Career Catalyst Employment Support Specialist II

The Career Catalyst Employment Support Specialist II (ESS II) facilitates employment-focused, community-based activities, and provides support and advocacy for people with developmental disabilities participating in The Arc Baltimore’s Career Catalyst program. The Career Catalyst ESSII is an important role that maximizes community participation, inclusion, and increased independence for people supported through planned outings and activities based on their interests and employment goals. Career exploration and employment-related skill building opportunities can take various forms, such as attending financial literacy classes at a bank, taking public transportation, visiting businesses for informational tours, assisting with resume development, submitting applications and interview assistance, and participating in volunteer activities. The Career Catalyst ESSII generally works with a group of up to 4 people but may support a person individually for job interviews and if employment is secured. This position often interacts with families and internal and external members of a supported person’s team.

Our Mission

The Arc Baltimore supports people with developmental disabilities to lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.

Who We Are

Since 1949, The Arc Baltimore has been an indispensable resource, providing employment training and support, day and residential services, family support and education, treatment foster care, assistive technology services, respite care, public policy advocacy, and information and referrals.

The Arc Baltimore’s full and part-time employees provide services at people's homes, places of employment, day centers, and neighborhoods.

What We Offer

A generous benefits package including:

• 8 Holidays, 15 Vacation days, 9 Sick and Safe Leave days
• Single and family medical, dental, and vision coverage
• Health and Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts (FSAs)
• Voluntary Accident and Hospital Indemnity insurance
• Short-Term Disability (STD) and Long-Term Disability (LTD)
• Life insurance (Employee, Spouse, Children)
• 403(b) plan with employer match available after 1 year
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and Health and Wellness package
• Legal Assistance and Pet plans
• Tuition Reimbursement
• Employee Discount Program

Job Responsibilities

• Promote and ensure adherence to agency mission to support people lead fulfilling lives with a sense of belonging, purpose, and meaningful relationships.
• Ensure all people receiving support are treated with dignity and respect.
• Provide guidance and actively support people to ensure successful participation in activities of their choosing and achievement of their goals based on their person-centered plan.
• Act as a role model, mentor, and trainer for people seeking employment and the development and maintenance of skills and increased independence related to community membership.
• Work independently and with the Career Catalyst team to create partnerships that will further employment-related opportunities and experiences for people participating in Career Catalyst.
• Participate in the coordination, scheduling and execution of daily activities.
• Daily, take public transportation or drive personal vehicle, as appropriate, to transport people supported to activities in the community.
• Complete accurate and quality daily documentation and reporting related to people’s activities and progress towards goals.
• Ensure the health and safety needs of the people we support are met in all environments and situations.
• As appropriate, develop individualized job placements that match the person’s vocational interests, skills and needs. Provide assistance with interviews.
• For people who obtain employment, provide onboarding assistance, and individualized intensive job support(s) such as teaching new job skills through systematic instruction, modeling and training in interpersonal skills for the workplace, assisting with workplace training(s), creating and implementing non-stigmatizing workplace accommodations and modifications, developing natural supports and travel training, for example.
• Stay current with all training(s) required for the position.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications

Required:

• Must be at least 20 years of age.
• High school diploma or G.E.D required.
• Valid driver’s license (not provisional) with a clean driving record
• Must be able to transport people supported as needed

Preferred:

• AA degree or better preferred.
• Experience working with youth and adults with developmental disabilities preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Excellent oral and written communication skills required.
• Proficient computer skills, including all Microsoft applications such as Excel, PowerPoint, and Publisher.
• Outstanding organizational and time management skills necessary.
• Must be independent and self-directed.
• Must work effectively within a team environment.

Working Conditions

• Hours of operations for this position is Monday-Friday 8:00am-4:00pm. Flexible work hours with some evenings, weekends, and holidays may be necessary.
• Position requires frequent standing, walking, and sitting.
• Must be available by use of a personal cell phone.

The Arc Baltimore provides Equal Employment Opportunities (EEO) and is committed to a workplace free of discrimination and harassment based on race, color, religion, age, gender, sex, pregnancy, national origin, disability, height, weight, gender identity, marital status, military status, sexual orientation, veteran status, genetic information, or any other characteristic protected by law. We welcome everyone interested in our mission to join us. If you require accommodation during the application process, please contact us and we will make every effort to meet your needs.