*THIS IS A D.O.T. SAFETY SENSITIVE POSITION AND IS SUBJECT TO A QUARTERLY RANDOM DRUG SCREEN IF HIRED*

Make a Difference / Who We Are:

Pioneer Resources is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization.  Our mission is to help people with disabilities and seniors obtain independence and dignity by creating opportunities for participation in the community using our four pillars of service: 

• A place to live; affordable housing and specialized homes
• A place to learn; vocational training, ABA therapy & community living supports programs
• A place to grow and play; Pioneer Trails camping and recreational programs
• A way to get there; one of the largest transportation fleets on the lakeshore 

Pioneer Resources is a great place to work!   Members of our team are an energizing mix of veteran staff from over 38 years of experience to those only recently discovering their passion for helping others.  Our workforce respects the diversity of the people we serve and those we serve alongside.  Pioneer Resources offers a rewarding work experience that strategically meets the needs of our community while fostering employee success with personal fulfillment and work-life balance.  As an employee of Pioneer Resources, you will have the unique opportunity to touch the lives of those in your community every time you come to work! 

Position Type / Expected Hours of Work: 

This is a full-time position requiring an average commitment of 35-40 hours per week, with potential for overtime. Standard hours are from 8:00 am to 4:30 pm, Monday through Friday while school is in session.  There may be periods of short-term, temporary leaves where no work is available that correspond to the academic calendar such as winter break or spring break; however, summer work-based learning and participation in camp activities are required components of this position.  Additional responsibilities may be assigned during school break periods in order to maintain full-time hours, but is not guaranteed. 

Summary: 

The key function of Youth Services Employment Specialist is to facilitate learning for youth authorized for pre-employment transition services.

Essential Functions: 

This is not intended to be an exhaustive listing of job functions.  This job description in no way states or implies that these are the only duties to be performed by this employee.  The employee is required to follow any other instructions, and to perform any other duties, as assigned.   

The essential functions of this position include: 

• Deliver classroom style lessons for groups of students to prepare groups/individuals for the transition from school to adulthood. 
• Assist youth toward community employment goals and supervise youth in work settings through trial work experiences, on the job evaluations, job shadows, and job coaching.
• Assist youth in preparing for competitive integrated employment through intensive training, resume’ creation, developing interviewing strategies and employment skills.
• Create meaningful relationships with community partners and advocate for students during IEP meetings.
• Brainstorm innovative ideas to improve processes and broaden opportunities for youth in transition and assist in the development of curriculum.
• Facilitate and plan for the PATHS to Employment one week summer camp for youth.
• Observe, record, and report the performance and interactions of youth receiving services. Correct work-related problems in conjunction with the individual, employers, and other supports as needed. 
• Assume responsibility for the health and safety of participants, self and others, including training and enforcement of safety rules and regulations. Report safety concerns to supervisor promptly. 
• Serve as an advocate for youth by assuring recipient’s rights and confidentiality are protected in accordance with agency policy and the Mental Health Code, including completion of incident reports and verbal reporting to supervisor and/or MMI's Recipient Rights Advisor. 
• Obtain and maintain accurate information and documentation from host sites and employers, prepare and submit progress reports, forms, and other documentation as required by referral source’s, agency timelines, and policies and procedures.   
• Prepare billing reports monthly to the Vocational Services Manager. 
• Provide back-up for duties of other staff as assigned by the manager. Please note this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties or responsibilities that are required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time with or without notice.

Other dues as required or assigned.

Education/Talent Requirements: 

• Associate degree with a major in special education, psychology, social work, human services, or other related field.  
• This person must be able to communicate effectively in writing and verbally with persons being served and with other personnel.
• Able to communicate effectively with all customers including funders, natural supports, students, employers, and co-workers.  
• A chauffeur’s license to transport youth in the community to work sites.
• Preferred qualifications include experience or advanced education special education, sales, business, or rehabilitation. Minimum of six months experience training, customer service, employment training program or other community-based rehabilitation program.  
• Completion of training relevant to rehabilitation and/or training necessary to be compliant with Medicaid guidelines and mental Health contracts.  

Work Experience Requirements: 

• At least one year of experience working with people with developmental disabilities, a valid Michigan Driver’s license, and a good driving record.

Travel: 

75% or more Company vehicle is not supplied. Personal vehicle is required.  This travel may include use of your own personal vehicle or company vehicle, when available. This position drives to school sites to provide services within Muskegon, Newaygo, Oceana, and Ottawa Counties. Out of town travel may also be required for trainings and seminars, which may include overnight stays. 

Work Environment: 

This employee usually works in a classroom environment while conducting preparation and reporting in an office environment.  Moderate noise (i.e. business office with computers, phone, printers, and light foot traffic).  Ability to work in a both a classroom setting and a confined area.  This position works in close proximity to people.  While the majority of work is in a classroom setting during the school year, summer time is spent preparing for and operating in the PATHS to Employment Summer Camp, counseling students for 3 nights and 4 days teaching employable and soft skill activities in a fun camp setting including overnight cabin stays.  At the conclusion of the PATHS to Employment Camp this position is required to prepare for and operate in the Summer Workplace Learning Experience Program.   This includes mentoring a group of approximately 6 students in a workplace environment.

Physical Demands of the Job: 

Primarily active work: while performing the duties of this job, the employee is regularly required to, stand, walk, sit, talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer, telephone, keyboard, etc.  May be required to reach, stoop, or kneel to perform miscellaneous duties.  Occasional lifting up to 50 lbs may be expected, with frequent lifting up to 25lbs.  The worker is required to have close visual acuity to perform an activity such as: preparing and analyzing data and figures, transcribing, viewing a computer terminal, extensive reading, and various visual inspection requirements.