Employment Specialist

Description

JOB OBJECTIVES: The Employment Specialist will support people with disabilities and other marginalized communities in their journey to find and maintain employment. The Employment Specialist will provide guidance on how to effectively communicate, establish attainable outcomes, and utilize tools such as skill assessments and other means to understand the candidates path from training to application.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES AND DUTIES:

• Working in conjunction with the Work Readiness Coordinator and other resources, identify benefits such as SSI and Medicaid, and determining how employment might impact eligibility.
• Discussing a client’s preferences for disclosure of health status to prospective employers
• Conducting job searches or seeking opportunities for vocational skill development on behalf of/or with a job seeker
• Contacting prospective employers, learning about job requirements, explaining the program, and describing the job seeker’s skills and abilities
• Scheduling and providing follow-up support to help the client maintain their employment.
• Providing support to employers (with consent from the client) to ensure their needs and rights are respected.
• Work with support teams, such as mental health workers or social workers, to develop/write job support plans for clients according to their needs and preferences.
• Participate in accreditation and licensing preparation and correction.
• Participate in the creation, presentation, and dissemination of training information, whether verbal or in other forms to persons involved in programming or interested participating in programming.
• Attend events, meetings, and network with providers and funders to further the success of the program, some of which may occur after normal business hours.
• Ensure files and documents are current and comply with licensing and accreditation standards.
• Responsible for timely, complete, and accurate billing reflecting actual hours of service as evidenced by associated case notes and documentation.

Every effort has been made to identify the essential functions of this position.  However, it in no way states or implies that these are the only duties you will be required to perform.  The omission of specific statements of duties does not exclude them from the position if the work is similar, related, or is an essential function of the position.

ENVIRONMENTAL CONDITIONS: Works inside a climate-controlled building with normal temperature range. Occasionally exposed to electrical and/or mechanical hazards in the workplace. Occasionally subject to hostile and emotionally upset clients, family members, staff, etc. Occasionally exposed to blood, body tissue and fluids. Is subject to exposure to infectious waste, diseases, conditions, etc., (TB and AIDS and Hepatitis B viruses). Occasionally exposed to cleaning supplies and other hazardous waste materials. Occasional Exposure to seasonal conditions in outside weather (10% of day) for transportation, community connections and outings, etc.

EQUIPMENT: This role routinely uses standard office equipment such as computers, phones, photocopiers, filing cabinets and fax machines.

WORKING HOURS:  32- 40 Hours per week, Monday through Friday 8 AM – 4:30 PM. Some nights and weekends may be required. 

SALARY: $21 - $23 per hour.

Qualifications

JOB REQUIREMENTS: 

• High School Diploma/GED or certification in Human Services or field related work.
• Two to Five years prior experience working with individuals with disabilities in employment services.
• Strong attention to detail, organizational skills, and the ability to multi-task to meet deadlines.
• Demonstrated effective written and oral communication skills.
• Demonstrated customer service skills.
• Computer proficiency including MS Office, spreadsheets, and word processing systems.
• Knowledge of the person-centered planning process and the ability to effectively implement the process for the benefit of each program participant.
• Sensitivity and patience to work with individuals with disabilities, marginalized groups, or other barriers.
• Experience with multilingual clients preferred.
• Experience with 245D program licensing compliance preferred.
• Familiarity with Social Security, Waivers, and knowledge of SSI/SSDI benefits preferred.
• Must have a positive, pleasant attitude and demeanor.
• Must be able to successfully complete a Department of Human Services Background Study.
• Valid driver’s license, successful completion of a driving record check, and proof of automobile insurance.
• Full COVID-19 vaccination required*.

COVID-19. Employees are considered fully vaccinated two weeks after completing primary vaccination with a COVID-19 vaccine, unless you are legally entitled to a reasonable accommodation because of a medical reason, or conflict with a sincerely held religious belief. Accommodation will be considered on a case-by-case basis. However, in no event will an exemption be granted in circumstances where it would cause PossAbilities undue hardship or pose a direct threat to the health and safety of others. Undue hardship and a direct threat to the health and safety of others can include the risk of spreading COVID-19 to others including fellow PossAbilities employees, clients, customers, or their families.

Salary : $21 - $23