment Specialist will work will work with intellectual and developmental disability adults receiving employment services through the DDW and Milagro de Vida. The Employment Specialist will work in conjunction with DVR, as needed, to support individuals in job procurement, development, and advancement. The Employment Specialist will seek out, maintain, and expand community connections, partnerships, opportunities, and relationships with local businesses to further expand available opportunities for employment of individuals receiving DDW services.

QUALIFICATIONS:

· High School Diploma or GED equivalent.

· Minimum 1 year experience working/supporting persons with I/DD

· Valid state driver's license and good driving record.

· Three (3) personal references, two (2) of which will be job or education related.

· Interest in and commitment to serving the needs of the developmentally disability persons within the rights afforded to them as citizens.

· Clear record of abuse/neglect/exploitation

· Successful completion of the post-offer process including criminal history check and professional references.

· Successful completion of the State Required ACRE certification and any future state mandated requirements.

ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS:

· Must be able to perform physical activities, including lifting up to 50 lbs., transferring persons in support, walking, pushing wheelchairs, kneeling, bending, reaching and occasionally remaining on feet for long periods of time.

· Must be able to/willing to assist individuals with personal hygiene and medical needs.

· Must have ability to drive or coordinate transportation for community-integrated employment.

· Must be able to handle and use cleaning products.

· Must be able to teach/train individuals in a variety of skills areas.

· Must be able to document programming, progress notes and other required reports.

· May be subject to dealing with a variety of confrontational situations and challenging
behavioral situations.

DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:

1. Acquire and maintain current working knowledge of NM DDW Standards as it applies to Employment Service and other assigned duties.

2. Aiding and supporting individuals with obtaining, maintaining, and developing employment skills and opportunities.

3. Supervising and participating in job development activities, trainings, transport to job sites, and employment activities, as needed.

4. Recognize and report changes in behavior or health to the appropriate MDV staff.

5. Develop and foster a professional relationship with the client, other team members and community connections based on mutual respect and trust.

6. Report any actual or suspected abuse/neglect/exploitation of individuals in accordance with New Mexico DDW policy and procedure.

7. Data collection and implementation of Person-Centered Assessments and Career Development Plan as well as other state required reporting.

8. Obtain, complete, and submit purchase authorizations with assigned DVR counselors to ensure proper timely payment to MDV in accordance with DVR requirements and NM DDW policies and procedures.

9. Provides training and oversight of job coaches per individual’s ISP and employment requirements.

10. Weekly review and processing of employment services progress notes and other reports as needed.

11. Conduct worksite assessments and maintain monthly worksite follow up in accordance with NM DDW standards and MDV policies and procedures.

12. Provide individual services in accordance with the individual’s ISP, including, but not limited to ensuring successful fulfillment of job coach shifts.

13. Compliance with individual’s rights as prescribed by MDV and funding source.

14. Attend, participate, and communicate job development progress and data to members of individuals IDT, including attending annual ISP meetings, IDT meetings, and DVR consultations as scheduled.

15. Work in conjunction with Service Coordinator(s) to complete required reports, data collection, and other tasks and duties as assigned.

16. Other duties as assigned.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: From $15.00 per hour

Expected hours: 40 per week

Benefits:

• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Retirement plan
• Vision insurance

Schedule:

• 8 hour shift
• Day shift
• Monday to Friday
• Weekends as needed

License/Certification:

• Driver's License (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Las Cruces, NM 88001: Relocate before starting work (Required)

Work Location: In person

Salary : $15