Employment Specialist

Job Summary: The Employment Specialist is responsible for developing and implementing all phases of clients' vocational services.
They provide individualized career planning, job placement and retention supports.
They are responsible for marketing clients and services, developing career opportunities, creating employer relationships, supporting clients at their job site and facilitating long-term vocational success.
Employment Specialists are experts regarding their local labor market, analyzing trends and partnering with employers to meet recruitment needs.
Job Description Essential Job Functions: Treat all clients, referral sources, stakeholders and team members with dignity and respect.
Adhere to all confidentiality, CARF and contractual standards during provision of services.
Maintain flexibility in work availability including evenings, overnights and weekends as necessary.
Act with a sense of urgency, maintaining PFH best practice time frames for service delivery.
Develop and maintain a working knowledge of disabilities and potential assistive technology/accommodations that can support individuals with disabilities to meet vocational goals.
Conduct "choice of provider" meetings with potential clients.
Compile and review vocational, medical, psychological and educational information, and utilize this information to assist clients with individualized career planning, job development and retention services.
Schedule and participate in team/planning meetings that discuss individual clients and their employment goals with shared decision-making.
Conduct orientation for clients to explain services and discuss their rights, responsibilities and disclosure.
Assist clients with individualized career planning through interviews, community-based activities and vocational counseling to determine strengths, needs, abilities and preferences in relation to their personal and employment goals.
Conduct weekly individual meetings with each client to develop and pursue personal and employment goals established through the planning process.
Assist clients with individualized benefits planning at the onset of services, before starting a new job and when making decisions about changes in work hours and pay.
Teach and reinforce job seeking and job retention skills with clients.
Create employer relationships and provide employer services designed to develop competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
Serve as an advocate for clients with employers, referral sources and other stakeholders (family, schools, other social service agencies, etc).
Educate employers regarding benefits of hiring persons with disabilities and facilitate job accommodations (e.
g.
, assistive technology adaptations, job carving, etc.
).
Average a minimum of 3 placements per month (2 per month for ESP and SE only caseloads).
Facilitate full integration within work sites by serving as mediator between the client, their co-workers and supervisors, and when appropriate intervene if any problems, crisis or concerns arise.
Promote the organization, services and clients in a professional manner with employers and through participation in community events and awareness activities, this may include making presentations or public speaking.
Maintain frequent contact with referral sources for the purpose of discussing shared clients and identifying potential referrals.
Create documentation as needed (e.
g.
, plans for service, job logs, progress notes, reports, etc.
).
Make a minimum of 5 employer contacts per client per week and document on job logs.
6 employer contacts must be face-to-face per week.
Complete a progress report for each month a client is in services.
Report job development outcomes and other relevant information to supervisor on a regular basis (e.
g.
, referrals, placements, retention, areas of concern, etc.
).
Respond to any crisis that may occur with clients at their worksite.
Travel extensively to conduct job development and supports, including transporting clients.
May be required to provide on-site or off-site job supports for clients.
May be required to fill in for other positions and in doing so will adhere to those job descriptions.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities: The individual should possess strong customer service skills, have skilled computer knowledge (Word, Excel, internet platforms, other electronic media) and be able to communicate effectively and accurately in verbal and written form.
The individual should have an understanding of supporting individuals with disabilities and/or barriers to employment, education, and/or independent living.
Experience and Education Qualifications: A high school diploma or equivalent certificate is required; An associate's or bachelor's degree in an applicable field from an accredited institution is preferred.
Experience in sales, marketing, rehabilitation, employment services, human resources, personnel management, social services or other applicable experience is preferred.
Supervisory Requirements: As assigned and applicable, the Employment Specialist may supervise: Vocational Support Specialists and other personnel as assigned.
Employment Requirements: Successful completion of background check including criminal record, driving record and abuse/neglect.
Completion of New Hire Orientation at the beginning of employment.
All training requirements including Relias Learning at the beginning of employment and annually thereafter.
Must have current or be willing to obtain certification in CPR/First Aid.
Current driver's license with an acceptable driving record and current auto insurance are required.
Must have reliable and acceptable means of transportation in order to transport clients.
Acceptable means of transportation does not include Uber, taxi, public transit, pool cars, etc.
Physical Requirements: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an associate to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
While performing the duties of this job, the associate is frequently required to sit and stand for extended periods (2-4 hours); walking may be required for short periods when conducting field-based activities.
They must frequently use hands and fingers to write, type, operate a mouse, file documents, and otherwise handle documents.
They must talk and hear when responding to in-person and/or phone inquiries.
The associate must occasionally lift and/or move up to 50 pounds.
Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, and ability to adjust focus.