Job Coach Supported Employment

Description

Mission & Vision

Parc Center for Disabilities has a mission to provide opportunities for children & adults with developmental disabilities to exercise their independence and experience life to the fullest. Our vision is a community where all individuals live with dignity and are treated with respect. Our shared purpose is to provide exceptional experiences to our participants each and every day.

Position Summary:

Under the direct supervision of the  Community Supports Program Manager at Parc Center for Disabilities, the Community Program Specialist (Job Coach) carries out the services of the Supported Employment program by assisting clients to obtain and maintain employment that is consistent with their vocational goals.

Must be able to work nights, weekends and holidays as required by caseload’s work schedule.

Essential Responsibilities

• Engages clients and establishes trusting, collaborative relationships directed toward the goal of competitive employment in community job settings with other workers who do not necessarily have disabilities.
• Assists clients in obtaining information about their benefits (e.g., SSI, Medicaid, etc.) and how they will be affected by employment for clients to make good decisions about employment opportunities. Educates clients on applicable Work Incentives available to them. Refers clients to benefits counseling, as needed. Helps clients report earnings, as needed.
• Assesses clients' vocational functioning on ongoing basis utilizing background information and work experiences.
• Conducts job development and job search activities directed toward positions that are individualized to the interests and uniqueness of the people on his/her caseload, following the principles and procedures of supported employment.
• Conducts a minimum of six employer contacts per week. Employer contacts are designed to learn about the needs of the business, describe supports offered by the program and describe client strengths that are relevant to the position.
• Provides individualized follow-along supports to assist clients in maintaining employment. Writes job support plans with clients and incorporating input from the mental health team. Adjusts plan according to clients’ needs and preferences.
• Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
• Provides outreach services as necessary to clients when they appear to disengage from the service. Uses a variety of methods to provide outreach.
• Provides timely interventions. Returns phone calls and reacts to situations in a timely manner. For example, returns client phone calls within 24 hours. Goes to see employers about job loss or job problems within 24 hours. Follows up on job leads within 48 hours. Meets with clients within one week prior to job starts and within three days after job starts.
• Completes all required documentation components set forth by private, state, and federal funders.
• Spends 65% or more of scheduled work hours with supported employee(s) in the community. For example, meets clients at community locations such as home, workplace, coffee shop, meeting with potential employers, library, One- Stop, VR office, family home, etc. or takes clients to apply for jobs.
• Provides supported education, using principles like supported employment, for clients who express interest in education to advance their employment goals.
• Perform all other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Education, Training and Experience Requirements

• High school diploma and 4-years’ experience in field; or education and experience equivalent to undergraduate degree in mental health, social services, or business.
• Experience working with people with developmental disabilities, experience providing employment services, and knowledge of the work world are preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily, as assigned. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• A heart for people first and foremost.
• Must have excellent writing skills.
• Must have excellent organizational and time management skills.
• Must be a creative thinker, enthusiastic and self-motivated.
• Ability to work as an effective team player is essential.

Physical Demands

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of the job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

• While performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to see, talk and hear. The employee frequently is required to sit and use hands along with fingers, to handle or feel. The employee is occasionally required to stand, walk, reach with hands and arms, climb or balance, and stoop, kneel, crouch or crawl.
• Lift a minimum of 50 pounds from the floor to a waist-high table when necessary.
• Be physically, visually and auditory aware of the cognitive, social and physical needs of clients.
• Communicate verbally and in writing in English to the degree that a client, parents and other staff members can understand and respond.

Benefits Package

• 10 Paid Holidays
• 2 Personal Days
• 18 PTO Days
• Health, Dental, & Vision coverage as well as voluntary supplemental benefits like Short-Term Disability, Accident, Critical Illness, Life & AD&D.
• Health Savings Accounts
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Assistance Program
• Tuition Reimbursement
• 403(b) Retirement Plan

Other Requirements:

• Parc Center for Disabilities is proud to be a Drug free workplace.
• Employees must pass Level II background check.

Salary : $18