Employment Specialist

About the role

The Employment Specialist supports individuals with disabilities in the Lehigh Valley region of Pennsylvania to achieve meaningful employment and personal growth. They partner with individuals, families, employers, community agencies, and vocational rehabilitation professionals to develop and implement individualized employment plans. The role involves direct service, case management, employer relationship building, and advocacy.

Responsibilities

• Ensure the safety and well-being of all individuals receiving services.
• Assist, support, and instruct individuals receiving services to afford appropriate opportunities for growth and development.
• Develop and coordinate individual schedules for the assigned program component.
• Participate in interdepartmental team meetings and serve as a liaison with various stakeholders.
• Develop, implement, and monitor action plans and OVR Individualized Plans for Employment for the assigned individuals.
• Assist individuals in locating competitive work opportunities in the community.
• Aid individuals in maintaining employment opportunities.
• Provide on-the-job training tailored to the individual and meeting job specifications.
• Offer ongoing support to promote long-term success in the workplace.
• Complete necessary assessments, job site analyses, data records, placement records, correspondence, and reports.
• Attend required meetings and trainings.
• Provide instruction and coordination of emergency procedures to individuals.

Requirements

• Valid US driver’s license for at least two years, no serious traffic convictions within the past three years.
• Reliable vehicle with valid registration and inspection stickers, and valid auto insurance.
• High school diploma or GED.
• Basic Employment Services Certificate of Achievement from the Association of Community Rehabilitation Educators, or CESP certification from the Association of People Supporting Employment First, with at least one year of experience in employment services.
• Experience in public relations, human services, rehabilitation, human resources, employment, counseling, education, or a related field.
• Four years of related experience, preferred.
• Familiarity with methods and materials for education/training of individuals with disabilities.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to work independently and take initiative.
• Ability to work effectively with people and be a productive member of a team.
• Ability to physically support/assist individuals with physical disabilities.
• Proficiency in, or ability to learn and use, workplace applications, platforms, and technologies.
• Knowledge of emergency procedures and the ability to navigate network drives and basic hardware use and troubleshooting.

Benefits

• Competitive full-time benefits package including health, vision, Rx, and dental insurance, mileage reimbursement, paid travel time, EAP, referral bonuses, 401k match, tuition reimbursement, and college tuition discounts.
• 20 days paid off, and additional time with continued service.
• Paid holiday time.
• Catastrophic sick leave.
• Company-paid Life Insurance and Long and Short-Term Disability.
• Ongoing professional development training.