Employment Specialist

ABOUT TAB:

Travis Association for the Blind/Austin Lighthouse (TAB) a non-profit organization, was founded in 1934 by Dr. Henry L. Hilgartner and other civic-minded citizens of Austin to provide a setting where blind men and women could come to learn skills and create products that were sold door to door.

Today, Travis Association for the Blind stays true to the mission established in 1934 by providing opportunities for economic and personal independence for people who are blind, visually impaired, or deaf blind by creating, sustaining, and improving employment. We continue to grow and expand the services we provide to blind Texans.

Our Core Values guide us in everything we do: LIGHT: Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart, and Teamwork.

TAB offers a variety of benefits to include: 403(b) retirement plan; health insurance; dental insurance; vision insurance; employee assistance program; life insurance; paid time off; paid holidays; employee appreciation events; and more.

Job Summary

The Employment Specialist supports the mission of Travis Association for the Blind (TAB) by assisting employees and community members with career interest/skills assessments, career development and planning, job searches and placement. Conducts career readiness coaching and training.

Responsibilities

• Coordinates and builds business relationships and facilitates successful employment outcomes.
• Attend IPE meeting with TWC counselors and referred customer.
• Complete paperwork that's required by TWC based on program needs.
• Develops and implements 1-1 and/or classroom training activities as requested, specifically in employability skills training, workplace communication training, life skills training, social skills training, diversity training, etc.
• Assesses skills, interests, work experience, and job readiness and develop workshops as needed.
• Provides intensive job search, job development, career counseling and training.
• Oversees Career Services database and Ability One documents.
• Provides career coaching and interview techniques through seminars and workshops.
• Facilitates vocational assessments to implement results in plan development and job matching.
• Understand the labor market process to develop marketing tools to include organizing career fairs.
• Supports and backs up Mission Services trainers as needed.
• Builds and maintains a working relationship with local TWC 's counselors.
• Prepares and submits reports necessary to carry out the functions of the position.
• Prepares periodic reports for management to track strategic goal accomplishment.
• Provides technical assistance and training to employers and/or staff regarding working with individuals with disabilities.
• Complies with and assists other employees in understanding and complying with TAB's policies and procedures.
• Behaves in accordance with the key behaviors aligned with TAB's Core Values of Leadership, Integrity, Growth & Innovation, Heart, and Teamwork (LIGHT).
• Other duties as assigned.

The above description reflects the details considered necessary to describe the principal functions of the
job and should not be construed as a detailed description of all the work requirements that may be
performed in the job.

Minimum Education and Experience

• High School Diploma or equivalent
• College degree preferred.
• Minimum of 3 years of experience working with individuals with disabilities (Blind, Visually
Impaired and/or Deafblind)
• Minimum of 3 years' experience in career counseling or employment services required.
• UNT certifications in employment services preferred.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Knowledge of principles and processes for providing career/employment services
• Knowledge of the vocational rehabilitation process, related statutes, policies, guidelines
• Knowledge of methods and techniques used in vocational counseling and adjustment with
individuals who have a disability.
• Knowledge of media production, communication, and dissemination techniques and methods
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and
interests; learning and motivation
• Knowledge of the blind and deaf community and how to access resources; knowledge of agencies,
individuals, and facilities serving people who are blind, deafblind or have other disabilities.
• Ability to effectively speak in public and conduct presentations.
• Strong skills in written and verbal communication
• Strong organizational skills and interpersonal skills required.
• Strong time management skills
• Ability to use MS Office, databases and information systems.
• The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
• The ability to problem-solve independently.
• The ability to drive the mission, lead, and build will and skill power.
• The ability to empower employees to take responsibility for their jobs and goals.
• The ability to take accountability and receive regular feedback.
• The ability to concentrate on a task over a period without being distracted.
• The ability to work independently with limited supervision.

Supervisory Responsibility

• None

Communication & Contacts Required

• TWCs counselors, Employees, departments, managers, executives, vendors, community members

Decision Making/Judgment Required

• Makes decisions as per Standard Operation Procedures and Company Policies

Physical Requirements

With or without reasonable accommodation, employees in this position must be able to:

• Sustain prolonged periods of working on a computer. • Remain in a stationary position (stand/sit) for 4-8 hours per workday.
• Lift/move up to 25 lbs. at times.
• Bend, stoop, squat, adjust position for 20% of time.
• Work in conditions with varying temperature, including cold and/or heat.

ADDITIONAL NOTES:

• Background Check and Drug Screen required
• Internal and external applicants accepted
• Verifiable documentation of ability to work in the US

Individuals who are blind or visually impaired are encouraged to apply

TRAVIS ASSOCIATION FOR THE BLIND, A NON-PROFIT ORGANIZATION, IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER/AFFIRMATIVE ACTION EMPLOYER

TAB provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applicants for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, disability status, protected veteran status, genetics or any other characteristic protected by law. In addition to federal law requirements, TAB complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment in every location in which the company has facilities. This policy applies to all terms and conditions of employment, including recruiting, hiring, placement, promotion, termination, layoff, recall, transfer, leaves of absence, compensation, and training.

EEO is the law. To review your rights under Equal Employment Opportunity, please visit: www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf