What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Pathfinder?
Description
Company: Pathfinder
Job Title: Employment Specialist
Category: Disability & Employment Supports
Location: Covers Huntington & Wabash County
Job Type: Mon-Fri 8a-5p flex (40hr)
Starting Pay: $16.00/hr.-$19.89/hr
Job Summary:
As an Employment Specialist at Pathfinder, you play a vital role in creating opportunities for individuals with disabilities to achieve meaningful, community-based employment. By conducting comprehensive assessments, developing personalized employment plans, and fostering relationships with local employers, you empower clients to reach their career aspirations while ensuring they receive the support they need to succeed. Your work enhances inclusion and builds natural supports within the community.
Key Responsibilities:
Employment Facilitation: Identify and secure community-based job opportunities tailored to individual strengths and goals. Coordinate hiring, training, and ongoing support to ensure long-term success.
Individualized Planning: Conduct thorough assessments and develop employment plans that reflect client preferences, skills, and career objectives through Discovery.
Collaboration and Advocacy: Act as a liaison between individuals, families, Vocational Rehabilitation, and employers. Advocate for clients’ needs while promoting the mission and services of Pathfinder to foster long-term engagement.
Community Relationships: Build and maintain strong relationships with local employers to develop quality job opportunities. Support co-workers and employers in creating inclusive environments that align with client preferences.
Training and Support: Implement systematic instruction and behavior supports to help clients adapt to and thrive in their roles. Foster positive relationships with co-workers and encourage the development of natural supports in the workplace.
Transition Planning: Collaborate with Vocational Rehabilitation and other stakeholders to design effective transition plans that align with program goals and client aspirations.
Documentation and Feedback: Maintain accurate documentation of activities, client progress, and employer interactions. Regularly gather feedback from clients and stakeholders to improve service delivery.
Mission Representation: Advocate for Pathfinder’s mission and effectively communicate available services to clients and community partners.
Pathfinder’s mission is to strengthen communities by enabling people with disabilities or economic challenges to achieve autonomy, inclusion, and stability.
Benefits: (if applicable)
- Competitive pay and paid training
- Tuition Reimbursement
- Growth opportunities
- Paid Time Off/ Paid Holidays
- Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance
- Employer Paid - Basic Life, STD, LTD
- 403(b) Retirement Plan- Employer match up to 5%
Pathfinder Perks – We Care About YOU:
- Wellness Platform Incentives available to all employees
- Employer-Sponsored Financial Benefit through PayActiv
- Employee Assistance Program (EAP) – Free Sessions for employees and Immediate household members
- Free Pathfinder Kids Clinic – provides healthcare for babies, children, and adolescents in the community who have a minor illness.
- Professional Development Opportunities
- Person Center Thinking Training
- Verizon Wireless Discount
- YMCA Discount
Pathfinder Values:
People First – Integrity - Contribution – Growth – Empowerment
Requirements
Preferred Minimum Qualifications
- Minimum of a high school diploma/GED.
- Two full years of demonstrated ability to support people with disabilities.
- At least 18 years of age.
- Demonstrated ability to support people with disabilities.
- Ability to deal with a variety of behaviors that limit successful employment.
- Valid driver’s license, insured vehicle, and safe driving record.
- Basic language, written, math, and computer skills necessary for communication and documentation.
- Prefer knowledge of a variety of business operations.
- Possesses "sales-oriented" skills.
- Tact, poise, and judgment in working with agencies, employers, referrals, school personnel, their significant others, co-workers, and families.
- Demonstration of strong teamwork skills.
- Ability to work non-standard/flexible hours, including some evenings and weekends.
- Ability to speak, hear, and read the English language.
- Be able to run, squat, stoop/bend, kneel, climb stairs
- Lift up to 20 pounds
- Push and pull against potential resistance
- Implement non-physical and approved physical interventions and CPR.
- Have adequate vision, writing, and documentation skills to perform the essential functions of the job.
Salary : $16 - $20
