What are the responsibilities and job description for the Employment Specialist position at Voices For Independence?
Are you looking to expand your career horizons? Would you like to know that your work makes a difference in the world? At Voices for Independence, we are improving lives every day! The Employment Specialist assists individuals with disabilities by providing integrated employment-related services and job coaching. This position provides an array of vocational services throughout the community. Our Employment Specialists meet with consumers at our centers for independent living and employment locations. They facilitate job safety while promoting skills development and positive workforce behaviors. Our skilled team helps support our mission of empowering people with disabilities while actively promoting independent living.
Benefits:
- Supportive and collaborative work environment
- Making a difference in the lives of individuals within our community
- Dental insurance
- Employee assistance program
- Health insurance
- Life insurance
- Paid time off
- Paid holidays
- Vision insurance
MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS
- High school diploma or GED, with one year of relevant or related experience
- Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the needs of adults with disabilities in the working community
- Ability to train individuals in a one-to-one setting
- Understanding of the needs of the business community and understanding job performance assessment
- Ability to work a flexible schedule
- Strong computer and MS Office skills
- Valid Pennsylvania Driver’s License, and insurability when utilizing company vehicles
- Qualified candidates must pass employment background checks/screenings as mandated by the PA Department of Health and other governing entities
- Within 6 months of hire, possess a basic employment services or professional certificate of achievement from an Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators (ACRE); or, Hold a Certified Employment Support Professional (CESP) credential from the Association of People Supporting Employment First (APSE)
PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS
- ACRE certification
- Bachelor's degree or above from an accredited college or university and two years of work experience working directly with persons with disabilities; or, an Associate's degree, accompanied by 60 credit hours from an accredited college or university and four years of work experience working directly with persons with disabilities
- Knowledge of Ticket to Work, Social Security work incentives, and Community Health Choices employment services
- Ability to effectively promote the work being accomplished to the general public, prospective businesses, and throughout the industry
ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS
- Perfects the job search process by utilizing information gleaned during the discovery process with a job seeker, as well as determination of potential employers; conducts benefit analysis and develops plans toward meaningful employment
- Provides post-employment supports – setting up and monitoring ongoing relationships and systems that ensure mutual satisfaction between job seekers and employers
- Pursues ongoing training/certification – participates in relevant training programs to ensure annual training requirements are met; serves as a role model for job seekers with respect to professional dress and comportment, workplace attitudes, time management, etc.
- Provides education and support to employers as agreed upon by clients, which may include negotiating job accommodations and follow-along contact by the employment specialist with the employer.
Schedule: Flexible, some weekends may be required.
Ability to commute/relocate:
Washington, PA 15301: Reliably commute or planning to relocate before starting work (Required)
Work Location: In person
Voices for Independence does not discriminate with regard to race, creed, religion, gender, age, marital status, sexual identity/orientation, national origin, or disability status. People with Disabilities and Veterans are encouraged to apply.
