DDA - Employment Specialist

Essential Functions

• Conduct Discovery activities in accordance with DDA standards to identify individuals’ interests, strengths, skills, support needs, preferred work environments, and conditions for success.
• Use multiple Discovery methods, including community observations, interviews with the individual and their support network, activity-based assessments, and experiential learning opportunities.
• Develop a comprehensive Discovery Profile / Vocational Profile that accurately reflects findings and informs job development strategies.
• Share Discovery outcomes with the PCP team to support employment-related goals and strategies within the Person-Centered Plan.
• Use Discovery outcomes to lead individualized, employer-focused job development efforts aligned with each person’s informed choice.
• Establish and maintain relationships with community businesses to identify and negotiate competitive, integrated employment opportunities.
• Carefully coordinate and facilitate informational interviews, situational assessments, job shadowing, and job tryouts consistent with DDA service expectations.
• Negotiate job duties, schedules, and supports—including customized employment arrangements—when appropriate.
• Support individuals with resume development, job applications, interview preparation, and employer communication.
• Provide onsite job coaching and training following successful job placement, using systematic instruction and other evidence-based strategies.
• Aid individuals in learning job tasks, workplace routines, social expectations, and employer-specific policies.
• Maintain regular contact with individuals and employers to identify concerns early and support long-term employment outcomes.
• Develop and implement fade plans to reduce onsite supports as individuals increase independence, in collaboration with the Program Manager and employer.
• Re-engage job coaching or job development activities as needed due to changes in employment status or support needs.
• Provide or coordinate travel training to assist individuals in learning safe and independent transportation to and from employment sites.
• Support individuals in developing schedules, routines, and problem-solving skills related to employment participation.

Documentation, Compliance, and Coordination

• Complete all required DDA documentation accurately and within required timelines, including daily service notes, attendance records, employment outcomes, and progress toward PCP employment goals.
• Maintain up-to-date electronic records (e.g., iCare Manager) in compliance with DDA and Opportunities, Inc. requirements.
• Communicate regularly with Program Manager, service coordinators, PCP team members, families or guardians, and employers regarding employment progress and concerns.
• Attend PCP meetings, internal staff meetings, and external stakeholder meetings as required.
• Maintain compliance with all required certifications, trainings, and quality assurance standards related to DDA Employment Services.

Additional Duties

• Participate in outreach efforts to grow the base of people supported through DDA Employment Services funding.
• This includes attending TY fairs and intakes with Community Engagement Specialists to describe and market Opportunities Inc.’s Employment Services.
• Absorb and assist Program as needed, and when appropriate, with community life engagement programming through the delivery of CDS, or Day Habilitation services.